I bought this violin set for my daughter who's been learning to play for three years now and she's almost 9. I'm a violinist myself and I must appreciate the sound that really took me by surprise. I expected the school-violin flat sound, but this violin sounds really warm and full (except for the G, which resonates strangely). Taking into account the ebony fingerboard, good quality bow and the case, this violin set is totally worth it. I haven't even replaced the strings yet, I'll do in September when music school classes start again.