Stentor vs Forenza - Student Violin Comparison | Normans Blog

Student Violins – Stentor Vs. Forenza

  • With both brands being extremely popular among students, we are often asked why there is a price difference between Stentor and Forenza violins and what sets them apart.
  • In a nutshell, both brands make high quality student specification violins. The difference in price comes from one company being a well-established brand with some manufacturing differences and the other a relative newcomer trying to establish itself in the market.
  • Stentor are the market leaders in the manufacture of student string instruments. They are a British company established in 1895 and with a wholly owned factory in China.
  • They are well known for their good tone and consistent quality. They have 3 levels of student violin, the Stentor Standard, Stentor I and Stentor II.
  • Whilst the Standard model is acceptable to start on, most teachers would recommend the Stentor I as a minimum.
  • The Forenza Prima 2 Violin (available in different sizes), has also got a fantastic specification, however, they have a more budget-friendly price. They are supplied complete with a case and bow and are becoming increasingly popular within education circles.

 

Comparison of Stentor I / II and Forenza Violin Outfits

Stentor I - £110.00 Stentor II - £149.00 Forenza Prima 2 - £99.00
Solid, carved, spruce table Solid, carved, spruce table Solid, carved, spruce table
Solid, carved, maple back & ribs Solid, carved, maple back & ribs Solid, carved, maple back & ribs
Solid, carved, maple neck Solid, carved, maple neck Solid, carved, maple neck
Individual hand shaping & finish Individual hand shaping & finish Individual hand shaping & finish
Traditional inlaid purfling Traditional inlaid purfling Traditional inlaid purfling
Blacked rosewood fingerboard Ebony fingerboard Ebony fingerboard
Ebony top nut Ebony top nut Ebony top nut
Alloy tailpiece with integral adjusters Alloy tailpiece with integral adjusters Alloy tailpiece with integral adjusters
Adjustable nylon tailgut Adjustable nylon tailgut Adjustable nylon tailgut
Dark rosewood pegs Ebony pegs Ebony pegs
Teka pattern wood chin rest Teka pattern hardwood chin rest Teka pattern hardwood chin rest