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 |
