My daughter has been playing the violin since she was four years old. During this ten year period, he has played seven Scott Cao violins. The first two (STA-150 and STV-017) were made in the China factory. The next three were done in a Chinese workshop. The last two (STV-1500 and Signature series) were made in his California shop. My experience with these violins is that generally you get more than what you pay for. Violins are very good value for money, and I prefer them to any other widely distributed line of instruments. As for resale value, I was able to resell the first five violins close to the prices I paid.

Size Model List Price

1/10 STA-150 $ 275

1/8 STV-017 $ 400

1/4 STV-500 $ 495 (violin only)

1/2 STV-600 $ 695 (violin only)

3/4 STV-750 $ 1200 (violin only)

4/4 STV-1500 $ 3500 (violin only)

4/4 Signature $ 5500 (violin only)

Scott Cao’s violin loyalty started when I was shopping for a 3/4 violin for my daughter, I bought a German made violin for about $ 1200 from a reputable website. After taking the violin to her teacher, she played it and handed us a ¾ STV-750 violin from another student. The difference is significant!

We had a vacation in California in June and stopped by Campbell’s workshop. My daughter tried five STV-1500s and a Signature series violin. Of all the STV-1500s, two were copies of the Cannon, a Cremonese, a Soil, and a Heifetz. After an hour of play, he picked a Cannon and the store manager confirmed that the one he picked is the best 1500 out of the five. We ended up getting the Signature series due to the overall balance of all the strings, easier playability, a brighter, crisper sound, and a much better projection.

I started selling Scott Cao violins as a service to other parents like me since January 2006. According to his latest newsletter, there are many counterfeits using his brand on the internet. We only sell genuine Scott Cao violins. Please visit us and contact me if you have any questions.