Does not include bow or case.

THE FIRST VIOLIN THAT TAKES YOUNG MUSICIANS SERIOUSLY.

The violin that a child begins on will shape their relationship with music for years. A poorly made instrument — one that resists their bow, sounds thin and nasal under their uncertain fingers, and feels physically awkward in their hands — can end a musical journey before it begins. The Andreas Eastman VL200 in small fractional sizes was built with that understanding at its core.

At Vermont Violins, these are the instruments we put in the hands of our youngest beginners. They are the backbone of our fractional rental programme, and they represent our clearest possible endorsement: we would not rent out an instrument we would not recommend for purchase.

Built for Young Players.

Available in all sizes.

• Finish:Shaded Spirit Varnish

• Fingerboard:Ebony

• Top:European or Chinese Spruce

• Back/Ribs:European or Chinese Maple

• Purfling:Genuine Hand-inlaid

• Bridge:Despiau or Aubert

• Fittings:Boxwood

• Available Patterns:Stradivari

• Available Sizes:4/4 - 1/16

One of the most persistent myths in string instrument retail is that a child's instrument needs to be "good enough for now." The truth is precisely the opposite. A beginning student — especially a young child — is the player who most needs a high-quality, accurately set-up instrument. They lack the technique to compensate for a poorly fitted nut, an incorrectly angled neck, or a bridge that sits a millimetre too high. These are not academic distinctions; they determine whether learning feels achievable or frustrating.

The VL200 in fractional sizes is built to the same specifications as the full-size model. The same solid ebony fingerboard. The same genuine hand-inlaid purfling. The same European or Chinese spruce top, graduated to vibrate freely. The same Despiau or Aubert bridge, fitted with precision. The geometry is accurate, the setup is consistent, and the sound — even from a 1/16 violin held by a five-year-old — is recognisably musical.

Why Setup Matters More Than Anything Else

We inspect and adjust every instrument we sell or rent. Even a well-made instrument benefits from the attention of a skilled luthier who can verify neck projection, fit the bridge precisely, check string height at the nut and saddle, and ensure the soundpost is correctly positioned. These adjustments are invisible on a spec sheet, but they are the difference between an instrument that a child can actually play and one that discourages them.

Eastman instruments arrive in consistently good condition from the factory — which is why we trust them with our rental programme. We send back almost none. That consistency is the result of Eastman's manufacturing process and quality control, and it reflects the company's reputation as one of the world's most respected student instrument makers.

The Vermont Violins Verdict

For a young child beginning their string instrument journey, the Eastman VL200 in the appropriate fractional size is our first recommendation — consistently, without reservation. It is the instrument we trust with our own programme, and it is the instrument we recommend to the families who trust us with their children's musical education.