Current Stentor outfits
Best Stentor violin outfits by size and learning stage
Student I is the broad-size starter; Student II is the best-supported mainstream choice; Graduate adds an oblong case and synthetic-core strings; Conservatoire belongs in a teacher-led step-up trial, not a blind checkout.
We checked Stentor's current model pages plus Thomann and Music & Arts listings on . We did not play these violins. Delivered setup, bow condition, fit and sound still need teacher or shop inspection.
Avoid buying by age or model name alone. Get the required body size in writing, then compare the exact outfit contents and seller service.
Verify before buying: exact code and size, bridge/soundpost setup, four working fine tuners, bow straightness, case contents, return clock and written warranty.
Compare the four current outfits
Student I reaches 1/32 and 1/64 in the maker range.
Student II leads Thomann's violin sales rank and is a Music & Arts top seller.
Graduate and Conservatoire need an A/B trial against locally serviced alternatives.
Decode the outfit
Words a parent should understand before checkout
Outfit
The violin plus a named bow, case and sometimes rosin.
Missing accessories change the real cost and first-lesson readiness.
Match every included item to the seller's current list.
“Outfit” does not guarantee a shoulder rest, tuner or upgraded strings.
Fractional size
A smaller body such as 3/4, 1/2 or 1/4.
Reach and hand position affect learning.
Ask the teacher for the size, not just the child's age.
Two children of the same age may need different sizes.
Fine tuner
A small screw on the tailpiece for small pitch changes.
Four working adjusters make early tuning less abrupt.
Turn each gently during the return window and ask for help if it binds.
It does not replace correctly fitted pegs.
Ebonised fingerboard
A non-ebony wood darkened to look black.
It distinguishes Student I from tiers specifying ebony.
Record the material rather than assuming every black board is ebony.
Color does not identify species.
Synthetic-core strings
Strings with a flexible synthetic center rather than a solid steel core.
They are a documented outfit difference on Graduate and Conservatoire.
Confirm the exact installed set and replacement cost.
String type alone cannot predict the violin's sound.
Purfling
The narrow line set around the top/back edge.
Stentor specifies it as inlaid on these models.
Use it as a construction identity check.
It is not a grade or tone score.
Setup
The working fit of bridge, soundpost, nut, pegs, strings and fingerboard.
Shipping can disturb parts and setup changes playability.
Have a teacher/shop inspect it before the return window closes.
Factory-fitted does not mean personalized.
The useful differences
Compare the whole learning kit
Retailer tone adjectives are omitted. The table sticks to exact codes, construction, size range and what arrives in the case.
| Exact model | Best lane | Size range | Fingerboard/pegs | Outfit distinction | Current signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student I 1400 | First violin and very small sizes | 4/4 through 1/64 official | Ebonised board; pau rosa pegs | Light case, wood bow, rosin | Music & Arts Top Seller; US in stock |
| Student II 1500 | Mainstream student outfit | 4/4 through 1/16 official; retailer variants vary | Ebony | Case and wood bow; four adjusters | Thomann sales rank #1, 352 ratings; US Top Seller/in stock |
| Graduate 1542 | Progressing student wanting outfit upgrades | 4/4 through 1/8 official | Ebony | Synthetic-core strings; oblong case with hygrometer | Thomann fractional rows; US special order |
| Conservatoire 1550 | Teacher-led step-up trial | 4/4 through 1/8 official | Ebony | Flamed maple, shellac-type varnish, deluxe case | Thomann 41 ratings; US in stock |
Selection boundary
Four codes cover four real buying moments
Stentor's official student category lists Standard 1018, Student I, Student II, Graduate, Conservatoire and Conservatoire II. We excluded Standard because Student I has stronger cross-store support and a wider smallest-size range. We stopped at Conservatoire because Arcadia and similar orchestral models are individual-instrument trial purchases, not sensible online “best” slots.
Thomann anchors Europe; Music & Arts is the practical US orchestra specialist. Sweetwater was checked but does not carry Stentor acoustic violins. Popularity helped establish mainstream availability, never sound or durability.
Choose by the next lesson
Four Stentor models, four purchase plans
First violin or very small body size
Stentor Student I 1400
Its official 1/32 and 1/64 options make it the clearest route when a teacher specifies a very small size; US top-seller and in-stock evidence supports mainstream access.
Avoid if: size is being guessed or the local rental includes regular adjustments.
Alternative: rent locally; Student II if the correct size is stocked and teacher prefers it.
Support: official model page, Thomann range and Music & Arts top-seller/in-stock listing.
Mainstream student outfit
Stentor Student II 1500
This has the strongest observable popularity evidence: Thomann listed the 4/4 at sales rank one with 352 customer ratings, while Music & Arts marked the exact series Top Seller and in stock.
Avoid if: the teacher wants a locally adjusted rental or a specimen trial first.
Alternative: Student I for the smallest sizes; Graduate for a better case/string package.
Support: official identity plus independent EU/US order and popularity signals.
Progressing student who values the full kit
Stentor Graduate 1542
Synthetic-core strings and an oblong case with hygrometer create a concrete package step, without claiming the violin itself will beat Student II in a blind trial.
Avoid if: a long lead time consumes the return/lesson schedule.
Alternative: Student II plus a locally chosen case and strings.
Support: official model page, Thomann fractional listings and current Music & Arts order page.
Teacher-led step-up audition
Stentor Conservatoire 1550
Its carved flamed maple, shellac-type finish, synthetic-core strings and deluxe outfit distinguish it on paper, while current EU and US listings make an exact trial practical.
Avoid if: there is no teacher comparison or locally serviced alternative in the trial.
Alternative: Graduate or a shop-selected instrument from another maker.
Support: official page, Thomann review/stock breadth and Music & Arts exact in-stock SKU.
Before lesson one
Lay every outfit part on a clean towel
Identity
Match code, body size and serial/label to the invoice.
Bow
Without tightening, sight down the stick for obvious sideways warp and photograph damage.
Violin
Do not move the bridge or soundpost. Check for shipping marks and ask a shop about anything displaced.
Case
Count rosin, straps, blanket and stated pockets. Confirm the violin does not rattle when properly secured.
One page for teacher and seller
Turn “a violin for my child” into a usable order
Body size, acceptable next-size timing, fine-tuner needs and whether rental service is preferable.
Exact model code, included items, setup performed, stock state and return deadline.
Lesson date, delivery date, return shipping cost and who will inspect arrival setup.
Ask before accepting a different size, series, bow or case even when the price is unchanged.
Due diligence
Stentor outfit construction, origin and support
| Product | Size and weight | Materials | Manufacturing origin | Brand | Warranty/support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stentor Student I Violin Outfit 1400 | 4/4 to 1/64; exact weight/dimensions not disclosed | Spruce front, maple back/ribs/neck, ebonised board, pau rosa pegs | Country for exact model not stated on official page; verify label | Stentor Music, UK; roots traced by company to 1895; student/orchestral strings | Seller terms vary; Thomann 3-year guarantee, Music & Arts return terms; verify by region |
| Stentor Student II Violin Outfit 1500 | 4/4 to 1/16 official; exact weight/dimensions not disclosed | Solid spruce/maple; ebony fingerboard and pegs; composite fine-tuner tailpiece | Country for exact model not stated on official page; verify label | Stentor Music, UK; roots to 1895 | Thomann 3-year guarantee; US seller terms differ |
| Stentor Graduate Violin Outfit 1542 | 4/4 to 1/8; exact weight/dimensions not disclosed | Carved spruce/maple, ebony fittings, synthetic-core strings | Country for exact model not stated on official page; verify label | Stentor Music, UK; student and orchestral instruments | No single global written term found; current US listing is special order |
| Stentor Conservatoire Violin Outfit 1550 | 4/4 to 1/8; exact weight/dimensions not disclosed | Spruce front, flamed maple back/ribs, ebony fittings, synthetic-core strings | Country for exact model not stated on official page; verify label | Stentor Music, UK; student and orchestral instruments | Thomann 3-year guarantee; Music & Arts showed 30-day returns; verify current scope |
Return-window rehearsal
Make the first lesson an acceptance test
- Teacher confirms body size and basic reach.
- Teacher checks bridge position, peg movement, string height and four fine tuners without modifying the instrument.
- Student plays familiar open strings and a simple scale; note effort and stability, not poetic tone labels.
- Compare with the teacher's or rental-shop reference violin when available.
- Send defects to the seller in writing before any repair authorization.
Sources
Maker and specialist-store records
- Stentor Student I 1400
- Stentor Student II 1500
- Stentor Graduate 1542
- Stentor Conservatoire 1550
- Thomann Stentor violin range
- Thomann Student II 4/4
- Music & Arts Stentor range
- Music & Arts Student I
- Music & Arts Student II
- Music & Arts Graduate
- Music & Arts Conservatoire
- Sweetwater US anchor check
Found a changed model or factual error? Contact Consordini.