| Scott Cao is an American Violin Maker. One of the | | | | instruments that play easily and have a full, open |
| divisions of his company specializes in student level | | | | sound. Although each is different (some are |
| violins of all sizes. Made in China, these are called | | | | darker than others, some more bright or brilliant) |
| "factory" violins but are actually hand-carved and | | | | the Scott Cao instruments are remarkably |
| hand-varnished by makers trained by students of | | | | consistent strong performers and are ideal for |
| Scott Cao. In the Twin Cities, House of Note in | | | | students. |
| Saint Louis Park sells and rents Scott Cao violins in | | | | Scott Cao factory violins tend to be priced |
| all sizes. | | | | between $350 (for small, used ones) to around |
| Given that every violin, whether made in a | | | | $900 (for new, full sized violins). |
| factory or hand-carved by the finest makers, | | | | It is important to remember that brand new |
| sounds different, achieving a reliably good line of | | | | violins need time for the varnish to dry and the |
| student instruments is a challenge indeed. It is | | | | wood to settle and therefore will sound different |
| simply unreasonable to expect that every | | | | (and usually better) as they age. Scratches in the |
| instrument will sound the same, and, indeed they | | | | finish do not usually affect the sound, and while |
| don't. Each has its own voice. | | | | they may not always look their best, older Scott |
| Over the years, I have played dozens of Scott | | | | Cao instruments can be good buys because they |
| Cao factory instruments ranging from 1/8 to full | | | | are often discounted due to age or appearance. |
| size. It can be notoriously difficult to find small | | | | |