The Enrico violins are a popular choice for a beginning violin (see Enrico Student Violin (1/2 size) , available nearly everywhere they are nearly bullet proof. The Enrico brand of instruments are primarily focused on the entry level, however comparatively recently they have brought out higher level instruments.
The next step up is the Enrico Student Extra. This violin has the next step up in tone woods and features a mildly flamed back. Its a significant upgrade for the sound of the instrument and ships with steel strings. Shipping with steel strings and utilising the tough ‘nitro’ finish you see on guitars keeps the cost down when purchasing it.
But when your ready the violin can take you to the next level with better strings where the violin really performs to its full capability. So if you’re just starting out use the steel strings , and when your bow technique advances enough to pull some tone a $50 set of entry level synthetic core strings are a good investment. I stock them alongside the Vivo Neo+ as they are a bit more recognisable.
They come with all the quality fittings to ensure they work and work well with :
Solid spruce top and maple back, neck and sides with a light flame on the back
Ebony fingerboard, pegs and chinrest.
Lightweight tailpiece with inbuilt fine tuners.
Inlaid purfling.
And are a great choice as a first violin
See also my Enrico Violin Review student model