The Raggetti violins often appear on teacher recommended lists, not only because they are are a fine instrument, priced just slightly above entry level instruments (like the Enrico Extra, Enrico Student Violin), but the setup on them shipped from the distributer is also pretty good. This means that even from a generalist music store they are ok to play on. That is, the string heights at the nut and bridge are playable. However to get the most form these instruments they are best if they are given the once over to get these right. The sound post in particular usually needs shortening and moving into the proper position to get the most out of the instrument. Sound posts i suspect are shipped a bit long from the manufacturer to there is room to trim it. Also in our humid climate i think they swell a bit – so a trim and reposition is necessary to make sure its not to tight (which chokes the sound) and come come out to the treble side of the bridge appropriately.
The Raggetti RV2 is the entry level violin…and as you go higher in number they get progressively better, the Raggetti violin RV5 model will do the average student through high school at a push with a string and bow upgrade.
Both these Raggetti models are shipped with steel strings, this drops at least $50 off the price and are ideal for starting out, with a string upgrade or bow upgrade down the track when you are ready for the next level of playing.
Here is a quick play of the RV2