We bought this 2nd hand and had it serviced, new strings and the bow restrung. it's now a lovely vioin. It has a small scratch in the lacquer on the base / back of the violin, and it has lost the shine on the lacquer on the back of the neck.( see photos ). Other than that it is in great shape. My daughter loved and used this for a year and is now on to the 3/4 size. Great starter violin and the colour is a great motivator. Happy to send this via parcel force.