For a 3/4 violin the Scott Cao has good sound. It doesn't sound like a squeaky toy. The violin appears to be well made. It is quite light, so it may not be the most durable for young kids. As an adult I needed something smaller than the 4/4 that I started on. I like the tone, but it isn't as lovely as my 4/4. In the future, when I can afford it, Ill probably spend the money to get a better quality violin. But for the price the Scott Cao is probably the best deal you can find. A very decent starter instrument. Scott Cao also makes higher end models and I will likely look at those in a future purchase. This instrument is very easy to play and since I have tiny hands that strain too much on the 4/4 I am content practicing on this.
Update- After owning this instrument for about a year the sound has gotten much better. It now very much resembles the sound of my 4/4 instrument. It is really a beautiful instrument. When playing it, no one would suspect its not a 4/4.
