"Expertly made in Germany with respected traditions and old world craftsmanship. Fully shop adjusted and set up in the USA by hand in our Cleveland Ohio facility by our skilled craftsmen to meet or exceed MENC (school requirements) for student instruments to give the player the best possible performance experience and inspiration. The solid carved spruce top provides an excellent sound board. The flamed maple back and sides enhance greater projection, a refined tonal quality and visual appeal. True ebony pegs and fingerboard (not stained hardwood) facilitates reliable function and playability for many years. Full hand inlaid purfling (not painted) protects the solid top and back plates from splitting damage and demonstrates an attention to detail that other brands overlook. USA installed Thomastik Dominant strings provide a better tonal quality, longer string life and maximum playability for the advancing player. The delicately applied spirit varnish allows the top to resonate more freely to enhance the tone and projection of the instrument. Professionally set up with 1 axle style fine tuner to compliment this advancing student instrument