Other violin shops didn't know what dangerous chemicals were used on their cheap violins. Are your student violins safe to be handled by children?

Our student violins, like most other quality (not cheap, toy-like) violins, are carefully finished a hand-applied oil varnish finish, never plastic-based or paints.

Oil varnish could be dangerous when inhaled in its liquid state, such as when they are crafted by the maker. As for ingesting it once it is dry, that would be like eating furniture stain by gnawing on the wood itself in high quantities! Highly unlikely to happen.

Note that violins some shops are selling such cheap violins to be considered toys (I call them Violin Shaped Objects, or VFOs) are usually treated with polyurethane, which is a plastic coating, or paint to hide the poor quality wood. These are also not good to eat! Such violins are said to be washable if they get gummy or dirty, but even then this is only for spot cleaning. And really, who wants a washable violin?

Either way, one would not want to chew on a violin in the first place. I am fairly certain, however, your kids are past the chewing on toys phase if they are old enough to learn to play violin.

Any company that sells an actual toy shaped like a violin (say, made of plastic) would be expected pass safety guidelines under their manufacturer, but then it's a toy and probably cannot be played as a real violin can be played. These toys have buttons that play songs and are not nearly as fascinating as the thrill of experimenting on a REAL violin.

The only safety concerns I have with violins and young children is the possibility that the strings can snap if the child tightens them too much -- but if it is clearly explained that tuning is for grownups and the children understand this it won't be a problem.

I am a violin teacher who has worked with hundreds of children and never seen anyone cut or hit by a broken string -- the main thing is that the child is taught how to treat the instrument. Worst I have seen in my 17 years teaching is a PARENT being poked by a rogue bow! ;)

To sum up, these violins are quality musical instruments and certainly not toys, but I am not at all worried about harm coming to those who handle them.

I think with proper education up-front your kids can be very safe and have a whale of a time producing good and annoying sounds to impress and bug all the adults in earshot!