Best violins for serious violin players We’ve listed beginner violins in another post; here we have listed top-quality violins with better build quality, durability and tonal qualities. Many of these are concert-ready instruments suitable for professional musicians. You may skip to the best violin on Amazon.
Introduction
Violin is a beautiful orchestral instrument that is used in almost all classical music, and has been inspiring classical musicians and audiences for centuries; the violin can also be used in folk and other genres of music.
Violins are string instruments, like the viola and cello, but much smaller in size (and has high pitch ranges). Also called the fiddle, these have been around for decades now, swaying people across the globe with its gentle sounds. The bowed instrument has its origins in Asia, from where it got exported to different parts of the world.
Here, we have listed a range of violins, for the very beginner to the more experienced. These are available in different sizes, can cost from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, and you also get the electric version.
Here, we have listed violins for beginners as well as for the more experienced (professional) players.
A Violin is not as commonly played as a guitar or a keyboard, so it’s a good idea to take some feedback from people who play the violin; you should definitely take advice from a violin teacher or someone who is experienced in musical instruments, on a suitable violin brand for you.
Violins in recent times are mass-produced, and they are all based on the models that were hand-crafted centuries back. So if you see, most violins look alike.
But if you’re an experienced player, you will need to look at a few more things, besides just the looks.
A violin with better construction, quality and workmanship, is what a serious player needs, as it’s going to make a much difference in the tonal quality (which will inspire you to play more) and playability (which will make your progress towards master more joyful).
While the more expensive violins may similar to the ones designed for beginners, there is usually a lot of difference in quality and workmanship. A good quality violin, set up correctly, sounds great, is inspiring to plat, and makes you put in more effort towards mastery of the instrument.
These can be used by serious students as well. Usually, most parents buy a simple, affordable violin for their kids to begin with; such violins are okay to start with, but don’t look great and usually sound cheap as well. These violins have better build-quality and are inspiring.
Best Violins for Beginners (At a Glance)
These models are better suited for beginners and intermediate level players. These violins are completely set-up and ready to be played; no assembly is required.
- Cecilio CVN-300: Solidwood Ebony, D’Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size), available in various sizes. A beautiful instrument with nice quality strings.
- Mendini MV-300: Solid Wood (4/4 size) Violin, available in various sizes. this is another quality instrument.
- Aileen VG107: 1/4 size, Solidwood Ebony Violin
- Stentor 1550: 4-String Violin (4/4 full size)
- Stentor 1400: 4-String, 3/4 Violin size
Best Violins for Experienced/Professional Players (At a Glance)
- D Z Strad Model 509
- D Z Strad Model 220
- D Z Strad Violin LC101
- Fiddlerman Soloist
- Kennedy Violins Louis Carpini G2
- Cecilio CVN-600
Violins For Beginners: Reviews
The violin is a popular classical instrument, and a lot of students who wish to be or are part of the school band want to learn to play the instrument. Here we take a look at the best violin for beginners that are affordable (compared to their professional counterparts) yet have nice tonal qualities and more importantly are high on playability. These come in a range of sizes to suit learners of all ages. You may skip to the best beginner violin on Amazon.
Violins are available in a range of sizes to suit learners of all ages, and these come ready to be played.
You get affordable violins nowadays that have decent build and tonal quality; such violins are okay to start with. But once you reach the intermediate levels, you should consider upgrading to a better violin as they’re more inspiring and have much better tonal quality (they are expensive as well).
But beginners should consider spending that extra money on music lessons instead.
Popular violin brands preferred by beginners and intermediate students inlcude Cecilo, Mendini, Cremona, Stentor, Knilling; you can also consider instruments from Shar Music or Southwest Strings, both are specialized in string instruments.
Few models listed here are promoted as beginner violins, but with the right strings and rosin, they can also be played by intermediate violin players.
Mendini Violins
The Mendini MV series is a popular series of violins for beginners and intermediate players. There are several models in the Mendini MV series. Even though these violins are factory made, the violins use good quality wood (spruce top and maple for the back and sides). You get violins of various sizes so you may choose one accordingly.
The Mendini by Cecilio MV300 is a full size (4/4) solid wood violin with a beautiful satin antique finish with maple fingerboard, chin rest and pegs, an alloy tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners.
Stentor Violins
Stentor makes some of the best student violins; the Stentor 1550 model is a nice violin for beginners, it produces good sound, is easy to play and often recommended by violin teachers.
Stentor takes pride in their violins because they make it mostly by hand (old traditions passed down) and use virtually no power tools.
Violins for Professionals: Reviews
Here are some of the best-selling violins, available in various price ranges.
High-quality violins are handcrafted with quality wood that is seasoned for years, they use authentic parts, and are also backed by a lifetime warranty. These are ready to play and include accessories such as case, bow, rosin, and strings.
D Z Strad Model 509
The 509 model from D Z Strad is a one-piece full-size violin (its available in smaller sizes as well).
Made from naturally seasoned tonewood, including Alpine/Italian Spruce top and select Maple back and sides
The antique varnish finish gives it the look of an older instrument.
Outfit package includes a case, Brazilwood bow, shoulder rest, and rosin
D Z Strad Model 220
Suited for intermediate to advanced level players, this violin produces a rich open sound with nice resonance.
Seasoned Engelmann Spruce top (air dried for over 10 years), Ebony fingerboard
100% handmade, 100% hand varnished
Outfit includes: case, Dominant strings, brasilwood bow, shoulder rest and rosin
D Z Strad Violin LC101
A professional quality, handmade violin that is a favorite with Suzuki and other private violin teachers. Produces warm and round tone. Includes a professional case, bow, and rosin. Ready to play and completely setup.
Available in various sizes.
Excellent value, nice built and sound. Top made with Spruce, Maple back and sides with an Ebony fingerboard. Wittner-style composite tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners.
Package includes case, brazilwood bow, shoulder rest, strings, and rosin
Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Outfit
The Fiddlerman Soloist is a premium quality violin that is professionally built and set up, it’s hand-carved from a combination of spruce and maple. Professional violin players will like the lifelong warranty and the value for money that this violin offers considering its high-quality and performance.
Ebony fingerboard . Carbon fiber bow . Mother-of-pearl inlays . Hill-style fine tuner for its E string.
The wood used is aged for a minimum of ten years, antique varnish applied by hand, comes up with Dominant strings.
Kennedy Violins Louis Carpini G2
Kennedy Violins Louis Carpini G2 is a full size violin that comes completely setup with no assembly or adjustments required. Made for professionals, this violin comes completely set up.
Handcrafted with solid maple and spruce tonewoods, 100% genuine ebony fittings, and oil finish. Outfit includes everything you need: professional hard-shell case, genuine Brazilwood bow, rosin, and D’Addario Prelude strings.
Various size options. Frog is mounted on metal. Hand-carved french aubert bridge.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, Weight 11.5 pounds.
It comes with a hard-shell case with a built-in hygrometer that can measure the moisture level in the environment.
Well built, smooth and warm tone with beautiful resonance. Buyers love the rich sound of the violin and the beautiful flaming on these violins.
Cecilio CVN-600
The Cecilio CVN-600 is a one piece violin with maple back and sides, and solid grained spruce top. This full size (4/4) violin comes with D’Addario Prelude Strings.
Hand rubbed oil finish, ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece, with 4 detachable fine tuner.
The violin looks beautiful, the varnish of the violin is excellent, and it’s affordable if you’re looking for a violin meant for experienced players.
You may have to upgrade the strings, the bows, the bridge, and rosin, but even that upgrade is going to cost you just over 100 bucks. If you upgrade these things, this beautiful violin will sound amazing.
The manufacturer recommends that you avoid situations where the violin is in direct or extended exposure to sunlight, rain, heaters, air conditioners for longer periods.
The bundle includes chromatic tuner, oblong case with hydrometer, 2 x Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, adjustable shoulder rest, and an extra bridge.
More Options
Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 4/4 (Full) Size (by Kennedy Violins)
This is a beginner set that is very well constructed and produces rich tone (don’t let the word ‘pupil’ make you think that its an instrument for kids). Hand carved violin is made from solid spruce and solid maple, has a solid spruce front and a solid maple back, neck and sides. See PRICE on Amazon.
- 100% ebony fittings including fingerboard & pegs, Inlaid ebony purfling
- Maple bridge. Hand-rubbed, oil-based satin finish (not a thick lacquer)
- Steel-core D’Addario Prelude Strings
- Quality composite tailpiece with built-in fine tuners
BOW FEATURES:
- High-grade Brazilwood stick with great bounce and responsiveness
- Real Mongolian horse hair produces a smooth, clear, full tone
- Metal-mounted, high-grade ebony frog provides balanced weight
- Genuine mother-of-pearl accents
You also get additional accessories such as Oblong case w/ straps, music pocket, accessory compartments & YKK zippers, shoulder rest, Kennedy Violins natural rosin.
Overall, a nice violin for beginners – well built, and affordable. You are unlikely to find a violin at this price point that is actually playable.
Kennedy Violins Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin
Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin is a beautiful mid-range instrument that sounds full, looks great, and comes with useful accessories, suited to intermediate players and serious beginners. It’s available in all possible sizes – 1/16 to full 4/4. Great for practice and an excellent choice for devoted students.
Assembled by professional luthiers in the USA at Kennedy Violins, its a top-tier beginner violin (can be used by intermediate level players as well). Nice finish, construction, shape, fittings, and design give this violin a warmer, more natural sound than any competing student violin in this price range. It comes with everything you need to start playing the violin – violin with case, bow, rosin and strings. Great construction, beautiful finish and beautifully warm and projective sound.
Solid maple and spruce tonewoods, intro to violin book included, backed by lifetime warranty, Weight: 7.3 pounds.
Although a beginner violin, it can be used by intermediate level players as well. You get a complete package – violin with case, bow, rosin and strings, everything you need to start playing the violin. Great construction, beautiful finish and beautifully warm and projective sound.
- Pros: Excellent sound. Comes with bow, case and other useful accessories. Discounts for schools who buy in volume.
- Cons: Accessories are not of the highest quality
The violin comes with the D’Addario Prelude strings, which is a nice set for beginners, but as your skills grow, you may yearn for something deeper and warmer.
Another thing to note is that the key to the violin case is hooked to the backpack straps provided. Many buyers miss that part, and take a long time to figure that out.
Having said that, make sure you put the key in a key-chain, because its very small in size and you can easily lose it if you’re not careful. You don’t want a situation where you will have to cut through the case to get to the violin.
High-quality bow, with eeal Mongolian horse hair for a smooth and fuller tone.
Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D violin
This is another entry-level violin (bit more expensive), but it has better overall tone and pitch quality. It comes with all the necessary accessories like Case, Tuner, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Strings.
- Pros: Value for money . one-piece back
- Cons: Priced higher than most entry-level violins
The Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D has a nice tone and pitch, features an ebony fingerboard, chin rest, and tailpiece with 4 detachable fine tuners. Its carved out of one piece of maple wood.
Mendini violins are great for beginners, they are affordable and come with a reasonable build quality, allows you to learn without investing a lot of money. The Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D will help your child achieve mid-range grades before the time comes to invest in a higher quality model.
Accessories included – Cecilio 92D chromatic / string tuner with metronome, 2 x Brazil wood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, lightweight hard case, adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges, quality rosin, and an extra set of violin strings.
Its better to put new set of strings on the violin once you get it. The strings that come along may not sound that great. Once setup, the violin sounds great. The bows are okay, and you may need to buy new rosin.
Features and specs:
- Made of solid wood, 1-piece back. Maple back, neck and side
- Spruce top with beautiful varnish finish & inlaid purfling
- Ebony fingerboard, pegs chin rest, and tailpiece with 4 detachable fine tuners
- Cecilio 92D chromatic / string tuner with metronome
- 2 x Brazil wood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair
- Bundle Includes: Lightweight hard case, adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges, quality rosin cake, and an extra set of violin strings.
Overall, this is a great instrument. The Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D comes across as a bit more expensive instrument (Mendini’s usually target beginners and are cheaper) for a student violin, but this will help your child achieve higher levels and perhaps even advance to a professional violin player level.
Electric Violins: Silent & stylish
Top best electric violins reviewed here. Just like electric guitar, you also get the electric version of a violin. An Electric violin is be a great way to spice up your violin playing. These are also referred to as “silent” violins because they can be played via headphones, allowing you to practice quietly without disturbing others around you.
Use of Pickups
An electric violin has a pickup built into the body that picks up the vibrations of the strings and sends it to the amplifier. This pickup converts the vibration from the strings into an electrical signal that can then be transmitted to a speaker/amplifier.
In some violins, a small microphone is used to amplify the sound (and in some models, a combination of both is used).
First introduced in the late 1920s, electric violins are now commonly used by musicians all over the world. The sound produced on these instruments can be altered using effect pedals to add distortion, echo, delay, and more.
Electric Violin vs Electric Guitar
- Electric guitars use magnetic pickups while electric violins mostly use piezo pickups.
- The tuning (intervals) on both the instruments are also quite different.
Variants of Electric Violins
- Silent Practice Violins: Come with headphone jacks for silent practice
- Acoustic Electric Violins: Pick-ups magnify the sound produced
- Fretted Electric Violins: Some violins come with frets
- Performance Electric Violins: Suited for professional players
Features
The versatility of sound means that one instrument can be used to play in different styles of music, making them suitable for school bands or music programs and for educational purposes. An electric violin can be used in an orchestra, a rock or folk band.
Electric violins are even called silent violins because they produce appreciable sound only when paired with a speaker/amp, allowing you to practice without disturbing others nearby. You get acoustic electric violins that be played without power, or through speakers/amplifiers (these can’t be played “silently”).
Also consider the aesthetics of the violin. Electric violins come in fanciful colors and shapes, which may appeal to some players. While purists prefer the classical shape, the younger musicians may like the “cut away” look more.
Here we take a look at the best electric violins for various budgets and skill levels.
Buying Guide
Factors to consider when buying a beginner violin:
- Cost: While you get decent violins in the $200-$300 range, you could opt for a more expensive violin as well.
- Size: Violins come in different sizes – 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32 violins to cater to students of various ages. The neck-to-wrist length of the student will give an idea of what size will be the most comfortable for the student.
When looking for a violin for the younger students, here are the things that you should keep in mind:
Size of the Violin
For younger players, as parents, you should provide them a size that they are comfortable using.
The simplest way to determine if a violin is comfortable for the child is to do the following: Ask the child to place the violin on the shoulder and ask the child to reach their left hand up around the scroll. The child should be able to do this comfortably with a bent elbow.
When choosing a violin, you should consider the age of the student and the size of their hands and finger strength. In general, for beginners, smaller is often better than bigger.
Type of Strings
Any string instrument is not easy on the fingers for a beginner, more so if the instrument is fitted with steel strings, which can be hard on little fingers.
Even if the violin you buy comes with steel strings, you should consider replacing the strings with non-metal core ones (available from D’Addario, Corelli, Larsen, Thomastik, Pirastro). The change of strings will be well worth it.
Read: Learn to play violin: Useful tips.
Violin Construction
Violin is a hollow stringed instrument with a long neck and four strings tuned from low to high (each note is a perfect fifth to the one below it).
The sound produced by the violin depends on its shape and the wood used, but mostly its dependent on its wood and varnish. Most of the violins are made using the best European woods. A good violin is made up of a spruce top, maple ribs (sides) and back. The fingerboard of the violin is usually made of ebony (some use ivory).
Two end blocks, bridge, sound post and 4 strings are other important parts of a violin. Various other fittings can be attached and an optional chin rest.
The violin body has a “hourglass” shape comprising an upper bout, a lower bout, and two concave C-bouts at the “waist,” providing clearance for the bow. There’s an arching of the top and back.
As the varnish and wood get better over age, old violins sound better and are more sought after. Like most other wood instruments, the violin also gets better with age; the older violins are expensive compared to the newly constructed ones.
Violin strings were originally made of gut, but today its made out of different materials — metal, synthetic core or gut strings. Metal violin strings produce clear and loud tones and are easier to play. Beginners and intermediate players usually prefer steel core strings. Synthetic core violin strings are made of nylon/perlon and produce subtler sounds than metal strings and dont have to be tuned often.
Violinists often carry spare supply of strings (just in case).
Most violins are available in varying sizes, to suit musicians of different ages. A true large size violin can be of 14 inches long. Smaller ones are used by children, learning to play the violin.
A violin can be tuned by turning the pegs or fine tuners on the tail piece. The fine tuners allow for slight adjustments to the tensions of the strings.
A violin is usually played using a bow consisting of a stick with a ribbon of horsehair strung between the tip and frog (or nut, or heel) at opposite ends. A typical violin bow may be 29 inches. Usually, the hair of a violin bow is made from the tail of a mail horse (cheaper violins now use plastics or synthetics).
There is also a leather grip at one end with winding to protect the stick and provide thumb rest for the player. The winding can be made up of whale bone but most manufacturers now use fiber glass.
How are professional violins different from beginner violins?
Professional violins (like any professional instrument) are constructed from highly-quality materials and parts, have a high level of craftsmanship, are sturdy and durable, feel extremely good in the hands, and above all, they sound excellent.
However, they are expensive (cost a few thousand dollars) and also require more maintenance.
Violins for intermediate level players borrow a bit of everything from the professional-grade violins in order to appeal to students with a few years of experience (and who are not professionals yet).
Learn to play violin for Beginners
Should you buy a Violin Online or In-Store?
The advantage of buying in-store is that you can try out the violins, but they usually have limited inventory and comparatively higher prices. Also, many times the store may not be near where you live, so you might procrastinate and not go to the store at all.
The advantage of buying online is that there are a lot of choices, prices are generally lower, and you can shop almost instantly. The disadvantage is that if you’re unsure between two models, you cannot try them out and make a choice.
Why older violins sound better
While the size of the violin and the type of strings used matter more to beginners, experienced players look at the overall build quality, how good it feels in the hand, how well it is crafted. They pay attention to the bridge, the nut, good chin rest, comfortable shoulde rest.
Over time, a violin starts sounding better (or more consistent) as the wood gets sufficient time to adjust to the environment and naturally seasons. Some violins can take several months to reveal its true sound.
If you hear a used violin that has been maintained well, you can hear that they have a distinct sound.
Mature violins also hold their value; for good ones, you can expect to pay upwards of $1000. They may have a few scratches here and then, but that is understood (after several years of existence) and it usually has no bearing on the sound and playability of the instrument. So if you can find a good quality old violin at a bargain, go for it.
Acoustic vs. Electric Violins
There are several advantages of using the electric version of a musical instrument, and the same applies to violins as well. Electric violins allow you to practice in silence and can also be easily connected to amplifiers and PA.
An electric violin has built-in pickups to amplify its sound. Electric violins have a solid body design with wiring and batteries found in its body. It produces a brighter, more raw sound than its acoustic counterparts, and electronic signal generated can be tweaked and enhanced. To avoid feedback caused by resonance in the violin’s hollow body, electric violins usually have solid bodies, and often have simple designs to reduce weight.
The traditional acoustic violin produces a warm, rounded tone thanks to the natural resonance of its tonewoods. It stretches four strings from tuning pegs to a tailpiece, over a bridge made of maple that transfers sound vibrations to the soundboard.
Classical and folk musicians usually prefer acoustic violins, whereas rock and jazz musicians opt for electric violins. So if you intend to buy a new violin, do consider the style of music you will play the most. In case you’re a beginner, go in for an inexpensive, acoustic one.
Violin Care and Maintenance
Like most other musical instruments, you will need to take care of our violin to make sure it lasts for years. Here are a few products & accessories you may need to take proper care of your violin.
- Strings: Depending on how much you play, you may need to change the strings of your violin every six to 12 months.
- Violin Case: Offers protection while traveling, makes it easy to transport your violin, bow, rosin.
- Cleaning Supplies: Like other musical instruments, you need to kept your violin free of dirt and dust. You get a wide range of cleaning and care supplies for violins.
- Humidifier: Because these are made of wood, humidity could damage the tonewoods. So if you live in a dry area, you need to consider buying an instrument humidifier.
Here are some more suggestions:
- Avoid humidity and extreme temperatures.
- Monitor for cracks on your violin. If they are bad, take it for repair.
- Take care of your violin bow. Every time you use your bow, loosen it before putting it back into the case. Get it restrung at least twice a year.
- Make sure you buy a violin case as well in order to protect your instrument from any damage.
Violin Varnish: Not Just for Aesthetics But Also Vital for the Tone
Contrary to what many feel, the thick coat of varnish on violins (and other string instruments) is not just for the aesthetics, now scientists claim that the varnish plays a vital role in the overall tone of the stringed musical instrument.
Its common for violin makers to put a of varnish on finished music instruments, in order to better protect the wood, to preserve the instrument from wear and to lessen the impact of the temperature fluctuations (due to ambient humidity).
However, the Varnish also influences the vibrations and impulses that the wood absorbs, therefore affecting the quality of the sound that the instrument produce.
This is as per a recent study (that involved vibration tests, X-ray tomography techniques) conducted by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology (EMPA) in Switzerland. The study was done to reveal the importance of the vibro-mechanical properties of varnish, its chemical composition, thickness and penetration into wood.
- Violin’s sound board is made of spruce tonewood. Violin makers normally have their own particular method for applying varnish to finished instruments. Varnish is applied in liquid form, and then dries to a solid transparent film.
- It was found that all the varnishes increased damping throughout the wood surface. A moderate increase of damping can, in general, benefit the sound of violins. When high notes are dampened, instruments sound warmer and more mellow.
- In unvarnished wood, the sound is faster along the grain and slower perpendicular to it. The sound is also damped more strongly perpendicular to the grain than along the grain. With all applied varnishes, these differences are reduced, leading to a more isotropic sound radiation. The varnishes of the German violin makers reduced these differences even more than the laboratory varnishes. Additionally, their varnishes also allowed for a higher sound radiation than the laboratory varnishes, thus leading to a louder tone to be emitted.
Checkout these Bestselling Violins.
I am sure most luthiers are aware that varnish plays a more important role than just add to the aesthetics. However, this study demonstrates in detail the importance of the vibro-mechanical properties of varnish, its chemical composition, thickness and penetration into wood.
Useful Links
Source: springer
Ben took formal violin lessons for 10 years when he was in school; he writes on violin and other string instruments, and contributes towards the growth of this site. Read more here.
I would NOT recommend any of these violins, except the Knilling violin. These inexpensive violins are actually cheap student violins that will not produce the best tone, simply because they are made from poor quality woods. The price might be very tempting but you will get what you pay for. Most of these violins are not built to professional standards – pegs not fitted, nut and bridge too high, fingerboards not smooth or shaped correctly, poor quality strings and tailpieces. The bows that come with these outfits are very poor quality and usually too heavy and crooked. I would suggest that you do not go for the cheapest violin. The more expensive violins come with a good bow, good set of strings, and proper setup.