Electric Violins for Beginners to Professionals

Top 9 Electric Violins Compared:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Choice Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin		(4.5)	$$$$
#2 Best Value Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit		(4.4)	$$$
#3 Best Budget Model Cecilio CEVN-1 Electric Violin Outfit		(4.3)	$
#4 Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit		(4.3)	$
#5 Kinglos Advanced Electric/Silent Violin Kit		(4.0)	$$
#6 Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit		(4.4)	$$
#7 Yamaha 4-string Electric Violin YEV-104		(4.3)	$$$$
#8 S Design WAV 4-string Electric Violin		(4.4)	$$$$
#9 Stingray WV-SVX5/BK Electric Violin		(4.5)	$$$$$

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

If you’re looking to transition from an acoustic violin or experiment with new play styles, electric violins are the answer. They produce different sounds and are, with many models, a great option if you want to perform some silent practice.

Just like with acoustic fiddles, you can find electric violins in all sorts of colors, materials, and designs. But with so many manufacturers and different instruments, how do you select the right electric violin?

In this article, we’ll go through nine electric violin recommendations and determine the best electric violin you can buy to fit your needs. We’ll also provide you with an electric violin buyer’s guide to help you understand what you should look out for.

The Best Electric Violins In Review

1. Best Choice: Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

The Glasser AEX violin combines acoustics with cutting-edge materials and Bartolini electronics. That makes it one of the best premium candidates on this list.

Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

Glasser Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin Overview

The only size you can get for this violin is 4/4. The color options are abundant, and you can choose from nine pearlescent nuances. There are four fine tuners, along with rosin and a polishing cloth. The instrument comes with the Glasser 203SH fiberglass bow.

Additionally, the AEX Carbon Composite violin is powered by Bartolini technology and requires two AAA batteries. The Glasser company also lets you use another outfit for the violin, but you’ll have to pay more.

Product Highlights

Naturally, the most attractive feature of the violin is its dual nature. You can play it as an acoustic or electric violin, depending on the effect you wish to accomplish.

The Perfection Planetary pegs ensure quick and easy tuning and provide your instrument with stability. The carbon fiber bridge and soundpost are high-quality elements, too.

Glasser AEX Features

• Electric and acoustic instrument
• Easy tuning
• High-quality bridge and soundpost
• Scratch-resistant
• Clear tone

The Good

Overall, this is a fantastic electric violin. The instrument looks great and delivers an exceptional performance.

Durable scratch-resistant body

The carbon composite body is scratch-resistant and highly durable. This dramatically reduces the risks of open seams and cracks. Extreme temperatures are also not an issue, and you can even play the instrument in the rain.

The amplified tone is clear and precise, and finally, the strings are easy to clean.

The Bad

There’s not much to take away from the violin itself. However, some components could be more reliable. Namely, people have reported that the G-string broke shortly after they purchased the item. But fortunately, this set comes with two such strings.

Glasser AEX Carbon Violin Key Points

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2. Best Value: Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit

The first entry is an acoustic-electric violin produced by Tower Strings. The model offers some excellent features for its price range.

Tower Strings Acoustic Electric Violin Outfit

Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Outfit Overview

The violin has excellent materials, such as carved maple and spruce. It comes in full size and has a 1/4″ jack built into it.

The sports quality ebony fittings, and features a carbon construction tailpiece. Moreover, the violin has fine tuners, steel-core strings, pickup, and built-in tone and volume controls.

Product Highlights

Considering that this is an acoustic-electric violin, you have the luxury of playing it acoustically or plugging it into your amplifier.

The setup and the accessories are of higher quality than what you usually encounter with violins at this price. There’s also a durable brown finish.

The instrument and all the accessories are backed by a one-year warranty.

Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit Features

• Durable finish
• Steel-core strings
• Convenient bridge
• Sturdy case
• Contains all the necessary accessories

The Good

The greatest benefit of this violin is its versatility. You get the best of both worlds, given that you can play it as an acoustic and an electric violin, depending on your preferences.

A durable two-way instrument.

The hand-carved bridge is well-rounded and contributes to your violin’s comfortable playability.

Lastly, the case is lightweight yet exceptionally sturdy. It includes various items, such as bow holders, music pocket, storage compartment, and carrying straps.

The Bad

Since this is a low-end violin, pulling good tones out of it isn’t as easy as on more expensive instruments. Additionally, the steel-core strings won’t deliver a lot of tonal complexity and depth.

Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Key Points

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3. Best Budget Model: Cecilio Electric Violin CEVN-1 Outfit

This is another affordable entry with decent features. The manufacturer, Cecilio, sells great electric models, and the following item is a good beginner electric violin.

Cecilio Electric Violin CEVN-1 Outfit

Cecilio Solidwood Electric Violin CEVN-1 Overview

The size is 4/4, and the instrument comes in metallic red mahogany varnish. The body is made of hand-carved maple, whereas the pegs, chin rest, fingerboard, and tailpiece are ebony.

‘The tailpiece contains four detachable fine tuners. The instrument draws its power from a 9V Alkaline battery included in the package.

Product Highlights

This instrument enables the players to practice without disturbing other people. The outfit has a 1/8″ output jack you can use to connect the violin to most PA systems or guitar amps.

The volume control allows you to select the ambiance, whereas the line-in jack lets you practice with background tracks.

As for the other components, the bow has real Mongolian horsehair. There’s also a high-quality rosin cake, AUX cable, headphones, and a bridge. The violin comes with a one-year warranty.

Cecilio CEVN-1 Features

• Mahogany varnish
• Handy volume control and a line-in jack
• Mongolian horsehair bow
• Ebony fittings
• One-year warranty

The Good

Overall, the instrument has a strong, sturdy feel to it. It’s a good-quality electric violin with all the items necessary to power it. There are also several color options to choose from.

A silent violin available in a range of colors

Furthermore, the model is an outstanding electric violin for beginners. The instrument is easy to play and is a great way to introduce yourself to electric violins.

The Bad

The main problem with the violin is the strings. In some cases, they don’t stay in tune for very long. You may need to stretch them out a bit or switch to higher-quality ones.

Also, the nut may be too high for some violinists and make the violin slightly less comfortable.

CEVN-1 Outfit Key Points

Check the Latest Cecilio CEVN-1 Electric Violin Reviews >>

4. Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit

Now we’ll do another Cecilio electric violin review.- the CVNAE-330.  This one is also an excellent cheap electric violin.

Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic Electric Violin Outfit

Cecilio Acoustic-Electric Violin Overview

The violin is also a full-sized, 4/4 model. Just like the previous violin, this item contains a tailpiece with four nickel-plated fine tuners.

The fingerboard, chin rest, and pegs are made of ebony, while the top is constructed of hand-carved solid spruce. The choice for the sides and back is hand-carved solid maple.

Product Highlights

The manufacturer retained a reliable bow design. More specifically, the component is made of brazilwood and contains unbleached Mongolian horsehair. There’s also an additional bridge, along with an AUX cable and durable rosin.

The color options are also good and include pearl white, metal black, and antique varnish.

Cecilio CVNAE-330 Features

• Full-sized model
• Brazilwood bow with Mongolian horsehair
• Extra bridge
• A range of color options
• Various materials, such as ebony, spruce, and maple

The Good

The strongest suit of the violin may be its design. The instrument has a stunning blue finish and features a stylish gloss.

Nicely designed, affordable product

The lightweight hard case is also a big plus. This piece comes with a backpack strap and a pocket.

Moreover, the sound is satisfactory and full even without an amp. Finally, this Cecilio violin is another model that’s easy to play and master.

Considering this, the Cecilio acoustic-electric violin might be the best cheap electric violin you can find in 2021.

The Bad

That said, this isn’t the best violin you can find. The quality of the sound is decent, but it could be vastly improved. The volume control and tone don’t change much, and you may need to adjust the pegs heavily to get proper tuning.

Cecilio CVNAE-330 Key Points

What are Cecilio CVNAE-330 Violin Owners Saying? >>

5. Kinglos Electric/Silent Violin Kit

The Kinglos electric/silent violin also features a striking design. This is a fashionable instrument with a lot to offer.

Kinglos Advanced Electric/Silent Violin Kit

Kinglos Electric/Silent Violin Kit Overview

Kinglos made this violin out of solid basswood, whereas the material for the fittings is ebony. The instrument comes with a VPU-300 pickup, and the setup is based on the standard for advanced violins. The model is powered by a 9V alkaline battery.

Other accessories include:

• Rosin
• Bow
• Earphone
• Advanced oblong case
• Four-meter cable
• Case
• AUX cable
• Extra bridge
• Set of strings
• Shoulder rest

Product Highlights

Kinglos made this electric violin more beautiful by applying patented color technology. The body is made of hand-carved solid spruce, and the carbon fiber tailpiece contains four detachable fine tuners.

The chin rest, pegs, and fingerboard are made of ebony.

Kinglos Violin Kit Features

• Patented color technology
• Hand-carved solid spruce body
• Carbon fiber tailpiece
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest
• Detachable fine tuners

The Good

The violin is very silent. If you play it from your room, you won’t be heard in other areas of the house. The headphones also give you a rich, full sound. The violin is elegantly designed and is sure to make heads turn.

Elegance and silence

The pegs hold quite well, and the bridge is relatively easy to position.

The Bad

When it comes to drawbacks, there are two significant issues. First, the bow doesn’t feel like real horsehair, which is why you may want to replace it. The quality of the case could be a lot higher, too.

Kinglos Kit Key Points

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6. Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit

This is an entry-level violin made by Tower Strings. But unlike the Tower Strings model, this one is just electric.

Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit

Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit Overview

This is also a full-sized violin with plenty of useful accessories. The instrument is followed by a 1/8″ audio jack, polishing cloth, headphones, earbuds, 10ft music cable, and other handy items.

There’s also a built-in pickup and pre-amp. Also, the violin runs on a 9V battery.

Product Highlights

The Tower Strings Electric Violin features some excellent materials. The body is constructed of solid maple, and the bow is made of brazilwood.

The fittings and fingerboard are 100% ebony, and the carbon composite tailpiece has built-in fine tuners. There’s also a one-year warranty on the violin and accessories.

Tower Strings Outfit Features

• Solid maple body
• Brazilwood bow
• Ebony fingerboard and fittings
• Carbon composite tailpiece
• One-year warranty

The Good

Just like the previous Tower Strings model, this is also an excellent electric violin. There’s the hand-carved bridge that allows you to play the violin more easily and comfortably.

Comfortable hand-carved bridge

The case is also sturdy, and it can accommodate your violin, two bows, and other items in the storage compartment.

Furthermore, the instrument can use Fiddlerman, Prelude, or any other strings that suit you.

The Bad

The biggest issue with this item is the pegs. They tend to slip a bit, and you can over-tune them very easily.

Tower Strings Electric Violin Key Points

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7. Yamaha 4-String Electric Violin YEV-104

The Yamaha company makes outstanding instruments, and this YEV-104 electric violin is no exception. The model looks cool and sounds good for the price.

Yamaha 4-string Electric Violin YEV-104

Yamaha YEV-104 4-String Electric Violin Overview

Unlike some other violins made by Yamaha, this one has four strings. The body has three types of wood: maple, mahogany, and spruce.

The fingerboard is made of rosewood, whereas the tailpiece uses synthetic resin. Lastly, the frame is made of walnut, and the tuning pegs feature ebony.

Product Highlights

The combination of so many kinds of wood adds to the violin’s tone and organic appearance. The sound is decent even without an amp, and the wood of the frame resonates like an acoustic violin.

The Yamaha YEV-104 Electric Violin electric violin weighs a bit more than its acoustic counterparts, but the extra weight doesn’t get in the way of comfortable playing.

Yamaha YEV-104 Features

• Four strings
• Various types of wood
• Good sound
• Resonant frame
• Some additional weight
• Ideal case

The Good

This violin is comfortable in the hands and easy to play. No unpleasant effects accompany your playing, and the violin almost sounds like an acoustic instrument.

Very easy to play and sounds pleasant

The design is terrific due to the sculptural look of the frame. Apart from the minimal tuning of the strings, the instrument is ready to play right out of the box.

The Bad

This product is an outstanding option for beginners, but it isn’t the best electric violin for professionals. The violin simply isn’t meant for professional settings, such as a chamber or orchestra. As a result, the usage of the violin is a bit limited.

Yamaha Electric Violin Key Points

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8. NS Design WAV 4-String Electric Violin

If you’re looking to explore the sphere of electronic performance, the outstandingly designed WAV 4-string electric violin from NS may have what you’re after. It’s a remarkable violin made by NS with many admirable properties.

NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Violin

NS Design WAV 4-String Electric Violin Overview

This WAV violin is a full-size modern aesthetic model with standard NS electric strings. This item is compatible with stranded-core and solid violin strings, but synthetic strings aren’t recommended.

The bridge is made of black-dyed maple, while the fingerboard is ebony and contains hand-graduated relief.

Product Highlights

This model features the polar pickup system. This means that it produces great natural sounds you can adjust with tone and volume controls.

The intonation is consistent owing to the high-quality fingerboard. On top of that, the maple body and neck provide visual grace and rich tones.

NS Design WAV Violin Features

• Standard NS strings
• Maple bridge
• Ebony fingerboard
• Polar pickup system
• Maple body and neck

The Good

We’ve already mentioned some of the finest aspects of this violin, but the instrument has a lot more to offer. First, the precision tuners are accurate, and you’ll rarely need to adjust them. The model is lightweight and well-balanced, providing comfort.

Industry leading design and performance

Next, the ergonomic shoulder rest makes for stable, fully-adjustable support. You can also set the string height to cater to your style.

Overall, the violin sounds excellent, and you can produce natural tones while playing it.

The Bad

Still, the violin lacks some components that would make it even more enticing. There are no frets, and the lack of a built-in pickup means that you’ll have to plug the violin into a pre-amp to use it with headphones. Alternatively, you can use an amplifier.

NS Design WAV Key Points

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9. Stingray WV-SVX5 Electric Violin

The Stingray WV-SVX5 violin is a progressive instrument that works well for many genres. It also has a distinct and easily recognizable look.

Wood Violins Stingray 5-String Electric Violin – Black

Stingray WV-SVX5 Electric Violin Overview

This Stingray violin consists of five strings and a poplar body. The fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest are constructed of ebony, while the tailpiece is a lightweight precision composite.

This is a standard, full-sized violin and comes with all the necessary components, such as rosin and a string cloth.

Product Highlight

The quality of this instrument is extremely high. The manufacturer, Wood Violins, has been in the business for more than twenty-five years, which means you can expect a top-grade design.

The tuners do their job and aren’t sticky or slippery at all. Moreover, the unique shape is a nice touch and should fit well in your hands and neck.

Stingray WV-SVX5 Electric Violin Features

• Five strings
• Poplar body
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest
• Unique design
• Effective pegs

The Good

You’ll feel delightful while holding and playing this instrument. The look is impressive, and the sound is even better. The violin is ideal in any setting, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional violinist.

Great sound and lightweight design

The entire construction is lightweight, and the poplar body provides you with a warm sound.

The Bad

This is the priciest item in our roundup, which is why it may be out of range for some people’s budgets. The violin doesn’t come with a bow, but you can use pretty much any model for this instrument.

Wood Stingray 5-String Violin Key Points

What Do Wood Stingray Electric Violin Players Thingk? >>

Electric Violin FAQs and Buyer’s Guide

Buying an electric violin can be a relatively large investment. Therefor you should put a reasonable amount of thought into getting the right instrument. Otherwise, you may be forced to return an item just days into your playing.

To make an informed decision, you can do yourself a great favor and consider the essential details. In this guide, we’ve covered the most popular questions to give you a much clearer picture of what to look for.

What Is the Best Electric Violin?

Determining the best electric violin isn’t easy. Finding the perfect model usually depends on your preferences, which is why you may find some instruments better than the others.

GLASSER

For instance, if you’re after a combination of modern materials, traditional design, and pleasant sound, the Glasser model may be the best electric violin for you. The instrument features a contemporary look, and the sound you can produce with the item is exceptional.

KINGLOS

For instance, if you’re looking for a silent electric violin, the Kinglos Solid Wood might be your best option. If you feel that you’re making a lot of noise while playing your violin, you can just use the headphone jacks that come with the instrument and practice in silence.

TOWER STRINGS

Additionally, if you want to play an acoustic-electric violin, the Tower Strings Acoustic Electric piece is the way to go. The quality is slightly higher than the other acoustic-electric model on this list (Cecilio Acoustic-Electric Violin), and the item is affordable.

Are Electric Violins Good for Beginners?

While some good electric violins are suitable for beginners, novice players are usually better off with an acoustic fiddle.

This is because an electric violin can’t produce the same resonant sound as an acoustic fiddle. The feel is also very different.

Unamplified, electric violins produce muted tones that aren’t ideal for practicing. This is especially true if you want to perform in traditional environments and play classical music.

In that case, an acoustic violin is a far better option. Additionally, there’s no amplification required, making the setup much more straightforward.

Are Electric Violins Worth It?

Electric violins are a wise investment, but only in specific situations. If you’re looking to play contemporary genres, such as rock or jazz, the electric violin can provide you with an array of features that can expand your range within the genre.

For example, you can amplify your instrument with a jack-to-jack cable or practice silently with a headphone amp.

Moreover, you can take advantage of various loop pedals and effects to expand your sound range and options.

Can an Electric Violin Be Played Acoustically?

Electric violins can be played acoustically, but this feature is instrument-specific. We’ve covered two acoustic-electric violins in this article.

You can play them acoustically without plugging them in or use the necessary equipment to start the electric mode.

How Do I Choose an Electric Violin?

Choosing an electric violin largely depends on your preferences. Consider the following factors and make your decision accordingly.

Size

You can find electric violins in a variety of sizes. Most commonly, electric fiddles come in 3/4 and 4/4 (or full size), and if you’re a normal-sized adult, you’ll need one of these sizes.

On the other hand, children typically need a 1/2-sized instrument.

Accessories

Any electric violin will require some accessories. However, the number of necessary extra items varies and depends on your experience level.

If you want the best electric violin for beginners, you’ll probably need one with more accessories to start playing. In particular, a good electric violin for beginner players should contain a bow, case, shoulder rest, and cable.

Rosin for the bow is also a great buy and combined with the other items, it will help you get started right away.

Conversely, advanced players won’t require many accessories. All they need is the violin itself and an extra case or bow.

Number of Strings

Generally, acoustic violins come with four strings, but electric violins don’t adhere to this rule. As a result, you can find five or six-string electric violins, in addition to models with four strings.

Typically, violinists tune their instruments to the notes G, D, A, and E from their top string. But if you add a fifth string in the mix, you can get a low C string apart from the standard four notes. This way, you can play more low notes with your violin and make it more versatile.

Materials and Design

The materials and design of your violin will affect the tone and playing experience. For instance, if you want a completely silent instrument that you can hear only slightly when turned on, you should go for a metal or plastic model. Contrariwise, a solid wood electric violin will resonate a bit more.

Weight and Weight Distribution

Electric violins weigh more than acoustic fiddles. On average, the difference is about 3.5 ounces, but this depends on the individual violins and their manufacturing.

Just bear in mind that the heavier your violin is, the more likely you will experience tension and pain in your fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders.

Weight distribution is another significant aspect. The weight of your electric violin should be adequately distributed to save you the extra tension.

If not, and if the entire mass is at the violin’s head, the weight will be carried by the arm and left hand. In turn, you’ll have less flexibility and feel the instrument’s weight after just a few minutes of practicing.

Does an Electric Violin Need to Be Tuned?

Yes, you need to tune your electric violin, just like an acoustic one. This will help you play your notes more accurately and produce better sounds.

How Much Does a Good Electric Violin Cost?

There are good electric violins at all price ranges. However, your options open up considerably if your electric violin price is $600 or higher.

The instruments in this range and pricier models let you practice in silence and usually sound satisfying. Although this tier won’t give you creative paint finishes, professional tone control features, or deep extended range, it still delivers good tone.

How Hard Is It to Learn the Electric Violin?

In short, the electric violin is easier to play than an acoustic violin. The action of pushing down the strings is slightly more straightforward, but you may not notice the difference in some models. It’s also less physically demanding.

Nevertheless, electric violins aren’t the easier alternative if you’re looking to improve yourself as a player more efficiently. Electric violins lack the tonal palette of an acoustic fiddle, giving you an incomplete picture of your playing.

Also, you’re more likely to develop better technique with an acoustic violin. You may sound bad for some time, but overall, the acoustic violin will help you polish your skills better than an electric instrument.

Do Electric Violins Use Special Strings?

An electric violin doesn’t use unique strings. You can use any string type on your violin, including classical strings.

They’re compatible with electric violins, as long as they match the end of the string on your electric fiddle (e.g., loop end or ball end).

Our Final Top 3 Picks for the Best Electric Violins:

In Summary, What Is The Best Electric Violin For You?

Any one of the listed items would be a terrific buy, depending on your budget and needs.

But our overall best choice for an electric violin, all things considered, would have to be the Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin, an excellent choice for a modern electric violin – if you have the budget.

The Glasser violin combines a stylish look and outstanding tone features. This instrument produces clear, accurate tones you can play in any environment.

Additionally, you’re highly unlikely to see any open cracks and seams on the violin due to the scratch-resistant and durable body.

Secondly, we would have to choose the Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit. It really hits that sweet spot that combines excellent build quality with a complete set of accessories at a reasonable price. Plus you can play it acoustically!

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a cheap electric violin, either of the two Cecilio models on our list is an excellent choice.

Both the Cecilio CEVN-1 Electric Violin Outfit and their Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit produce solid tones and feature good materials, considering the price range. The instruments include all the accessories you need to start playing. Just perform some tuning, plug them in, and you’re good to go.

Editor’s Pick

Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

Check Today’s Glasser AEX Acoustic-Electric Violin Price >>

Scott Cao Violins From Good To Great

Some music professionals think that violinists are only as good as their instruments, which could indeed be said of the best Scott Ciao violin.

Undoubtedly, Scott Cao violins are some of the best on the market, made with excellent wood from incredible Chinese workshops.

The company respects the tradition, the vintage way of doing things, and creating beautiful instruments that everyone loves.

Established thirty years ago, Scott Cao’s workshop has received many awards from the Violin Maker’s Association and other institutions worldwide.

Performers like Sarah Chang described their violins as some of the best she’s ever played on. Itzhak Perlman, another famous musician, has played some renowned violin pieces on Scott Cao instruments.

But in actual fact, these violins are made as copies of legendary violins created by the Italian masters, models that embody a lot of history.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use some of the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Top 5 Scott Cao Violins In Review

1. Scott Cao 500 Violin

If you’re looking for a good Scott Cao violin for a beginner, there’s no better model than this one.

It has a beautiful body, is the perfect size for many different players, and an excellent starting model for anyone.

Scott Cao 500 Violin

A professional player might use this violin as a second instrument as it has good projection suitable for long practicing hours.

Overview

This model is made from ebony and flamed spruce from Europe. It has a lot of delicate features like ebony fittings and high-quality fine tuners.

Compared with other violins from the same workshop, its tone is deeper and more profound.

Scott Cao 500 Violin Features

This Scott Cao 500 violin has a handmade European spruce top and maple body, plus superior quality ebony details and fittings.

It has a lovely varnish and comes with Thomistic strings that give it a nice color and depth. Every 500 violin has a two-piece back and a hand varnished finish.

In terms of weight, it’s a light and airy instrument that you can easily use for very complex performances.

It has a clean sound and a strong projection that can easily handle all the deep notes without any tension.

Model 500 Key Points

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2. Scott Cao 750 Violin

The 750 model is a useful instrument that functions perfectly in an orchestra or any small quartet.

A custom-made replica of a historic violin, you might have to wait for six months to get it, but it will be well worth it in the end.

Scott Cao 750 Violin

The Scott Cao 750 series is for those musicians in love with artistic violins who want a high-quality finish for a fraction of the original cost.

Overview

Every instrument is unique and comes with a top-quality maple body and Italian spruce top. With varnish, both types of wood get a fine topcoat of quality Italian oil.

Of course, when an instrument has this high-quality varnish, it significantly improves its sound quality and tone.

With a lovely resonance and warm, powerful sound, this violin is best for solo performances and concerts.

It’s also a beautiful instrument for young players who are just starting their careers and students who want to learn more about different techniques.

Scott Cao 750 Violin Features

Every violin from the Scott Cao workshop comes with an excellent, detailed finish. The 750 features a maple body with lovely lines and an Italian spruce top for additional resonance.

It has fine ebony fingerboards and hill style ebony fittings. Everything is carefully chosen to fit the highest standards of fine craftsmanship.

One of the best features is the Domino strings that give it an exceptional thick sound.

With awards for the best tone quality from the Violin Society of America, it doesn’t surprise that this model is one of the best in its category.

Model 750 Key Points

Read the Latest Model 750 Reviews >>

3. Scott Cao 850 Violin

Another well-crafted series of violins that are considered among the best around. The quality of the Scott Cao 850 violin craftsmanship is unique, and the sound instantly recognizable.

Scott Cao 850 Violin

Ideally, they are for advanced learners or adults who want to have a great instrument.

The violins are replicas of some of the most renowned King Joseph, Lord Wilton, and Ysabel instruments, and all are made in China.

Since original violins can cost a small fortune, master luthiers from Scott Cao’s workshop recreate and customize them for advanced and famous violinists.

Overview

What makes the Scott Cao 850 model a premium instrument is first-grade materials.

With Italian spruce and some of the best Bosnian maple on the market, the 850 violins are a rare combination of high-quality wood.

All the fittings alongside boxwood are made from Indian ebony, making it one of the most expensive violins.

The famous “Strings” magazine states that these violins are among the best performance violins due to their varnish and superiority over similarly priced instruments.

Features

Every model is constructed from the finest materials. From the combination of fine maple and spruce, all the way to the best hand-applied varnish that combines special oils to achieve warm and intricate sound qualities.

The wood was carefully drained and combined to get the best look and perfect fire lines.

With Indian ebony and a whole array of accessories, everything enhances the instrument’s overall durability and beauty.

The 850 violins are often called some of the best sounding violins in their price range, and when compared with similar violins, their sound is far superior.

Model 850 Key Points

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4. Scott Cao 950 Violin

Scott Ciao 950 violins are well-designed instruments with excellent tonal quality. Created with a professional violinist in mind, this instrument excels at solo performances and long hours of practicing.

Scott Cao 950 Violin

Overview

The Scott Cao 950 series‘ replicas are mostly build based on Cannon, Kreisler, Ex-David, and famous Soil violins, instruments with the best acoustic abilities.

Many students find these violins ideal, and adult learners also use them to advance faster. With a light body, these violins can produce a versatile sound.

Every violin is hand-built in China and later shipped to the USA, where the varnish and finishing touches are applied.

Features

The violins you can find in the 950 series are made from a one-piece back, using exclusively European maple.

In combination with the finest Italian spruce, Chinese luthiers carefully assemble a high-quality violin.

The combination of Bosnian maple that’s 15-year aged, and highly flamed maple specially used for the 950 series, creates an instrument that can match more expensive brands for the complexity of sound.

Another excellent feature is the hand-carved Indian ebony fingerboard that comes with the Hill style boxwood fittings. To finish, the special varnish for the violins is added to the Campbell studio.

The violin gets its final coating, most delicate strings, and other accessories to become a complete product.

Only highly skilled craftsmen make these violins. What’s more, every Scott Cao 950 series violin is ready to play as soon as you receive it.

Model 950 Key Points

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5. Scott Cao 1500 Violin

The last violin in this review, model 1500, is one of the finest products from the Scott Cao workshops.

Scott Cao 1500 Violin

The price is the highest, but it’s entirely justified with a spectrum of accessories that only a professional solo player would appreciate and accentuate in their performance.

In Scott Cao’s workshop, only two 1500 violins get assembled each month – that’s why there’s a long waiting list. It comes in four varied sizes so that every player can find the perfect fit for them.

Overview

The 1500 series is the one we could call exclusive when it comes to violin quality and craftsmanship. It’s made from 20-year dried Bosnian maple and the best Italian spruce.

You can find Indian ebony fittings and Aubert or Despiau bridge, depending on the player’s preference.

The quality of the wood makes the instrument light and airy, especially when a professional plays it.

With a good bow, this violin is perfect for the most challenging compositions. Its sound is sharp and responsive, hence why you see it in many orchestras.

Features

Being a concert-quality violin, the Scott Cao 1500 is equipped with everything a top performer requires from an instrument. It has a specially made Indian ebony fingerboard and boxwood fittings.

To create a rich sound, the 1500 comes with Thomastik Dominant strings and a chinrest from Guarneri.

It also has fine tuners for E string as standard on every instrument, but it comes with Scott Cao’s luthier setup.

In many respects, this looks and sounds like an antique instrument – and what player wouldn’t enjoy the historical aspects of a 300-year-old violin?

It comes with a range of color and richness, a unique depth that no other violin in that price range can achieve.

With every violin, you get a certificate that proves the quality and craftsmanship of the best luthiers and masters from Scott Cao’s workshops.

Model 1500 Key Points

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Scott Ciao Violin Buyer’s Guide

A violin’s quality is heavily influenced by the shape and type of wood used in its construction. The craftsman that creates the violin is the one that determines the ultimate outcome and the sound.

Violins are some of the world’s oldest instruments, having been around for more than 1,000 years. The best violins come from Italy, and their body, bridge, and pegs determine the softness of the sound and projection.

Scott Cao

As mentioned above, Scott Cao is a world-famous luthier who’s won many awards for his craftsmanship. Not only that, but he’s also received a lot of accolades for recreating the works of great masters like Stradivari.

His instruments are excellent for players of diverse backgrounds and knowledge levels.

Cao moved to the US from China and settled in San Francisco, where he still has a workshop. He first started working with old violins, repairing them with skill and knowledge.

Soon, he started reproducing various models and making expensive instruments that are considered masterpieces.

He has created many outstanding violins of varying values, from the most affordable student violins to soloist models.

Scott Cao Violin Body Design

The essence of sound in every violin created in Scott Cao’s workshops is the wood. If the wood is dry and dense, the body of a violin will strongly resonate.

That’s why luthiers choose only particular wood types like spruce, ebony, rosewood, and Italian maple.

All of them are considered superior to other classes of wood as they grow in the European climate and have a specific texture. They’re easy to shape, and once the box is made, its qualities become even more apparent.

Every piece of wood needs to dry for at least five years, but for most violins from Scott Cao, they use wood that has dried for more than 10 or even 20 years.

The older the wood, the better the violin. What’s more, the process of forming the violin is more comfortable when the wood is dry and when it can be cut to the perfect shape and size.

The Bridge

The Strings

The strings transform a violin into an instrument that allows artists to express their feelings and virtuosity. Every violin comes with different strings depending on the violinist’s preference or a recommendation from the luthiers.

One of the essential elements that determine the sound of any string instrument is violin strings. Different wires can produce an entirely different feeling on the same instrument.

It heavily depends on the materials, quality, and gauge. Before buying strings, make sure you do your research.

On modern violins, you’ll usually get an instrument equipped with strings, but you might need something different.

In most cases, the E string is made from metal as it is the highest note, and the metal will provide higher frequency and strength. Scott Cao uses the best strings on their violins, like Thomastik Dominant.

Lifetime Quality Warranty

With most hand-built violins, you can rest assured that they will stay in good condition for a long time.

When it comes to the price of those premium instruments, it will slowly rise over the years.

Accordingly, every Scott Cao violin is a worthwhile investment. After ten or twenty years, the instrument will either hold its value or rise twice or more.

Every Scott Cao violin is a worthwhile investment

One of the best aspects of owning a beautifully made instrument is the quality of its varnish.

In Scott Cao’s San Francisco workshops, most violins get a final coating to give them a unique tonal quality.

Whether you prefer red violins or high-quality yellow varnish, all Scott Cao models from the 850 and 950 line have a refined look.

Replicating Old Violins

Cao has immense knowledge about the violins that old Italian masters created, and he can replicate them with extreme precision and skill.

He even managed to recreate some of the most difficult “Cremonese” strand violins from 1715. And the “Kochanski” Guarneri del Gesu.

All of the models recreated in the 950 and 1500 series are more than 300 years old. Plus, he can also refurbish a customer’s violin to create a marvelous new instrument.

All of the models recreated in the 950 and 1500 series are more than 300 years old

If there’s an instrument that you want to recreate with a different varnish or a different color, a specialist from the Scott Cao workshops has the skills to make it happen.

Cao Violin FAQs

Are Scott Cao Violins Good?

Scott Cao Violins are widely known as great violins for both professionals as well as beginner players. There is a name that guarantees quality, craftsmanship, and high-quality finish of all of their instruments.

Most of their designs are inspired by traditional violin maters, often replicated with great accuracy.

While they still preserved a standard violin’s features, every product that comes out of the workshop has unique qualities. They specialize in reviving old violin models for wider audiences.

Many famous musicians own one or more Scott Cao violins.

Among them are Nigel Kennedy, Rideau Grau, and Sheng Ko Shu, a renowned concertmaster.

Many violin masters and orchestra conductors admire Scott Cao’s abilities and use his instruments with pride.

Where Are Scott Cao Violins Made?

All Scott Cao violins are made in workshops in China. Once ready, most are transferred to the San Francisco workshops.

After final adjustments and varnishing, the violins are tuned and prepared to be delivered to customers worldwide.

Some Scott Cao violins stay in China throughout the process, but their quality is the same as those made in the San Francisco workshop.

The Final Defining Points Of Scott Cao Violins

If you compare Scott Cao violin prices and quality, it’s more than clear how much you’re getting for a decent amount of money.

The instruments made with so much knowledge and precision are the perfect examples of violins for semiprofessional and professional players.

A premium instrument will showcase your expertise, therefor Scott Cao is an excellent brand to help you achieve your best voice.

Keep in mind however, these models are not as forgiving for intermediate players as only skilled solo players can handle them.

Each model has a different set of accessories and is considered among the best in its price point.

They all meet the rigorous requirements that Scott Cao’s luthiers demand of themselves, ensuring a superior sound for violin enthusiasts and professionals to enjoy.

View All Scott Cao Violin Models Here >>

Learning Violin As An Adult

The violin is one of the most beautiful musical instruments to listen to, and one of the most satisfying instruments to play.

Many adults remember a time in childhood when they wanted to learn, or got frustrated with lessons and quit early, and now regret the decision.

There are many reasons an adult may want to start playing the violin and wonder if it’s too late. But adult violin lessons are beneficial and rewarding in many ways, some of which you may not expect. Let’s take a closer look at violin lessons for adults.

Is it Difficult to Learn Violin?

The violin is regarded as one of the most difficult instruments to learn. While it may seem simpler than others, with only four strings and a bow, it presents a lot of challenges for beginners. However, it is also one of the most rewarding instruments, particularly for adults.

The physical and mental challenges of the violin are associated with improved attention span, enhanced memory, and improved executive functions that have been shown to protect older adults from cognitive decline.

Violin may be difficult to learn, but most players agree that it is worth the effort.

Is it Too Late to Learn Violin?

No, it is never too late to learn violin, or fiddle if you prefer. While a child’s brain has a high level of adaptability and rapid learning that makes it easier to start learning an instrument in childhood, adults have many advantages over children when learning to play and read music, particularly when it comes to the violin.

Learning Violin as an Adult has its Benefits

In many cases, adults can even learn to play faster and better than children. There are a lot of advantages to beginning violin lessons as an adult, including:

Adults are More Responsible

This may sound simple, but it’s actually incredibly important. A violin is not a high-maintenance instrument, but it does require some care and diligence.

An adult is much more likely to remember to care for their violin and bow and keep them in good condition. This is important because a well-cared-for instrument sounds better and makes violin practice more rewarding.

Adults Have Better Focus and Concentration

Adults learn to read music more quickly because they are more focused and attentive. Adults are also capable of paying attention to both the music and their posture at the same time, which children find difficult to do.

Adults Have Greater Emotional Control

Statistically, most children get frustrated with the violin and quit their lessons. Adults are better able to manage their frustrations and balance their emotions, which leads to greater rewards.

Adults Have More Commitment

Adults are far better than children at pursuing long-term goals. They understand the value of hard work and persistence, so they will invest time in lessons and practice and follow through on their commitments.

In other words, many children need to be constantly supervised, nagged, and reminded when they are studying the violin, which can make learning slower, more difficult, and less rewarding for everyone.

An adult can learn more quickly, not just because the adult mind focuses attention better, but because they are more motivated and committed.

Can I Learn Violin on My Own?

If you want to learn violin by yourself at home without going to a class, you can absolutely learn violin on your own.

There are abundant online resources that will help you learn and practice, and many of them are either free or extremely affordable.

For inspiration, listen to the progress and experiences of YouTuber Colton Baird-Rowe, who taught himself violin using books and YouTube videos.

However, every beginning violin player, at any age, can benefit from personalized instruction, even if it’s online via video chat or something similar.

A professional violin tutor can give you feedback on your form and on your playing, and give you personalized instruction that will help you progress more quickly.

In fact, it’s best to get that kind of individual feedback and instruction from online violin lessons very early as you are learning the instrument.

If you develop habitually poor posture or body mechanics while playing the violin, it can be more difficult to correct later.

The best beginning violin lessons for adults give you that kind of personalized feedback and commentary early, so that you can develop good habits that will help you progress more quickly.

How Much are Violin Lessons for Adults?

There are many different approaches for adult violin lessons, and each has a different associated cost. Generally speaking, here is what you can expect to pay for different types of violin lessons:

Free

There are a huge number of YouTube channels and podcasts that offer violin lessons and insights into the instrument. You may also check out books from your library.

Low Cost

Many community centers, recreation or activity facilities, and community colleges offer violin lessons. These may cost $25-$250 for a 6-10 week series of classes, depending on what is offered in your community.

Very Affordable

There are a huge range of online violin lessons available from general educational sites like Udemy and Fiverr, many for as low as $10 per lesson.

Affordable

There are also a lot of websites offering specialized violin instruction, ranging from beginner level to master classes.

It’s a good idea to choose a more expensive package that offers personalized feedback and instruction via video, and these typically have a monthly cost from $30-50, or annual costs from $150-300.

Expensive

Hiring a violin instructor to tutor you in person is the most expensive option, and typically costs $50-125 per hour.

If you are wondering how much violin lessons cost, the truth is that the cost really depends on the level of instruction you are looking for.

Most adults have busy schedules, so prefer to use a combination of approaches that fit their specific budget and time availability.

For example, they may pay more for a once-weekly video lesson with a tutor but use apps or online videos for daily practice and skill building.

Online violin lessons for adults can be an incredibly flexible way to learn and practice the violin, with the time and budget that works best for you.

In other words, not only can adults learn violin, but they should. People are living longer than ever, and it’s never too late to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby.

In fact, science shows that learning and practicing music, even when you begin in adulthood, helps to improve memory and cognition, and delays cognitive decline and dementia.

In Summary, It’s Never Too Late For An Adult To Learn Violin

Violin lessons for adults are readily available, online and in person, and many instructors prefer to teach adults rather than children.

Even if you feel too old to be a violin prodigy, or start a career in the symphony, playing the violin can bring you years of enjoyment and let you create beautiful music on your own or with others.

If you are an adult considering learning the violin, there’s no reason not to begin today.

Violas and violins look very similar and are played in a similar way. In fact, they are so alike that an inexperienced person may not be able to spot the differences between them just by looking. It’s the sound that separates them.

Let’s look at violins and violas, and find out which one is easier to learn, play, and enjoy!

What is the Difference Between a Viola and a Violin?

The easiest way to think of the differences between a viola and a violin is to take a step back and understand the violin family. There are actually four instruments in the family.

• The violin, which can be up to 14″ in length, is the smallest and lightest member of the family, it is also the highest in sound. The range of a violin is in the treble clef, from G3-A7
• The viola, which can be between 15″ and 18″, is constructed much like a violin, but is slightly larger and heavier The viola has an alto voice, ranging from C3-E6
• The cello is so large and heavy that it is played while resting on the ground. It is in the bass clef, an octave lower than the viola, with a range from C2-C6
• The double bass is so big that it’s often larger than the person playing it! It’s the biggest and lowest-pitched stringed instrument in a modern orchestra, with a range from C2-C5

Once you imagine all four members of the violin family in a row, from smallest and highest to largest and lowest, it’s easier to understand how the violin and the viola relate to each other. Specifically:

• The viola is larger than a violin
• The viola is heavier than a violin
• The viola is lower in range than a violin
• The viola has thicker strings than a violin
• The violin has a steeper arch in the bridge than a viola

To hear the difference between a violin and a viola, check out this video:

Is Viola Deeper Than Violin?

Yes, a viola is deeper than a violin. A viola has an alto voice, with a deeper, mellower sound than a violin. Plus the viola’s strings are thicker.

What clef does viola play in?

The voice of a viola will go deeper because its intended range is in the Alto clef. Conversely, the violin’s voice goes above middle C in the treble clef.

Another simpler way to to look at it is, the viola can play lower than a violin, but there is a good amount of overlap in both of their ranges.

In orchestration, violas often provide more rhythmic and harmonic elements compared to the vioiin’s melodic and lyrical lines.

Additionally, symphonic ensembles will typically have two violin sections versus one viola section.

Which is Easier Violin or Viola?

The truth is, both a violin and a viola have ways in which they are easier and ways in which they are harder for a beginner to learn.

• A viola is easier to learn than a violin because music written for a viola is simpler and less complicated
• For those smaller in stature, a viola may be harder to learn than a violin because the instrument and the bow are larger and heavier. Your hands have further to travel, your arm has more weight to support, and your fingers have to press harder on the strings. It requires more strength and endurance in the body
• A viola is easier to learn than a violin because the larger bow and instrument require less precision for beginners.
• A viola is harder to learn than a violin because most music for the viola is written in the alto clef, which isn’t used by many instruments. Even if you already know how to read music, you will need to adjust for the viola

Aside from the key difference in physical strength and endurance, the process of learning to play the violin versus viola is very similar.

Does Viola or Violin Appeal to Your Tastes?

When trying to choose whether to learn the violin or the viola, it’s a good idea to ask yourself:

• What kind of music do you like? The viola is essential for string quartets and chamber music, and is often used in classical, folk, Celtic, blues, and jazz music. The violin is a more diverse instrument, used in nearly every genre of music
• Which sound do you prefer? Some people love the smooth, rich tones of a viola, which sings in the range of a human voice. Some people love the high, clear notes of a violin. Choose the instrument that sounds best to you
• What kind of personality are you? Violinists are the “lead guitarists” of an orchestra. They have spectacular solos, soaring arpeggios, and a huge range of complicated, difficult, virtuoso music to play. Violas are more understated. They tend to play harmony, rather than the melody. There is less music written for the viola, and even fewer solos. The viola seldom takes center stage and commands attention. If you crave the spotlight, the violin is probably the better instrument for you. However, because the viola is a less commonly played instrument, there is less competition and it may be easier to find work

Are Violin and Viola Bows the Same?

There is a difference between a violin bow from a viola bow. Viola bows tend to have a weight ranging between 69 and 74 grams, or 2.4 and 2.6 ounces.

Violin bows on the other hand are lighter, up to 10 grams lighter on average compared to viola bows. The lighter violin bow contributes to the brighter sound the violin produces.

The viola bow being larger, requires more weight to produce sound from the relatively larger viola strings.

Additionally, viola bow frogs generally have a slight curve, whereas violin bows have straight ninety degree edges. This also has an affect on how the player draws the bow across the strings, which in turn influences how the instrument sounds.

Can Violinists Play Viola?

Yes, violinists play viola, and vice versa. The instruments, body position, fingering techniques, and music are similar enough that an experienced player can switch back and forth.

In fact, many violin instructors recommend that beginning violin players practice often with a viola, because playing the larger, heavier instrument builds strength and endurance that makes the violin easier.

Can You Teach Yourself Viola?

With time and dedication, you can teach yourself viola using the excellent information and resources available online. There are apps, YouTube channels, online instructors, books, and many other resources available to help you learn to play the viola.

However, it is always a good idea to use an online lesson platform, or tutor or instructor, who can give you real-time feedback, at least in the beginning.

Learning the viola requires the correct posture and finger techniques, bow positions, and other small factors that can be difficult to notice and master by yourself.

It is always a good idea to have that kind of feedback and correction early in your viola lessons, so that you don’t develop bad habits that are later more difficult to get rid of.

Why is the Violin Better Than the Viola?

Despite the huge number of viola jokes, the violin is not better than the viola, although it is more popular. Historically, the viola was a large, heavy instrument that was physically awkward to play.

Because it was physically difficult, the music written for viola was simpler and easier, to avoid fatiguing the player. The lower tones of a viola don’t lend themselves to solos, because the instrument doesn’t project its sound as well as a violin or a cello, so fewer composers wrote music for the viola.

This led to a reputation among orchestras of violas being an instrument that is easy to play, and violists as being lazy. Historically, the violinists are the sopranos of the orchestral world, and have a “diva”-like reputation, and they frequently teased violists.

However, many composers, including Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Dvorak, and Mendelssohn were themselves viola players who appreciated the sound and difficulty of the instrument, writing interesting music for it.

In the 20th century, when the viola became closer to being standardized in size and therefore physically easier to play, and modern technologies overcame some of the acoustic challenges of the viola, then more and more complex, interesting, beautiful music was created for the viola.

Today, while some of the jokes persist, the viola is a more respected instrument that has earned its place on the stage. Just listen to Rebecca Clarke’s gorgeous Viola Sonata for an example.

In Closing, Violin and Viola are Similar, Yet Very Different

If you are considering learning either the violin or the viola, listen to both of them and choose which one appeals to you more. Both instruments are beautiful, with their own unique sound and role to play in a piece of music.

The good news is, once you can play one of them, you will find it extremely easy to play the other, so it doesn’t have to be a final decision. Learning either one is a great pathway to being able to play both, and have access to a wider range of musical voices and expressions.

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The Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin In Review: Is It The Best Outfit For Novices?

Apprentice Outfit ratings at a glance:

Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit

Overview of the Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin

The Apprentice Violin Outfit is one of Fiddlerman’s most popular entry-level violin outfits due to its affordable pricing and high-quality playing accessories. It also competes directly with one of Fiddlerman’s better Concert series, at least in terms of sound and tuning retention.

Yet it is a limited violin in terms of how long you can play on it before you need something better to improve sound and get more longevity out of an instrument.

Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin

Who is the Apprentice Outfit for?

If not already evident from its name, the Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin is a must-have for beginners. It can be used at all ages, since it comes in the four standard sizes from 4/4 to ¼. Therefore, it’s suitable for the youngest practitioners too.

The violin caters to players with limited budgets and those just learning or still learning the instrument. It’s a first violin but not a second violin as it offers very little as a transitional instrument.

And since this is a complete outfit, it clearly works for anyone that doesn’t have a case or bow lying around.

What’s Included in the Fiddlerman Apprentice Outfit?

Although it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of many beginner violin kits, the Fiddlerman Apprentice Outfit does have everything you need to start learning the instrument; a quality carbon fiber bow is included.

A case with multiple pockets and compartments is also included. The case features enough straps for ensuring a snug fit. Fiddlerman also adds their own rosin, practice mute, polishing cloth, and shoulder rest, along with the strings.

But only the 4/4 style outfit comes with Fiddlerman strings as fractional sizes feature Prelude strings.

Review of the Apprentice Outfit Features

• Carbon fiber bow
• Hard case for storage and travel
• Five years minimum dried wood
• Fiddlerman strings

The Apprentice Violin is a reliable starter instrument for players of all ages. Its measurements are accurate and ensure a comfortable feel and ease when it comes to learning proper techniques.

Although it lacks resonance and projection, the violin makes up for that with great tuning retention and impressive build quality for its price range. It also helps that the outfit containing the violin is rounded-up by very good accessories.

For example, the carbon fiber bow is strong and responsive and much better than the common Brazilwood bows, typical at this price point. Even the Siberian horsehair is smooth and forgiving enough.

The shoulder rest seems comfortable enough and is a lot more durable than most plastic alternatives. Even the wood, dried for five years, is a surprising addition in a budget-friendly student violin outfit.

But all things considered, it’s the price point that makes the Fiddlerman Apprentice such a good choice for a wide range of players.

The quality is there, even though it’s not backed by the same lifetime structural warranty of Fiddlerman’s more expensive violins. That said, this isn’t something intended for long-term use.

You should also understand that although the Apprentice model does have a good default setup, the tuning needs some adjusting.

Since a metronome isn’t included, you can mark time with a smartphone app. The fiddle even comes with a professional-looking varnish, which also adds value to the outfit as a whole.

What to Expect Out of the Box

This violin requires some additional tuning out of the box. It may also require more attention to the bridge so that it doesn’t fall off.

Unlike more expensive Fiddlerman models, the Apprentice needs more consistent servicing.

Fiddlerman Aprentice Violin Review Key Points:

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Alternatives to Compare

Final Thoughts on the Fiddlerman Apprentice Outfit

Between its features and accessories, the Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit could be the go-to choice for any beginner. It comes in all four standard sizes and therefore caters to novice players of all ages.

The fact that Fiddlerman uses higher quality materials even in this entry-level violin series is most impressive and offers even more value for money.

The fingerboard is smooth and easy to follow and the superior bow quality should give this beginner violin the edge over many similarly priced competitors.

Of course, barring the lack of a tuner, which Fiddlerman rarely offers anyway, having all the necessary playing and practice accessories, including a hard case, make the Apprentice a value pick.

Check Today’s Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit Price! >>

Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

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Fiddlerman Master Violin In Review: Is It The Right Premium Instrument For You?

Overview of the Fiddlerman Master Violin

The Fiddlerman Master Violin is built with premium woods. It’s also a newer model and dubbed by many as the obvious next step over the Artist series.

It’s more than a transitional instrument – it’s an affordable premium quality instrument for serious violinists.

Who is this violin best suited for?

It’s not in the nature of the Fiddlerman Master Violin to be forgiving by any means. As such, this is an instrument best-suited for those who already have a firm grasp over proper playing technique.

It’s also a pricier violin outfit so it doesn’t make much sense as a first violin; it’s better as a second purchase.

Due to its overall build and sound quality, it’s appropriate for someone that needs a violin to play live or record with.

Given its projection and response, it’s also a good fit for those who want or need a louder instrument.

What’s Included in the Master Violin Outfit?

This outfit comes with a 4/4 style Master violin, either Kaplan Amo or Thomastik Vision strings and a high-end Fiddlerman Oblong Case.

A carbon fiber bow is also included, with Mongolian horse hair for better tone and longevity.

Among the rest of the accessories you’ll also find a polishing cloth, shoulder rest, an Ultra Practice Mute, and a Holstein violin rosin.

Features

• Kaplan Amo and Thomastik Vision strings
• Premium bridge
• Wood dried for at least 10 years
• Perfect measurements and sizing

After all is said and done, the Fiddlerman Master Violin is one of the best in its price range. The quality of craftsmanship is top-notch, something that’s made clear in the feel and sound of the violin.

Although the outfit doesn’t offer many size options as other Fiddlerman series, the 4/4 style violin has very accurate measurements for string height, separation, etc.

Among its standout features is the detail and quality of the bridge. Depending on the size of the violin this will be either an Aubert Mirecourt Deluxe or a French Despiau 3-tree. Both high-end choices that you normally see in more expensive violins.

The outfit as a whole has some interesting accessories too, starting with the bow. This features durable Mongolian horsehair that facilitates a smoother play style and very rich tone. Ideal if you don’t like your violin sounding too bright, as most student models do.

The case is very durable, and its compartments ensure a snug fit for everything you put inside. Even better, the case also features a hygrometer. Therefore, you’re always alerted if the violin isn’t stored in optimal conditions.

Even the shoulder rest and chin rest have a much nicer feel and make it easier to maintain a proper posture during longer playing sessions.

Of course, as many other high-end Fiddlerman outfits, the Master violin also comes with high-grade carbon fiber tailpiece, a big step up from the much more common Brazilwood tailpiece.

The tuning retention is also impressive to say the least, although to be expected in this price range.

Using the Fiddlerman Master Violin

One of the best things about the Master Violin is that it requires little to no adjustments and tuning out of the box.

You can just take it out and play it in your preferred style, enjoy its loud and clear projection, and smooth fingerboard.

Fiddlerman Master Violin Review Key Points:

Alternatives to Consider

Final Thoughts on the Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit

The Fiddlerman Master Violin is a great choice for a second violin and a good gift for anyone serious of perfecting their craft. This outfit doesn’t just include one of Fiddlerman’s better violins for advanced players but also premium-quality accessories.

The robust travel case, the included hygrometer, the bow with Mongolian horse hair and superior strength – these are all hallmarks of a well-balanced high-quality bundle.

Even the choice of strings is spot on, and the precision of the measurements leaves nothing to chance.

Although it offers little use for beginners, players with a good grasp of technique and posture can experience a massive jump in tonal quality and projection from playing on other similarly priced violins.

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Common Questions About Learning Violin

The violin is often ranked as one of the most difficult instruments to learn, for good reason. The violin may only have four strings, but it requires much more precision and accuracy than many other instruments.

But is it impossible? How hard is it to learn to play the violin? Let’s find out!

Can Adults Learn Violin?

Yes, adults can learn to play the violin! In many ways, learning to play a musical instrument is very similar to learning a second language, and the natural adaptability of a child’s brain makes both new languages and new instruments easier.

However, it is never too late to start learning how to play the violin, and in fact, studies show that adults can gain important social, motor, and even cognitive skills when they take up an instrument.

Is Violin Harder to Learn Than Guitar?

Generally speaking, yes, the violin is more difficult to learn than the guitar. The violin has several factors that make it a difficult instrument to learn.

Playing Posture

The guitar has a more relaxed, less structured playing posture than the violin.

Frets

The guitar has frets, so it’s easier to learn where to place your fingers.

Sound

It’s fairly easy to play a simple song that sounds good on the guitar with very little practice. The violin can sound terrible when played without a lot of study.

Choice of Music

The guitar lends itself to a huge range of music, from simple camp and folk songs to rock, classical, blues, jazz, and everything in between.

The violin is usually used in fewer styles of music, and a lot of the music written for the violin is extremely difficult and complex.

However, the violin has smaller strings that are easier to press, and it’s a more compact, portable instrument, so it’s not all bad news.

Can the Violin Be Self-Taught?

Well, that depends on what you mean by “self-taught.” A person can often sit down at a piano for the first time and tap out a simple tune by ear, but this cannot be done with the violin.

The beginner needs to understand the correct posture and hand positions, and how to use the instrument correctly: it’s not simple and intuitive.

But if you mean “self-taught” with the use of online lessons, video tutorials, and books, then the answer is yes. There are a number of online resources that help a beginner learn to play the violin, and they can be helpful for teaching yourself.

However, professional and personalized instruction, even if it’s online, is much faster and more effective.

Having a violin teacher or tutor can help a beginner make progress more quickly and avoid frustration, which can improve motivation and help you stick with the instrument and learn it better.

How Many Hours a Day Should I Practice Violin?

To make real progress in learning the violin, it’s best to practice for 90-120 minutes a day. There is no instrument that anyone can learn well without practice, and you never outgrow practice. Even professional violin players practice every day.

The need to invest so much time in practice is most adult’s biggest barrier toward learning the violin.

Many people simply don’t have two hours a day for practice on top of all the other things they need to do in a day. There are some ways to modify violin practice and make it more efficient so it can fit into a busy schedule.

Here are some suggestions for optimizing violin practice:

• Set aside 30-60 minutes at least three times a week, but set aside 90-120 minutes twice a week
• Shorten some of your practice sessions by omitting automatic, repeated activities like scales and basic exercises
• During shorter sessions, choose a narrow focus and concentrate on it. Go slowly, concentrate, and listen to your playing. Go back and repeat it with your attention
• Set specific, written goals for your shorter practice sessions. You may decide to perfect a piece of music, master a particular technique, or craft your own expression of a known piece

Keeping your mind and body focused and engaged for the entire duration of shorter practice sessions, rather than simply filling time with repetition, makes shorter sessions more productive and help you learn more efficiently.

There are several online videos that can guide you through shorter practices, like this step by step method below:

How Long Does it Take to Learn to Play the Violin?

The amount of time it takes to learn to play the violin is different for everyone. It depends on how easily you learn, how good your instruction is, how much you practice, and what your musical goals are.

If you want to learn some fun and simple songs to play around a campfire with your friends and dedicate a lot of time and energy toward learning, you can achieve that in less than a year.

If you want to join a band and play professionally, it may take three to five years. If you want to play in an orchestra, it may take decades.

Recommended online service for learning violin:

RedDesertViolin.com

If you’re looking for a traditional teaching approach from a down-to-earth instructor, then Lora Staples from Red Desert Violin is your best choice.

Trial Available? – Yes!

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The Cremona SV-150 Premier Student Violin In Review: A Great 3/4 Outfit for Younger Students

SV-150 Outfit Ratings at a Glance:

Cremona SV-150 Premier Student Violin Outfit

Cremona SV-150 Student Violin Outfit Overview

The Cremona SV-150 3/4 violin outfit is a complete kit for students. It comes with excellent craftsmanship, a great feel, and very precise string spacing, among other features.

It’s a violin suitable for learning the basics, yet one that performs outside its price range and caters to intermediate and advanced violinists as well. You can learn and master technique on this instrument while also experiencing a fine sound quality.

Who is the SV-150 for?

The SV-150 3/4 size violin can be a great gift for kids serious about studying the violin. The target audience is children between the ages of 9-12 or players with an arm length up to 22”.

It’s most accommodating for the younger audience. And the set is also affordable, therefore, a solid choice for budget-minded buyers. This may also be a better option for those looking at practice violins that sound good and retain their value over time.

What’s Included with the Cremona SV-150 Student Outfit?

The SV-150 set comes with D’Addario Prelude strings. It also features boxwood pegs, a composite tailpiece, and standard smooth-action tuners. Of course, a case is also included (the TL-33 Travelite) and a LB-15 bow, as this is a complete violin set.

That said, this set lacks certain quality-of-life accessories that other beginners may find necessary or appealing. This kit doesn’t come with spare accessories or with a tuner or beginner lessons book.

SV-150 Student Violin Outfit Features

• Precise craftsmanship
• Solid maple body
• Quality pegs and tuners
• 3/4 size for kids
• Comes with all accessories
• Decent chinrest design

Cremona’s craftsmanship is well-known and it’s one of the main reasons why the SV-150 3/4 set is such a good seller. It’s rare that violins for kids come as durable as this one, since they’re not intended for long-term use.

The use of solid tonewoods makes this a well-rounded instrument and also improves the sound quality. The top is made of solid spruce and the back and sides are maple. Ebony is used for the fingerboard and boxwood for the fittings.

It’s worth noting that the violin isn’t very loud. But it’s not a major drawback since it’s a practice violin. The composite tailpiece is also durable, and the design of the chinrest is comfortable. The built-in tuners are good quality and help with the tuning retention.

One of the things that may not please everyone is the finish. The antique finish has an interesting look, but it makes the instrument look cheaper than it is. The accessories, on the other hand, look attractive and are high-quality.

The case offers very good protection when traveling with the violin and the bow is more than enough for practicing technique and less complex music. It’s also comfortable to hold and use, especially for kids with smaller hands.

The bow is of Brazilwood and horsehair. It’s very similar to others in this price range yet doesn’t have anything that truly sets it apart in terms of quality or durability. However, it works well with the SV-150 and Prelude strings since it helps bring out the bright tone of the violin.

How to Use the SV-150 Violin

Playing the Cremona SV-150 violin isn’t difficult. The chinrest allows for a multitude of postures when playing. And since the violin comes already stringed, all there’s left to do is use a tuner to make sure the violin is in tune.

Cremona SV-150 Violin Outfit Review Key Points:

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Final Thoughts On The Cremona SV-150 Premiere Violin Outfit

The Cremona SV-150 student violin offers every style choice you may need. The kits always come complete with all the accessories to start playing after unboxing.

Quality is evident from just feeling the instrument, due to the excellent wood choices and craftsmanship.

Yet the SV-150 isn’t known as a loud violin or one with a balanced tone. It’s quite bright and not particularly loud in volume. If you’re looking for something with more power, there are alternatives that come with more accessories.

The price to performance ratio is solid, especially given the much longer lifespan and better resale value of the SV-150.

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The Fiddlerman OB1 In Review: One of the Best Built Violins for Beginners

OB1 Violin Outfit ratings at a glance:

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

Fiddlerman OB1 Overview

The craftsmanship on the OB1 is nothing short of impressive, given its very low-entry cost. Although it comes in limited sizes, the OB1 is a staple for learning the very basics of playing the fiddle from a very young age.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin

Who is the OB1 for?

The Fiddlerman OB1 outfit is for very young students. Its 1/4 and 1/8 sizes cater to those between the ages of two and seven. This makes it a good choice for any parent that wants to start their kids learning a prestigious and complex instrument very early.

It’s also a solid choice if money is an issue, as the OB1 outfit is among the cheapest entry-level violin kits. The violin is also good for those without any musical or violin experience; because it’s so well-adjusted from the factory, it won’t need additional fiddling at home or immediate teacher input.

What’s Included with the Fiddlerman OB1 Outfit?

Fiddlerman does a good job of creating violin outfits that have everything you need for playing and practicing. Yet this kit lacks two accessories in the form of a chromatic tuner/metronome and an Ultra Practice Mute. The latter isn’t available for 1/4 and 1/8 OB1 violins.

That said, the outfit comes with a good quality bow, a lightweight oblong case, Fiddlerman rosin, shoulder rest, and even a polishing cloth.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

OB1 Violin Outfit Features

• Carbon fiber bow
• Lightweight and sturdy case
• Great default adjustments
• Good tuning retention
• Decent projection

It’s not often that you get to say many good things of such an inexpensive violin, and the Fiddlerman OB1 is inexpensive, whether you get it alone or as part of the OB1 outfit.

As an entry-level fiddle for kids as young as 2 years old, it sounds better than expected and feels very smooth.

The violin also comes with either Prelude or Fiddlerman strings and meets NAfME and Suzuki student standards. The accuracy in measurements is also spot-on, something that makes this a comfortable instrument to play with very small hands.

Even the wood has been dried for at least 4 years, which is another trademark of a quality fiddle. It gives the little instrument durability and enough volume for its size.

Also worth praising is the use of carbon fiber for the bow as opposed to Brazilwood. The tailpiece is also carbon and features four built-in fine tuners for quick and accurate adjustments.

The French Despiau bridge is a nice touch, although it does have a tendency to come loose at times. But all things considered, it also helps novice players understand the hardware of the violin and how to service it too.

The pegs, fittings, and fingerboard are all made of ebony. A nice touch in terms of style that also improves the playing comfort. The Fiddlerman premium wood shoulder rest is another nice addition that takes some of the load off the violin and allows for practicing in longer sessions.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Review Key Points:

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Final Thoughts On The OB1 Violin Outfit

There isn’t much one can argue against the Fiddlerman OB1 violin, especially as part of its own outfit. The violin itself sounds very good for its intended purpose, even though it clearly lacks projection over its more expensive competitors.

The feel of the fingerboard is as smooth as they come, and the tuning retention should really help beginners. There’s also a lot of value in the carbon fiber bow and the lightweight yet sturdy storage case, which even contains a thermometer to help gauge storage conditions.

All in all, the OB1 is a very good starter instrument for kids between two and seven years old. But it’s also an instrument that quickly loses value as kids tend to outgrow it fast in both size and technique. Luckily, it maintains a good resale value because of its build quality.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

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Five Essential Steps To Taking Care Of Your Violin

The violin really is a work of art with a timeless sound. They’ve been around since the 1530s, and they’re still used across many modern genres and film scores today.

And like a work of art, a good violin can grow in value over time. Which is why learning how to take care of it is essential in protecting its value and timeless sound.

Keep in mind though, a violin is also an extremely fragile musical instrument. There are so many factors that can negatively impact the sound of a violin, such as temperature changes, physical damages, improper cleaning techniques, and dangerous commercial cleaners.

Which is why we’ve created 5 essential steps to ensuring your violin is well protected.

1. Consistently wipe your violin.
2. Get a good violin case.
3. Control the temperature of your case.
4. Avoid harmful violin cleaning products.
5. Visit a luthier once a year.

By following these 5 steps, you’ll ensure the sound of your instrument is well preserved. And the thought of someone playing your violin a few hundred years from now is pretty surreal and exciting!

1. Consistently Wipe Your Violin

Creating a simple habit of cleaning your violin after each practice is probably the most important thing you can do to protect your violin.

It may seem like a small and insignificant step, but the vast majority of violins that lose their quality sound is due to inconsistent cleaning.

By not cleaning the violin, rosin dust starts to build and solidify. Resulting in white patches of residue that impacts the varnish and sound of your violin.

We suggest using two pieces of microfiber cleaning cloth. One for wiping the rosin, and one for wiping the rest of the violin. Try not to use one cleaning cloth for wiping everything.

Because when you wipe the rosin dust, you could spread it to other parts of the violin if you’re using the same piece of cloth.

2. Get A Good Violin Case

A good violin case does two things. It protects your violin from physical damage, and it protects your violin from harmful temperatures.

Now there’s quite a lot of information when it comes to finding a good violin case. So we suggest checking out this violin case buyer’s guide. But here are a few quick tips on finding a good case.

• Avoid cases with no brand names. There’s a reason these companies don’t want to build a reputation!
• A great case is protective, durable, lightweight, and temperature-resistant. However, having all 4 components can be pricy. To work within a budget, consider the top 2 to 3 components that are most important to you.
• Wooden cases can be heavy, but they’re also more temperature-resistant than most modern cases.
• Carbon fiber cases are light and protective. But they also heat up very quickly under the sun. They’re not ideal for hot climates.
• Hardshell cases like fiberglass are more water-resistant than canvas cover and foam cases.
• Any carbon fiber or fiberglass case under $150 is probably not real (as in they use paper-thin materials). You’re better off getting a $100 wooden case.
• Contoured cases are light, compact, and easy to carry. But a lot of them don’t have space for sheet music or shoulder rests.
• Cases with removable accessory pouches can be very useful! You can bring all your accessories with you to your music stand.

3. Control The Temperature Of Your Case

One of the most overlooked aspects of protecting your violin is temperature control. Dangerous temperatures and humidity levels can have a huge impact on your violin.

If it’s too dry, the wood of your violin can crack. If it’s too humid, the wood of your violin can expand, thus warping the sound, along with making the pegs impossible to turn.

As mentioned before, a good case can definitely help. But if you’re in a location where humidity levels can range between 50% to 90%, there’s only so much a case can do.

The ideal humidity range for violins is between 45% and 55%. A good humidity kit will ensure that the internal humidity of your case is well regulated.

4. Avoid Harmful Violin Cleaning Products

As mentioned in step 1, cleaning your violin with a cleaning cloth after you practice each time is crucial. Because it also lessens the need for using violin cleaning products.

Many commercial cleaners do more harm than good. They’re often made of alcohol, oils, and other solvents that do a good job of removing rosin residue, but they also remove and damage the violin’s varnish.

Some commercial oils also give your violin a nice shine. However, those oils often sit on top of the rosin dust, making the instrument even harder to clean after the oil has been applied.

However, there are definitely good violin cleaning product kits out there too. Ones that an experienced luthier would use him or herself – which brings us to step 5.

5. Visit A Luthier Once A Year

Visiting a luthier once a year is the best way to ensure your violin is still in good health, even if you constantly clean your violin and make sure it’s well protected with a good case.

Experienced luthiers can take preventive measures to make sure your violin’s sound is well preserved. They can also clean your violin using the cleaning solutions they know and trust.

Plus they have the experience of knowing just how much cleaning solution to use. After all, they’re the ones that are checking and fixing violins on a daily basis!

Final Thoughts on Taking Care of Your Violin

Taking good care of your violin is really about the simple daily habits you create. In fact, you should be trying your best to avoid “fixing” your violin.

Too often we see violinists with months of rosin residue buildup on their instruments resorting to “the best” cleaning solutions and polishes to instantly clean their violins.

But this method causes more harm than good, and it can be easily avoided just by wiping your instrument after each time you practice.

You also want to protect your violin from external forces that are out of your control. Such as someone tripping over your case or inclement weather.

Which is why you need a protective, durable, and temperature-resistant violin case. Along with some humidity control packs if you’re living in more extreme climates.

And lastly, visiting the luthier is like visiting your doctor. It’s important for your instrument to get an annual checkup just to get a professional’s opinion on how well it’s being taken care of.