Let’s see if we have the answers you’re looking for.

What is a Good Price for a Beginner Violin?

A good price for a beginner violin is only a guess if you don’t know what to look for. Is it a hundred dollars? Five hundred dollars? Or two or three thousand dollars?

The answer is actually somewhere in the middle.

Depending on where it’s made, the price for a good quality, new violin outfit for a beginner should be between $400 and $700.

Of course there are decent starter violins that are much less expensive, and we’ve reviewed many of them, but for those who are more serious about purchasing a better-made violin, the mid-hundreds offers the best range of quality instruments.

There are underlying details that influence the price of a good beginner violin: the cost of raw materials, the cost of labor to craft the instrument, and what the manufacturer thinks is a reasonable profit on top of those costs.

For example, due to higher wages and material costs, good quality student violins traditionally made in Europe will be a little more expensive, ranging between $600 and $900.

5 Major Factors That Affect How Much A Good Beginner Violin Costs

1. The Brand

A reputable, well-established violin brand has a lot at stake when they attach their name to an instrument.

Compared to brands that are interested in quick profits only, better companies rely on happy referrals, good reviews and repeat sales.

Though reputable brands may not manufacture their own violins directly, they will partner with factories that are known for producing better quality violins.

Maintaining high quality control standards is a key factor. And that covers every step of the manufacturing process from the quality of source materials to final inspection.

Lesser companies may offer a cheaper violin at a lower price tag, but it can come at the cost of reduced quality and customer service.

Is a Setup Included?

Believe it or not, a good setup is a huge factor in whether you (the end user) will be able to fully enjoy the violin – or not!

In other words, a setup will make sure the instrument is fully playable and trouble free for the owner.

Because violins are a stringed instrument under pressure and usually made from natural materials that are sensitive to temperature, they require certain adjustments to work properly.

The setup process on its own is a very detailed process that requires a lot of skill and finesse, and as a separate service, can cost a significant amount of money.

Purchasing a violin that comes with a complete setup, ready to play out of the box makes for an excellent deal and is definitely money well spent.

What About Warranty?

How much you spend on a violin will also depend on the quality of care from the manufacturer.

As mentioned, better brands will take care of their customers with a solid warranty and customer service after the purchase.

Do Violin Reviews Matter?

If you’re buying your first violin, you’re probably trying to find out what others think about instruments that meet, or seem to meet your needs.

Violin reviews go a long way in validating your decision on a particular purchase.

Moreover, the number of reviews can be a very strong indicator to the popularity of a particular violin model within a certain price range.

For example, a violin that has a relatively high number of positive reviews will be a safer choice over an instrument with only a few reviews and little history.

To help you make better decisions, the team at NewViolinist.com carefully researches the best violins at various price points to make sure they’re the best possible fit at a given price.

Recommended Beginner Violins

Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit

(5 / 5)

Current Price: $449

Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit

Includes:

• Solid-carved slightly flamed spruce and maple tonewoods
• 100% ebony fingerboard, pegs & fittings
• Carbon tailpiece with 4 fine tuners
• Hand-carved French Despiau or Holstein 1-star Bridge
• Spirit-based durable dark brown finish (no thick lacquer)
• Wood dried a minimum of 5 years
• Case: Sturdy light weight high-quality oblong violin case
• Bow: Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
• Shoulder Rest: Wood Violin Shoulder Rest
• Rosin: Select Dark Rosin
• Mute: Rubber Practice Mute
• Cloth: Polishing Cloth
• Tuner: Digital Tuner AV10
• Full Setup: ready to play out of the box

(Available in multiple sizes)

Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit

(5 / 5)

Current Price: $519

Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit

Features

• Solid hand-carved, beautifully figured spruce and maple tonewoods
• 100% ebony fingerboard, pegs & fittings
• Carbon composite tailpiece with 4 fine tuners
• Hand-carved Despiau or Holstein 1-star Bridge
• Hand-rubbed, oil/spirit-based finish (no thick lacquer)
• Antiqued wood – dried a minimum of 6 years
• Case: Sturdy light weight high-quality FC30 oblong violin case
• Bow: Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
• Shoulder Rest: Wood Violin Shoulder Rest
• Rosin: Select Dark Rosin
• Mute: Rubber Practice Mute (not available for 1/2 and smaller sizes)
• Cloth: Polishing Cloth
• Tuner: Digital Tuner AV10
• Full Setup: ready to play out of the box

(Available in multiple sizes)

Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit

(5 / 5)

Current Price: $719

Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit

Features

• Solid hand-carved, figured spruce and maple tonewoods
• 100% ebony fingerboard & pegs 
• Carbon composite tailpiece with 4 fine tuners 
• Hand-carved French Despiau or Holstein 3-star Bridge
• Hand-rubbed, oil/spirit-based finish (no thick lacquer)
• Antiqued wood – dried a minimum of 7 years
• Only available with a 2-piece back
• Case: High Quality Oblong Violin Case FC50
• Bow: Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
• Shoulder Rest: Wood Violin Shoulder Rest
• Rosin: Holstein Premium Rosin
• Mute: Rubber Practice Mute (not available for 1/2 and smaller sizes)
• Cloth: Polishing Cloth
• Tuner: Digital Tuner AV10

(Available in multiple sizes)

2. Build Quality

The price of a new violin can be directly related to its build quality: the materials used and the experience and training of the craftsmen and luthiers that put it together.

The overall price of a violin is influenced by such things as:

• The quality of the top, back, sides, neck and bow materials
• The type of material used for the fittings – bridge, pegs, tailpiece, chinrest etc
• The type of finish – lacquer, varnish, oil rub, or synthetic clear coat
• The manufacturing methods and experience of the builder

How The Violin is Made

These days, modern manufacturing methods such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a popular way of reducing costs by controlling time and materials through precision programming.

This is not to say violins are now entirely made by machine. But the fact is nothing beats the hands-on involvement of experienced violin makers.

In other words, the more personal attention to detail a violin gets, the more expensive the instrument will ultimately be.

Materials and Finish

Violins are traditionally made from natural materials such as:

• Spruce for the top (usually one piece) and soundpost
• Maple for the back, sides and bridge
• Ebony or Rosewood for the fittings

The type of finish has an influence on the cost of a new violin as well.

For example, a oil rub finish may be extremely attractive, but takes considerable human effort and time to apply.

On the other hand, a synthetic varnish is cheaper and can be sprayed on quickly which reduces working time and overall production costs.

The one thing we can’t manufacture, as in the case of Stradivari violins, is time.

Plastic vs Wood

It’s pretty safe to say that a violin that has plastic parts will be less expensive versus an instrument that has traditional wood (ebony or rosewood) fittings.

The same goes for the case if it’s included. With cases, man made materials are often used to keep price points at certain levels – and with very good cost-effective results.

Furthermore, violins, parts, bows and cases can be made of carbon composite materials making an excellent modern substitute for parts that would traditionally be made of wood.

The difference in price will depend again on the manufacturer and their level of quality.

3. The Size

To a degree, the size of the violin will have an impact on the overall cost. The major influence on price being related to material costs more than anything else.

For instance, a 1/10 size violin is about two thirds the size of full size 4/4 violin. Therefor there are less overall materials used to make the violin, plus other components directly related to size such as the case and the bow.

On the other hand, the time and effort to bring all the pieces together, craft the instrument, package and ship it are about the same – regardless of violin size.

4. Accessories and Inclusions

Compared to purchasing just the violin on its own, it makes much more sense for a new violinist to buy a an outfit that has all the essential items needed to get a good start.

The overall price of the outfit will depend on the quality of the instrument, along with the related quality, type and number of accessories included.

At the very least, a the most basic violin kit should have the violin itself, a bow and rosin.

Additional accessories typically found in a violin outfit can include:

• Case
• Rosin
• Extra strings
• Hygrometer
• Extra bow
• Mute
• Cleaning cloth
• Tuner
• Chin rest
• Shoulder rest
• Educational materials

Unless it’s included, purchasing any additional violin accessory on its own will undoubtedly increase your overall cost.

Therefor it makes sense that selecting an outfit that includes as many of the essential accessories that meet your needs makes for an overall better buy.

5. Where You Buy It

If you’re reading this you’re probably familiar with how easy it is to find a source for purchasing a violin – whether new or used.

Online shops and services allow you the freedom of doing your own research on your own time, but also deliver an extraordinary number of choices to try and filter through.

Unless you have a very clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can get lost in the process of trying to decide if what you’re about to spend on a beginner violin is a good deal or not.

The alternative is to visit a local music store that sells violins and see if they have what you’re looking for.

While this is the best option for hands-on inspection, you may be faced with limited options, price points and, depending on the shop, varying degrees of expertise with violins.

Depending on what your primary motivations are – cost vs quality, we can make some recommendations.

If you’re more concerned about price point, online outlets such as eBay and Amazon would be good places to start.

The strength of eBay is in the variety of what you can find: new, used, unique, vintage, one-of-a-kinds and hard to find parts.

Amazon on the other hand, being one of the largest online retailers on earth, is also known for its customer review system – which is massive.

If your primary concern is quality and longevity, there are excellent online stores that specialize in violins and related stringed instruments such as violas, cellos and double basses.

Without a doubt, our favorite recommendation would be Fiddlershop.com, well-know for their extraordinary customer service and broad selection of violins and outfits at virtually evry price point and for all skill levels.

Other Common Questions and Violin Price Ranges

Should a beginner buy an expensive violin?

Choosing a high quality violin will always be the better choice. If you have the budget, a well made violin that comes ready-to-play will help you get started on the right foot. And help you avoid the disappointment that comes from problems associated with inferior instruments.

How much should I pay for my first violin?

As mentioned previously, a good quality starter violin will range between four hundred and seven hundred dollars.

Of course there are cheaper violins, and some of them are quite good quality, but your chances of finding a truly good instrument diminish as the price goes down.

How much should I pay for a violin as I get better?

Along with the beginner violin price range already mentioned, intermediate violins will slightly overlap starting at around $600 and go up to roughly $1,500 for university-grade instruments.

Depending on an individual’s expertise and experience, professional level violins can range from $2,000 up to many thousands of dollars.

At the highest artistic levels, price is less of a consideration. Instead, a seasoned musician will tend to be more concerned about the connection with a particular instrument.

Still, whether you’re just starting out or an experienced professional, the best violin for you represents a musical extension of your emotional self.

If the violin bow itself sounds scratchy, how can you make it sound better? Have you used enough rosin? Is the bow too loose or too tight?

Let’s look at how a beginning violin player can get better sound from their violin bow and get rid of the scratchy sound forever.

Does a Violin Bow Affect Sound?

Yes, the bow plays a huge role in how a violin sounds, although the strings do not. Violin bows are made of different kinds of wood, or from modern materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber, or even epoxy.

To hear the difference that different materials make in the sound of a violin, check out this excellent video from YouTuber Violin Tutor Pro.

How Do You Know if a Bow is Good Quality?

In one sense, choosing a bow is like choosing a violin: You have to choose the bow that is right for you.

Differences in weight, feel, balance, and tension are extremely subjective, and every violinist has their own preferences.

But there are some key details to look for that make the difference between a high quality bow and a poor quality bow, and they include:

Straightness

A bow needs to be absolutely straight from screw to tip. The best way to tell is to hold it directly up in front of your nose and look down along the length of the bow.

Never buy a bow that isn’t perfectly straight.

Horsehair

Look for a large quality of new horsehair, with no sign of wear.

Winding

Check that the winding is in good condition. If you have contact allergies, make sure you are not allergic to the winding material.

Material and Origin

As a rule, the most affordable bows are made in China out of carbon fiber. Higher quality bows are made in America or Europe, and typically made of wood.

The highest quality bows are made of a specific type of wood called Pernambuco, which comes from Brazil, so many excellent bows are made there.

How Much Rosin Do You Need for a Bow?

For a brand new bow, or newly cleaned strings, you need to apply 10-12 strokes of rosin to the strings. After that, 6-7 strokes of rosin will help to refresh the bow.

For a quick lesson on how to apply rosin, watch this video from Howcast.

Why Does My Violin Bow Sound Scratchy?

That “scratchy” sound can be caused by almost any flaw in the bow, the violin, or the playing technique. If you think the scratchy sound is caused by the bow, check the following:

• Rosin the bow. Often this will resolve a scratchy sound
• Too much rosin on the bow. Often this will cause a scratching sound that will go away after a few minutes of playing, as the excess rosin wears away
• Check the tension of your bow. It’s rare, but sometimes a bow will scratch when it is too loose
• Check the hair on the bow. If the hair is worn, it may need to be replaced

How Can I Make My Violin Bow Sound Better?

Every violin and every bow has a “sweet spot.” Many players spend years perfecting the tension of their bows.

Other factors include choosing the highest quality rosin, and experimenting with different types of bow materials to get the best sound from a violin bow.

The best way to make your bow sound better is to use a properly rosined and tensioned bow with good technique.

This also means holding the bow correctly and using the right amount of pressure.

Proper maintenance of the bow also helps, so have it professionally cleaned and re-haired when needed.

Use Proper Bow Technique

As mentioned, a combination of proper grip and bowing technique will go a long way in making both your bow, and your overall violin playing sound much better.

Fortunately, there are great inexpensive violin bow trainers and guides available designed to make sure your bowing technique is on point.

Using a Bow-Right Bowing Guide

Is Violin Hard to Learn?

Experts agree that yes, the violin is one of the more difficult instruments to learn.

A piano or guitar may sound nice from the first time you touch the instrument, but it takes practice to make a violin sound good.

Violin music is often more complicated and harder to learn, and violin requires more precision than other instruments. It’s an incredibly rewarding instrument to play, but it is hard to learn.

Final Thoughts

The best way to choose a bow is to buy it in person, so you can feel the weight and balance of it in your hand.

Every violinist has their own preferences, and tiny differences in how your body moves can make a big difference in the sound of your bow.

Choose a high quality bow that feels right to you, and take care of it, to get the best possible sound from your violin.

Holstein Workshop Soil Stradivarius Violin

Overall Rating: 4.7/5

We hope you find this article helpful and unbiased. By using links on this page we may receive compensation at no extra cost.

Holstein Workshop Soil Stradivarius Violin Review

In this review, we’ll analyze a finely crafted reproduction of a well-known Stradivari from 1714 named by the famous Amedee Soil. This original instrument was later acquired by the famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin.

Made to the same level of exquisite craftsmanship as other Holstein violins, the Holstein Workshop Soil Stradivarius violin feels unique as soon as you start playing it.

In particular, the Holstein workshop focuses on handcrafted violins that top others with sophistication and detail.

By choosing the best woods like 100+ year-old Bosnian maple and fine quality Italian spruce dried for more than 10 years, professional luthiers create instruments that last for generations.

Since there are no compromises on the build, the Soil Stradivarius violin’s sound is uniquely lively and resonant.

Who Is This Instrument Intended For?

For centuries, many violinists have considered the Soil Stradivarius to be among the best violins ever made. And since this signature violin has a long history of exquisite performances, its replicas are ideal for professional or semi-professional solo or string quartet performances.

Indeed, it’s a violin for well-educated violinists that know how to bring out the violin’s hidden potentials.

If you’re new to the violin, this is not a product that we would recommend. Not only because of its price, but the level of performance technique you’d have to acquire.

It’s not a forgiving instrument unless you know how to properly play it, otherwise you face the steep learning curve required to bring out the instrument’s full potential and character.

Similarly, if you’re a self-taught player or a student, it would be best to consider other violins or violin outfits to help you learn the basics.

Once you master the first few levels, that’s when you can start thinking about updating your equipment and, eventually, getting a new traditional Soil Stradivarius violin.

What’s Do You Get with the Holstein Soil Stradivarius Violin?

Most importantly, you get the Holstein certificate of authenticity that guarantees that your violin is hand-made in their select VSA award-winning workshop by a master luthier.

In the event you need a suitable violin case for it, make sure to include it in your order alongside a new bow and high-quality rosin.

Holstein Soil Stradivarius Violin Features

In terms of structure, the Holstein Soil Stradivarius violin is as mentioned made of wood dried for at least ten years.

The best types of wood are fine Italian spruce for the front and aged Bosnian maple for the violin’s back and ribs.

The fingerboard and fittings are from fine Ebony, and the Despiau “Three Tree” bridge is hand-carved to perfectly fit the instrument.

Thomastik Vision strings are a standard for premium violins, but there are other options if you want a more resonant sound.

If purchasing this violin through Fiddlershop.com, who are well-known for going the extra mile in customer service, they’ll recommend the best possible accessories to uplift your playing experience.

The violin body is light and well-balanced, and the varnish is carefully added to replicate the original, creating a similar tonal clarity.

Highlights

• Made from the finest materials
• Hand-carved and fitted Despiau bridge
• Complex and lush sound
• Impeccable fitting process
• Certificate of authenticity

Getting the Most Out of the Soil Stradivarius

Apart from some minor adjustments, your Holstein Workshop Soil violin will be ready to go, fully set up by Fiddlershop’s in-house luthier staff.

As mentioned, this is not the most forgiving instrument when it comes to technique, but it does allow you to grow and improve significantly.

With a stable chin rest, you’ll have a good posture and be able to play for hours without any back pain.

Holstein Workshop Soil Stradivarius Violin Review: Key Points

Comparable Violins for Reference

Final Thoughts on the Holstein Workshop Soil Stradivarius Violin

As our Holstein Workshop Soil Stradivarius violin review comes to a close, we’ve hopefully demonstrated that this is a premium quality instrument that excels in any performance.

Not only does it have an exquisite sound, but it outshines other instruments with its craftsmanship and durability. It offers immense value for your money, especially when you consider all the premium features from the careful choice of tonewoods to strings and fittings.

Between the beautiful body and superior sound, it would be hard to find the instrument that gives you more in its particular category.

Of course, should you want a violin with a complete outfit, you might look for other options. Indeed, every professional or advanced learner would very much enjoy practicing on this violin for hours on end.

Check Holstein Workshop Soil Stradivarius Availability >>

Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

We hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. By using links on this page we may receive compensation at no extra cost. If you do use them, thank you so much!

Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin Review

Since 1991, Ming Jiang Zhu and his workshop have been producing award winning, superior grade instruments.

Our specific Ming Jiang Zhu Model 905 is an all-around well-crafted violin – also known as Model A originating from the same renowned Ming Jiang Zhu Workshop.

Crafted with a lifetime structural warranty, this instrument can last for generations potentially becoming a treasured family instrument.

For those acquainted with the Ming Jiang Zhu workshop, the Model 905 hits a sweet spot in the 900 series of violins, balancing superior quality and workmanship with price point

This is an easy-to-play instrument fully fitted with some of the best features you can find compared to other instruments in the same category.

Our Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin review will show how this instrument helps beginner players transition into the professional world.

Who Is the MJZ 905 Violin For?

Although this is not one of the most affordable violins for beginners, it’s the right choice for intermediate and advanced learners. With clarity and richly resonant sound, it’s going to last through all the learning process stages without any enhancements.

On the other hand, if you’re a music hobbyist or a self-taught player and want to have the best instrument in your hands, this violin will improve and further develop your style.

It allows students to express their emotions while playing and enjoying its clear projection, especially in the lower register.

What Do You Get with The Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin?

This fine violin comes outfitted with Tomastik Vision strings, a Despieau or Aubert bridge, each of which work well for fast passages.

The Ming Jiang Zhu 905 violin is playable right out of the box as it comes fully set up, tuned and ready for use.

Although it does not come with a bow, there are many fine examples that can be matched to the instrument. One of the most highly recommended models is the Fiddlerman Hybrid Violin Bow. Its perfect balance of new and traditional materials provides light and easy control if a new bow is required.

It’s also important to note the 905-violin model lacks of a certificate of authenticity. Ming Jiang Zhu only provides these certificates for the 909 and higher models.

For peace of mind, ensure you’re buying the original instrument from a trusted store such as Fiddlersop.com.

Features

The MJZ 905 body is hand-made from maple and spruce that have a light wood varnish. As mentioned, the bridge is either Aubert or Despiau depending on your preference.

And to get the softer, mellow voicing, string choice of the most significant importance. Here you’ll find a Thomastik Vision set with a medium tension.

As you would expect, an excellent feature of the Ming Jiang Zhu 905 violin is its superb sound.

Its resonance is far better than most instruments in the same class, and it produces a clear sound with almost soaring projection. Handling lower notes is easy without rattling the structure or tailpiece.

The E and G strings are relatively stable and deep, while the A string can sound a bit weaker. Although that may be solved with replacement pegs or installing a new set of violin fittings.

Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin Highlights

• Remarkable performance
• Premium fittings and strings
• Attention to detail
• Allows fast progress for advanced learners
• Lifetime structural warranty

Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin – How to Achieve the Best Performance

Like all other violins you can order through Fiddlershop, Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin will arrive in tune and ready to play.

Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin Review: Key Points

Similar Violins to Consider

Final Thoughts on the Ming Jiang 905 Violin

Finding the right instrument is never easy, regardless of your experience or budget. However, some instruments are so well-made that you simply can’t go wrong with them.

Ming Jiang Zhu’s violins are among the best on the market, especially when you hear their refined sound.

Advanced learners and professionals would appreciate both the rich and resonant sound that grows and develops as time passes.

Plus, you’re getting a lifetime structural warranty and all repairs free of charge. If the time has come to upgrade your violin or get a second one, the 905 violins might be just the right one for you.

After reading any of the Ming Jiang Zhu 905 violin reviews, it becomes clear that this is one of the best upgrade instruments that will give you more than you’d expect from its price range.

Check Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin Availability >>

Tower Strings Midnight Violin Outfit

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

We hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. By using links on this page we may receive compensation at no extra cost. If you do use them, thank you so much!

Tower Strings Midnight Violin Review: Can You Really Get More Than You Pay For?

The Tower Strings Violin Outfit is an affordable beginner’s violin that comes outfitted with everything a new player might need. Even better, it’s unique all-black finish is sure to catch anyone’s eye.

Who Is this Violin Outfit For?

The Midnight Violin outfit is particularly ideal for novices and adult learners on the first or second level of play.

The package provides all the features they need to motivate them to practice with a beautiful instrument with good sound quality. it also makes a lovely present for children who are just beginning to play the violin.

Moreover, violin novices will surely benefit from using a better instrument such as this in the early days.

Still, for those who want to learn how to play the violin, The Midnight Violin Outfit makes for an excellent start before they’ll need to upgrade to a better instrument.

What’s Included?

The Midnight Violin outfit comes with everything you need in the first year of playing.

Opening the case, you’ll find a black brazilwood bow and Tower String rosin nestled neatly next to the violin.

Additionally, there’s an excellent shoulder rest, which is useful for long hours of playing, and an ultra-practice mute.

As a part of the standard equipment, you’ll also find a handy digital tuner and a polishing cloth.

Finally, all components come in a lightweight padded case with additional straps, two bow holders, and storage for papers and notes.

What Are Owners Saying? >>

Tower Strings Midnight Violin Features

If you’re a Suzuki or a NAfME student, the Midnight violin is undoubtedly the right instrument for you.

It’s a 4/4 full-size instrument made from traditional solid spruce and maple tonewoods.

For a more durable finish, the wood is covered with a stunning black varnish that looks like midnight sky, Under intense light, it presents subtle shades of blue.

The underlying construction and wood quality is good being dried for 24 months before the dark finish is added.

The fingerboard and fittings are made from fine quality ebony, with a black carbon tailpiece.

Adding to the overall presentation, even its Asian wood bridge is dyed black, giving the whole instrument a different feel to any other classic violin.

With black accessories, only the string will be visible, which creates a unique experience for the player and the audience.

The effective combination of the rounded bridge and Prelude or Fiddlerman Steel Core strings achieve a clear sound. Considering it’s still a student-level instrument, the overall projection of the violin is very stable.

Midnight Violin Highlights

• Beautiful all-black finish
• Great attention to detail
• Good structure
• High-quality carbon tailpiece
• Complete set of accessories

How to Get the Most Out of It

As mentioned, when you buy this violin through Fiddlershop it arrives fully set and ready to play out of the case.

If you check all the Midnight Violin Outfit reviews, you’ll not only find a lot of satisfied users, you’ll also know exactly what to expect.

Plus, with the help of the company’s excellent support, you can always ask for something specific, like a set of different strings or another bow.

With their expert recommendations and willingness to accommodate, you can end up with a fully customized instrument perfectly suited to your needs.

Tower Strings Midnight Violin Review: Key Points

Comparable Products to Consider

Wrapping Up, Is the Midnight Violin Outfit Right for You?

If you’ve been shopping around, you know sourcing the best instrument on a tight budget is far from easy, and takes time.

Although more affordable violins look plain, the Midnight Violin Outfit shows that you can indeed get more than what you pay for. Likewise, it is possible to own a stylish modern-looking instrument without having to spend a fortune.

Hopefully, after reading this in-depth Tower Strings Midnight Violin review, you have a better idea of how much this instrument has to offer, especially when the price and many positive reviews are considered.

Check Tower Strings Midnight Violin Availability >>

Of course cost is a consideration, it should at least be affordable in case the violin isn’t the right instrument for you. But it should also be high quality, so you can truly enjoy playing it.

Is the difference in price, sound or quality?

Other thoughts tend to follow things like – does a beginner violin have to sound terrible? Are student violins any good? Are regular violins more expensive than student violins? And do you have to spend a fortune to get a violin that sounds good?

These are all very common questions, so let’s explore and explain the differences of student violins vs regular violins.

We hope you find this article helpful and unbiased. By using links on this page we may receive compensation at no extra cost. If you do, thank you so much!

The Differences in Student Violin Versus Regular Violin

What is a Good Student Violin?

The biggest difference between a student violin and a regular or “professional” quality violin is durability. Professional and better quality intermediate violins are made to last for decades (or even longer).

Student violins are made with the same acoustic principles, so they still sound good, but the wood is often lower quality, not aged as long, and not manufactured as carefully.

This means that student violins will only sound good for a few years, long enough for the beginning violin player to build their skill and techniques before upgrading to a professional instrument.

Student violins are much more affordable, reducing your risk if you decide not to play the violin after all.

Student Violin Examples:

Often sold in sets, student violins come with a case and a bow and other accessories. The assumption is that a student will need all those things, while a professional will want to hand-select those items based on their preferences.

When looking for a good student violin, here are some key steps to follow:

• Do some research on the manufacturer. Look for an experienced company with a good reputation that specializes in violins and orchestral instruments.
  A company that pays special attention to the shape and fitting of the bridge, the soundpost placement, spacing of the strings, tuning peg operation, and the string height at the nut. These basic setup elements will make for a better playing and sounding instrument.
• Try the violin for size. A good fit is absolutely crucial for your comfort and success as a violin player. Adult learners have the advantage that they aren’t still growing, so they only need to learn their violin size once, but it makes all the difference.
  Even if you are ultimately buying a student violin online, see if there is a retailer near you that will allow you to test and try different violins to find what feels best for your body
• Returns and warranties. Look for a student violin with a good return policy and a warranty. It’s worth paying a little more to get a good warranty for a beginner, because it’s difficult to tell what you need when you are just starting out

Often perceived as more sophisticated instruments, regular violins can fall into both the intermediate and professional categories.

These superior instruments use the highest-quality aged woods, ebony fingerboards, and slow, meticulous techniques to make a violin that will age gracefully.

Examples of Regular Violins:

Can a Cheap Violin Sound Good?

It’s an age old debate: can the skill of a violinist make a cheap violin sound good? For an in-depth exploration of this question, check out this great video from the Online Piano & Violin Tutor:

To an inexperienced listener, a cheap violin may sound just fine. A more experienced listener will notice the quality of the violin. Furthermore, a good violinist can make a cheap instrument sound better, but you can’t make a low-quality violin sound good if the tone simply isn’t there.

However, price and quality in a violin aren’t always the same. There are some very good affordable violins for beginners that don’t sound cheap.

How Much is a Decent Violin?

For a full-sized student violin that sounds good enough to satisfy an adult learner, you should expect to pay around $150-$250.

There are occasionally specials and deals that would allow you to get a decent violin at a lower price than that, but it’s a good starting place for your expectations.

Do Old Violins Sound Better?

There is a dominant myth that old violins sound better. There is a lot of evidence to support this, but it boils down to two primary reasons:

There was a “Golden Age” of violin making in the 18th century in Italy. Stradivari and other Cremonese luthiers created instruments that defined the violin to the present day.

Even now people base their work on those designs and seek to replicate the sound of those instruments.

The best players in the world are the ones who have access to these legendary instruments. Only the most successful and famous violinists get to play these violins.

Not every old violin sounds better

In other words, not every old violin sounds better, and some of that reputation may be attributed to the skill of the violinists who can play these instruments.

It may also simply be the fact that only really good instruments survive to old age: violins that don’t sound very good are discarded earlier.

However, it is also true that the best made violins are designed to sound better over time with proper care.

As the wood ages, its resonant properties change and improve, and the very act of playing a violin improves its sound over time.

Is Violin Hard to Learn?

The violin is one of the most challenging instruments to learn. But it’s also incredibly rewarding, and good violins don’t need to be as old or expensive as you may think.

How Much is a Good Violin?

To answer this popular question, we’ve created a guide that will provide useful guidelines for choosing a good instrument for yourself, or someone who has just started playing the violin.

You can find violins that start from around $100, then go up to tens of thousands of dollars. As a result buyers often get confused when it comes to the relationship between quality and price.

Compare Fine Instruments

We hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Buyer’s Guide: What to Know When Purchasing a New Violin

There’s a lot to discuss regarding the various aspects that determine any violin’s price. From its build quality to accessories and sound quality, every violin is a mixture of multiple elements.

Depending on how you’ll use your instrument and how often you practice, you can decide whether an instrument is a worthwhile investment or just a hobby.

Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship of any violin is one of the best indicators of its quality and durability. A well-crafted instrument doesn’t have rough edges, and its varnish is impeccable.

When you see exquisitely carved scrolls and precise lines, that’s what a master luthier can create out of one chunk of wood.

To get the best wood, luthiers need to spend around $500. They then start working with the wood to create the body and neck of an instrument.

Sometimes, they use fine ebony to customize the fingerboard according to the future owner’s needs, or more likely, they’ll use a standard fingerboard.

One of the best examples of 100% fine ebony fingerboard, pegs, and fittings is the Fiddlerman Soloist outfit.

Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Outfit

Of course, depending on the amount of work, the average violin price can start at around $1,000 and rise to astronomical heights.

As far as beginners’ violins go, your budget should be between $1,000-$2,000 if you want a premium instrument.

Fortunately, there are several great violins and violin outfits that fit that budget.

Origin

For some, this might be a shock, but almost all modern instruments come from the Far East. In the period between 1995 and 2010, nearly all the violins came from Chinese workshops.

The only other country that still produces high-quality violins is Germany, but European violins are too expensive for most players.

Classification

One of the most common classifications among violin sellers is the method of grading instruments according to the level of technique

A beginner’s violin is usually a synonym for a low-grade and low-quality instrument. Before, they were made from substandard wood as their sound was nothing but average.

Typical violin classifications are: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional.

Today, there are much better and ideal for anyone unsure whether they want to pursue violin or it’s just a phase.

Students dedicated to playing the violin and who don’t have the means to get an expensive outfit can find various mid-range, fine quality instruments with many useful accessories.

What’s more, all of these violins have been checked by a violin master to ensure their suitability.

Violin Sizes

One of the critical features of any violin is its size because it determines whether you’ll play comfortably or you’ll struggle with every note.

The size depends on the average arm length, and even if a 4/4 is a full-size model for adult players, there are ones that use ¾ to give their best performance.

Children often start with the 1/32 model until they grow up and start using the full-sized instrument.

Violin Brands

When we compare the craftsmanship, sound quality, and price, several brands offer some of the best violins for beginner and intermediate violin students.

We’ll focus on seven of them to explain what makes them affordable.

Mendini

Are you’re looking for an affordable instrument? If so, you should see what Mendini has to offer.

With a fair price on a cheap student violin, they are among the most famous brands for beginners.

Mendini MV400 Violin Outfit

The company’s goal was to produce low-cost instruments with quickly replaceable strings and easy maintenance.

Mendini’s violins are factory-made, which means that their sound is not high-quality compared to handmade instruments.

Even so, they offer decent value for the money and are considered to be good beginner violins.

Cecilio

Originating on a ranch in California, the brand got its name from St Cecilia.

What makes Cecilio’s instruments stand out are the instrument sizes, as the smallest ones are 1/32, ranging up until the 4/4.

Cecilio CVN-500 Violin Outfit

This is what makes them an ideal choice for children as well as music students.

Cecilio violins are for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Most music professionals and educators use Cecilio violins with their students as they produce a fantastic resonant sound.

Fiddlerman

Pierre Holstein started with testing and curating violins. Today, he’s two steps ahead of the competition because of the way the Fiddlershop helps customers find exactly what they’re looking for.

Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit

The Fiddlershop currently offers hundreds of instruments, including many of their own, from some of the top violin brands like Ming Jiang Zhu, Scot Cao, Nicolo Gabrieli, and Peter White.

Scott Cao

Another brand with an excellent reputation among violinists is Scott Cao. Some of the finest handcrafted violins came out from their Chinese workshop.

Scott Cao 750 Violin

It’s considered one of the top violin brands with a wide range of instruments for novices and music professionals.

Should you decide to buy a Scott Cao instrument, you can rest assured you’re getting the best value for your money.

Stentor

Another famous brand is Stentor. Their violins come with top-quality accessories.

Stentor 1500 Violin

Stentor has been around since the early 19^th century, but they were mostly known for importing instruments.

Today, they’ve built a reputation among music educators. For that reason, a lot of children spend their first days learning how to play Stentor violins.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a Japanese brand know for a variety of instruments, not only violins.

However, their instruments are not for the beginner and intermediate players as it takes a lot of skill and knowledge to play them.

The standard Yamaha violin is suitable for music scholars and advanced students, or professional violinists.

Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit

Some of their best violin models are inspired by well-known violins created in Europe by great luthiers.

They have a modern look, but they’ve managed to keep some exquisite features.

Knilling

If you’re looking for a classical student violin, the brand everyone will mention is Knilling.

They created a workshop in 1922 and soon became one of the most favored brands among violin students and adult learners.

All of their products go through thorough inspections, and they dispatch their instruments customized and tuned.

Knelling 11VN Sebastian Violin

An average violin price is far from low as this brand guarantees the quality of their instruments.

That’s why if you decide to get one of their violins, make sure you order their famous pegs.

Violin Prices and Ranges

When it comes to prices, the differences between similar-looking products could be thousands of dollars.

If you start searching for a new or upgrade violin, you need to know what to look for.

Depending on the brand, craftsmanship, and features, the prices can vary. Nonetheless, we can give you a rough idea of what to expect.

Violins up to $500

If you are devoted to learning the violin, you can find a decent factory-made instrument in this price range.

When you’re looking for a low-cost violin, you might find a few surprisingly good models for up to $500, but we don’t recommend going under $300.

Keep in mind that when your technique improves, you’ll have to consider upgrading for better sound and projection.

Violins Between $500 and $1000

You can find excellent student violins that feature quality strings, fingerboard, and sound significantly better in this price range.

You can opt for a violin outfit that includes all necessary equipment like a bow, rosin, tuner, and a hard case. Students usually start with outfits and later upgrade only their instrument.

Depending on your progress and budget, you can’t go wrong with Fiddlerman Artist Outfit or Scott Cao 017 Outfit.

Over $1,000

Once you’re serious about playing the violin, it’s probably the best time to choose a more serious instrument.

Around $1,000 is the best violin price for a student or semi-professional musician.

In this bracket, you can get nicely crafted instruments that allow you to develop your technique and use them in an orchestra or for a solo performance.

Violins $2,000 and Up

The more you spend on a violin, the more you’ll have to practice achieving the best sound quality.

If you’re serious about committing your time to it, your technique will advance faster than on a cheap instrument.

If a violin costs more than $2,000, that means luthiers made it with precision by hand.

Exceptionally skilled artisans, such as Nicolo Gabrieli, Peter White, Francesco Pierotti, Klaus Heffler plus many others, spend significant time and energy making these superb instruments.

Klaus Heffler La Passione Violin

Guide to Finding a Good Violin

Once you’ve decided to pursue the violin as your preferred instrument, you might wonder what constitutes a good violin for your specific needs?

In this guide, we’ll summarize everything you should look for in a good violin. Plus, we’ll show you some of the best-reviewed violins and violin outfits.

Violin Build Quality

Like any other physical product made by people, the quality of materials and amount of hands-on time put into an instrument will be reflected in it’s price.

Therefor, a good quality violin built by skilled professionals should have a reasonable balance of the two.

Wooden Violins

Wood is the essence of every violin. The older the wood, the better the sound will be. Usually, luthiers use maple and spruce that has been dried for at least five years.

However, the wood has to be dried for more than ten years to be considered a premium instrument.

Maple has a specific texture with flame-like lines, and you can see how wonderful it looks on a premium instrument like Ming Jiang Zhu 907 Violin.

Ming Jiang Zhu 907 Violin

Some violins are even made from pear wood or two wood types for a more refined look.

Composite Violins

Nowadays, you can also find different types of violins made from carbon composite like the Glasser Carbon Composite and don’t have any wooden parts.

Glasser Carbon Composite Violin

They require a similar amount of menial work as the handmade violins, but the materials are mostly polyurethane foam and carbon composite.

For many, carbon is a quality alternative to wood as it offers a lot of possibilities for instrument development.

Key Points of Well Built Violins

What’s excellent about well-built violins is that their worth is slowly rising; therefore, they are a sound investment.

After ten or twenty years, the instrument will either hold or significantly increase in value.

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

Whether you prefer red violins like Holstein’s Traditional Red Mendelssohn violin or high-quality yellow varnish, all of them have a refined look that you can’t replicate on cheaper models.

Holstein Traditional Red Mendelssohn Violin

Another lovely example of a wood pattern is Ming Jiang Zhu 909 violin, one of the best violins from Ming Jiang Zhu’s workshop.

Top Features

• Beautiful varnish
• Strong body
• Lifetime warranty
• Growing value
• Slow aging process

Build Qualities to Look For

Overall, all models will feel relatively strong once you take them in your hands. Granted, they’ll move while you play them, but that’s one of the best qualities of aged wood.

Another upside of these valuable instruments is their superior sound that has layers and deep overtones.

With radiant and joyful projection, the sound you’ll hear can’t compare with violins made from other materials or cheaper wood.

That’s why the best violins shine on solo performances, in string quartets, or with an orchestra.

Only in front of an audience will a well-made, handcrafted instrument show its depth and real value.

What You Should Be Aware Of

When you take everything into account, it’s more than sensible that a premium-quality instrument can’t have the same price as one made from cheap components and assembled in a factory.

That’s why an average violin price rises depending on the materials used.

Another downside of wooden instruments is their sensitivity to humidity, rain, or extreme warmth or cold.

Fine wooden instruments need extra care to guard against the elements.

That’s why you’ll hardly ever hear and see pricey violins outside, as they’re mostly used in concert halls.

Lastly, maintenance is a rather big issue since wood changes over time, and you’ll have to polish it regularly to maintain the color and fine lines.

Build Quality in Summary

Sound Quality

If you were wondering how much a violin costs, it often has a lot to do with sound quality.

Since you now have electric and acoustic violins, this question becomes even more complicated.

Overview

The real difference between the sound of the student-quality violin and a professional one makes all the difference to the audience and the performer.

It depends on the quality of wood, or in the case of the electric violin – the amplifier.

Inexpensive student violins often sound good in small rooms or enclosed spaces, but once they’re in a concert hall, it becomes hard to dazzle everyone with their sound.

Violins that cost more than $2,000, like the Sima Traian Violin, produce a beautiful sound in all ranges and spectrums, and their projection is robust even in a large concert hall.

What matters most for electric violins is the volume intensity, and once they’ve set the amplifier and all the equipment, everyone will be able to enjoy the sound.

Its properties are different from the wooden instrument, but they’re great at concerts or outside performances.

In terms of sound qualities like tone color, beginner violins are one-dimensional, while more expensive instruments are far more versatile.

What’s more, they sound solid even when they’re playing deep tones, and noticeably, they can easily switch registers.

Key Points Regarding Sound Quality

Every violinist wants to play an instrument that offers room for experiment and trying out new techniques.

Wooden instruments like Holstein Workshop by Ming Jian Zhu Violin are more expensive, but they encourage virtuosity.

Holstein Workshop by Ming Jiang Zhu Violin

Electric violins are slightly sturdier, and their sound is more aggressive.

Bottom line – it’s a matter of preference whether you enjoy one instrument or the other.

However, as long as the sound you’re creating is complicated and nuanced, you are holding the right instrument.

Best Features

• Great sound uplifts any performance
• Strong projection
• Provides clear tone
• No unpleasant sounds
• Warm undertones

What to Consider Regarding Sound Quality

Overall, the more expensive the violin, the better the sound. If you apply this way of thinking, you can’t go wrong.

You should consider every violin’s brand and origin and the type of wood used to ensure you’re getting the best instrument.

What To Be Aware Of

For many people, the quality of sound is very arbitrary and subjective to the individual. While some music educators and players agree on the basics, there’s no consensus.

Sound Quality in Summary

Violin Accessories

When you’re looking to buy or upgrade your violin, the second thing you need to check is its accessories.

How much a good violin costs is also determined by the quality of features and the brand.

Violin accessories are there to help musicians uplift their performances and use their instruments to their full capacity.

The use of accessories helped beginners to enhance their playing skills and learn new ones.

At the moment, every violin comes with around sixteen accessories that have become a standard in the industry.

The Bow

The first and, according to some people, the most essential addition of all is the bow.

The bow, though technically an accessory, is in fact a critical component requiring just as much consideration as the instrument itself. It’s essentially an extension of the violin.

While entry-level and intermediate kits will include bows for the price-point, individual premium bows will often cost many hundreds of dollars.

JonPaul Carrera Violin Bow

In use, the bow creates a mellow sound when you move it over the strings. In construction it has five different components that make it strong and light.

Regardless of the variety of materials used to make bows like carbon, bamboo, boxwood, or Brazilian wood, they all work the same way.

One of the notable features of any well-made bow is the quality of its hair, which usually comes from horse.

Depending on the breed, horse hair can be silky or slightly brittle, and of course, the hair has to be taut, but it mustn’t be too tight, or it will break.

Dealing with the pressure correctly and learning how to apply it on the strings is essential for sound quality.

Usually, students learn about fixing the bow in their first violin lessons, and it remains one of the most important aspects of any performance.

Violin Rosin

Rosin’s primary function is to keep the bow’s hair highly frictional. That’s why it’s essential to use it regularly so that your bow won’t slip from the wires and create an unpleasant sound.

Bernardel Rosin For Violin – Viola – Cello

Once the player has more experience, they can continue playing without an unpleasant, squeaky noise.

Case

Since violins are extremely sensitive, a case is a must-have item. They come in distinctive designs, shapes, and sizes as they need to store your instrument and everything else you need to play it.

Usually, you can place one bow, violin, notes, strings, maintenance kit, rosin, and whatever else you might need.

However, in the case you can get with Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit, you have space for up to four bows and several other accessories.

Fiddlerman Oblong Violin Case FC50

Basically, there are two options to choose from: a case or a backpack. For people who travel from one concert to another, backpacks are often more comfortable as they can store many other things.

Most of the cases are a bit more stylish and made from waterproof materials to protect your instrument and everything else you have in the bag.

Chin Rest

This accessory is vital as it provides a comfortable place to put your chin. It’s attached to the violin and facilitates long hours of pain-free playing.

Guarneri Violin Chinrest

Shoulder Rest

The shoulder rest is an additional cushion to make sure you’re comfortable while playing.

It’s made from cotton, wood, or plastic, and it has soft lines to allow the violin to sit comfortably between your shoulder and chin.

Kun Original Violin Shoulder Rest

It’s not always easy to find the perfect shoulder rest, so be sure to find one that suits you best.

Both children and adult violin players use them to prevent shoulder or back pain after long hours of practicing.

Violin Strings

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

Thomastik Dominant Violin String Set

It heavily depends on the materials, quality, and gauge. Before buying strings, make sure you do your research and know how everything will sound with those wires.

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

Tailpiece

Another valuable accessory that secures strings and holds them in their place is the tailpiece.

Its position and grip are heavily influenced by the wires. Plus, it’s great for correcting the overall sound and vibration of the strings.

Harp Model Ebony Professional Violin Tailpiece

The tailpiece is often used to improve the resonance, and that’s why violinists have at least four or five tailpieces depending on what they’re playing.

As tailpieces are made from wood, ebony, or even carbon, they can enhance your violin’s appearance. Depending on their shape and weight, your violin can look quite different.

Bundled Accessories

Nowadays, there’s an abundance of brands that sell accessories for good beginner violins, and it can be hard to find one brand that gives you all the best features.

If you feel overwhelmed, you can buy a complete outfit and get all of them with your violin.

With outfits like the Fiddlerman Symphony Outfit or Tower Strings Rockstar Violin Outfit, you’re getting everything you need.

Luckily for you, once you buy most of the accessories, they will last for years.

Since most of them are made from hardened and resistant materials, you might have to change some of them after years of constant use.

In the case of the Mendini MV400, you can get two bows. If one accidentally breaks, you can use the other one.

Mendini MV400 Violin Outfit

But before you start using them, be sure to customize them to fit your performance style and sound.

Getting the Right Accessories

Every accessory influences the performance and sound of your violin. More specifically, to get a rounded and warm sound, you’ll need to get a lot of things right.

However, if you still don’t have enough experience to do it, every violin you purchase from the Fiddlershop will have everything set up for you.

All you need to do is choose or ask for their recommendations.

Best Features

• Improve the playing technique
• Make sound more resonant
• Easy and comfortable to play
• Ensure that the strings are in tune
• Protect the instrument from water and harsh weather

What to Look For in Accessories

Accessories are essential for any good violin. With the wrong strings or a bow that’s too heavy, you won’t be able to hone your violin’s potential.

Keep in mind that high-quality accessories keep your instrument in decent shape while you’re practicing your skills.

What You Should Be Aware Of

If you’re a beginner, it’s hard to find the best accessories on the first try. In terms of individual components, it takes time and effort to figure out what works best for most learners.

Of course, you need to know how to use a tailpiece or bow to make sure you’re using it the right way.

Accessories in Summary

Violin FAQ

What Is the Price of a Good Violin?

Depending on the overall prices, different violins suit players with varying levels of skill. For a beginner, a reasonable violin costs on average between $500 and $1,000.

Once you start practicing more and working on your playing technique, you can reconsider updating your violin with better strings and bow.

Any advanced student usually leans towards specific brands that offer handmade instruments with premium features like an ebony fingerboard and pegs, high-quality strings, and fine tuners.

Playing a more refined instrument can significantly improve your technique while you and your audience can appreciate a warmer sound with rich overtones.

How Much Should I Pay for a Beginner’s Violin?

Depending on your budget and options, we can say that a beginner’s violin is in the violin price range between $300 and $700.

Keep in mind that anything above $500 is considered a good violin, and the ones below that limit are fine for those who never had prior experience with the instrument.

Violins for children are much less expensive due to size and price expectations.

When it’s about how much a violin for children costs, most of them come at a fraction of the price since they’re significantly smaller than a full 4/4 model.

That’s how you can buy a perfect instrument for a lesser price.

How Much Does a Professional Violin Cost?

A professional violin can cost anywhere from $2,000 and significantly more. The price can rise to several hundreds of thousands for antique instruments.

Hilary Hahn’s J.B. Vuillaume, 1865

Those prices are different depending on the different types of violins, their origin, the master luthier that made them, and the brand.

What’s the Best Violin for Beginners?

There are many instruments suitable for new violinists from various brands, but those that music teachers often recommend are Mendini, Cecilio, and Fiddlerman.

They should be simple instruments that are easy to use.

Some of the best low price violins for novices are Mendini MV400 and Mendini MV300, as well as others since you’re getting all necessary amenities for around $100.

If you’re willing to get a considerably better outfit and a good instrument, another recommendation is the Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit.

Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit

The outfit features Fiddlerman Violin strings, a carbon fiber bow, and a nice oblong case that will protect your instrument.

For adult novices, the options are almost limitless. Hopefully, you’re spending around $1,000 because that’s how much a starter violin cost for an average adult player.

Are Cheap Violins Any Good?

Cheap violins are usually made in factories from low-quality pieces of wood.

Since the production costs are relatively low and there’s little hand labor involved, many don’t have any character or specific sound.

Cheap violins will not have as good a sound or quality as higher value instruments. As with anything, you get what you pay for.

They are suitable for novices to practice posture and technique, but as soon as they start advancing, a new violin would allow them to grow faster.

Why Are Good Violins So Expensive?

The craftsmanship that a good violin requires is the reason why its price is so high.

Since all premium instruments are handmade, that means that a luthier spends hundreds of hours making sure that every detail on it is perfect.

That’s why it’s the price has to be higher than factory-made instruments.

Another vital aspect is expensive accessories that will help the violin correctly adjust to its new player.

When you combine all the intricacies and details, it becomes clear that achieving excellent quality requires a lot of work.

Do Violins Hold Their Value After Some Time?

Student violins hardly keep their value because those instruments don’t have anything exquisite about them.

With more expensive violins that came out respectable workshops, you might get a better deal after a few decades, but often those price differences can be surprisingly small.

A good brand-name violin or fine instrument will always have a reasonable resale value.

On the other hand, quartet musicians and orchestra players’ professional violins can be worth up to six figures because they come from some of the best luthiers’ hands.

Lastly, violins worth the most were made in the 18^th century by Italian masters.

Final Thoughts on Violin Prices

Buying a violin can be a lengthy process, especially when you’re unsure what to buy and where.

You’ll have to spend some time researching to make sure you’re getting the best instrument that suits both your needs and budget.

And when it comes to figuring out how much a good violin costs, we’ll have to conclude that it depends on the player’s needs and requirements, as well as the quality of build and accessories.

Many known brands whose violins are premium quality offer mid-range prices.

When it’s time to purchase your violin, remember to check the size you need and whether you want to get a violin outfit or only the instrument.

Of course, make sure that you’ve heard the instrument’s sound and that it’s appropriate for your skill level.

Listen to the instrument and use your ears to guide you toward the models you’ll be willing to settle for.

Of course, the most challenging part will be to assess your budget and make the right decision.

Carbon fiber violin vs wood – which is the better choice? There has to be some benefit – right?

Let’s find out if modern technology truly has caught up with the violin.

Carbon Fiber Violin Bow

Traditional Wooden Violin

Out of all the string instruments, theviolin is the one with the richest history. For hundreds of years, luthiers made violins in well-known workshops where they carved wood until getting the perfect shape.

That’s how all the famous and most expensive violins are made – through a thorough and lengthy process.

Nowadays, there’s a lot of innovative materials and ways to produce superior musical instruments. With carbon composites, it’s possible to make one much faster than from wood.

We hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

A violin made of wood may be the traditional way to go, but it a carbon fiber violin can be made stronger, and faster.

Plus, this works well for today’s market, where nobody can wait for months until their instrument is ready.

Every violinist also has an opinion regarding carbon fiber violin vs wood violin. After all, beginner, intermediate or professional violinists have different requirements for the quality of an instrument.

And if you’re more inclined to modern music than classical pieces, that will also influence your opinion.

In this short guide, we’ll try to explain all the factors involved in deciding whether a wooden instrument and bow are better than carbon alternatives.

Or, indeed, if there’s any middle ground.

Wooden Violins vs Carbon Fiber Violins

Characteristics of Wood Violins

Every luthier knows that a good piece of dried wood is the key to success. The instruments they hand carve are marvelous in their sound properties as well as looks.

Usually, wooden violins are made from spruce, maple, pear, and sycamore, depending on the luthier’s knowledge and preference.

Luthiers often use maple since it features flame-like lines that a suitable varnish accentuates.

The varnish quality alongside the wood has a significant impact on the future sound as it makes it warmer and adds more depth.

Of course, if the wood has gone through a long drying process that lasted for more than ten or twenty years, its quality is marked as premium.

That’s why violins like Ming Jiang Zhu 925 Violin and Scott Cao Superior Signature Series come with a serious price tag.

These instruments are handcrafted, and the wood quality guarantees the best possible sound.

Wooden Violin Features

• Flexible instrument
• Easy to play on
• Rounded sound
• Strong projection
• Versatility
• Sensitive

Characteristics of Carbon Violins

Everyone agrees that a carbon fiber violin sounds slightly different from a wooden violin.

Due to the specific construction method and other materials used to create it, carbon fiber instruments have a more profound and louder projection than their wooden counterparts.

Glasser Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

You see more and more carbon violins in orchestras, even among professional musicians, especially if they want to perform in various indoor and outdoor locations.

Instruments like the progressive five-string Glasser AEX Carbon Composite violin are examples of how carbon violins combine advanced technology and great acoustic potential.

The flexibility of a carbon instrument is very different from that of a wooden instrument. Hence, why you see a lot of carbon fiber fiddles used by performance artists.

Any Glasser violin could be a great choice as you can find them in various colors, thus adding a visual component to any performance.

For gig performers, a violin often used as a fiddle is Glasser Carbon Composite 5-String Violin.

Glasser Carbon Composite 5-String Violin.

Carbon Fiber Violin Features

• Strong carbon body
• Good projection
• Sharp sound
• Great for outdoor performances
• Variety of colors and designs

Wooden Violin Bows vs Carbon Fiber Bows

Characteristics of Wooden Bows

Wooden bows are usually made from brazilwood if they’re mid-class and Pernambuco for the middle and upper class.

These were standard materials for violin bows as they were the only light and flexible materials available.

In recent years, Pernambuco became an endangered plant; cutting it was prohibited. That’s why wooden bows became scarce and very expensive.

On the other hand, a brazilwood bow is often a combination of several types of wood. In terms of price, they can vary from less than $50 to several hundred.

The factor determining the cost of any wooden bow is the craftsmanship used to combine its five parts.

Wooden Violin Bow Features

• Flexible
• Lightweight and easy to maneuverable
• Strong
• Sensitive to humidity
• Fragile and easy to break

Characteristics of Carbon Fiber Bows

Carbon is a composite material you can use to create strong and flexible instruments at only a fraction of the cost compared to wooden ones.

Composite materials have the same level of flexibility, and they’re often stronger and scratch-resistant.

A lot of professional players opt to use carbon bows to create better resonance and better projection.

More recently, both intermediate and professional violinists have started using carbon bows. Some even have several to choose from.

As far as the sound is concerned, the bow’s most crucial feature is its balance, but every player decides what fits them better.

When it comes to band gigs or concerts, players mostly use carbon bows to suit their strength since they find wooden ones too sensitive to humidity.

To find the best carbon violin bow, you’ll have to hear how it sounds first. But keep in mind that all of them have various characteristics, features, and price points.

A braided carbon fiber bow is one of the best you can find on the market. Unlike standard composite carbon bows that are hollow on the inside, braided carbon bows have a solid core that makes them stronger.

The braids come from carbon fibers, making the bow look more refined than a standard model.

One of the most recommended premium quality braided carbon bows is the Glasser Braided Carbon Fiber Sterling Silver Bow.

But if your budget has its limitations, you can also check more budget-friendly options like Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow as well as Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Weave Violin Bow.

Carbon Fiber Bow Features

• Durable
• Extremely strong
• Excellent performance in various conditions
• Responsive and light
• Great for outdoor performances
• Suitable for low hours of practice

Carbon Fiber Violin vs Wood Violin FAQ

Are Carbon Fiber Violins Good for Outdoor Performance?

Yes, carbon fiber violins are ideal for performers as the temperature and humidity don’t affect the sound quality.

Whether it’s a wedding on the beach, a gig in a crowded place or a concert on a boat, carbon fiber violins will sound equally good.

Are Carbon Fiber Violin Bows Good?

Some of the best performers use carbon bows at their concerts. However, keep in mind that if you want to get a good carbon fiber bow, it needs to have at least 60% carbon fiber for the best resonance.

And if you want a premium carbon fiber bow, those that have more than 80% of fibers will feel better than any wooden bow you’ve tried. Of course, it comes with a price tag.

Top quality carbon fiber violin bows are exceptionally good

That said, there are still musicians who still prefer wooden bows. In the end, it’s a matter of taste and preference as you can achieve superior performance with both.

Is Carbon Fiber Stronger Than Wood?

Because it’s a composite material, carbon is more robust than wood as it’s tough to break.

Another benefit of using a carbon fiber bow is that humidity can’t change its structure; it will stay the same for a long time.

Ensure that you’re buying a bow with more than 60% carbon, and it will be very strong.

On the other hand, if you get a bow with 45% or fewer carbon fibers, the bow might break easily.

Can a Carbon Fiber Bow Break Easily?

In terms of durability, carbon bows are almost impossible to break during a performance.

Braided carbon bows like the Glasser Braided Carbon Fiber Sterling Silver Bow are among the best since they are not hollow but filled with carbon fibers.

In Conclusion, Do You Prefer Modern Violins, Traditional, or a Combination of Both?

The debate about carbon fiber violin vs wood violin still rages on. It seems that carbon and other composite materials have become more prominent as wood is more expensive and harder to find.

Since every violin and bow feel differently depending on the material, each artist must decide what feels more comfortable while performing.

Every violin and bow will feel different

For some, the wood will always be more refined, while carbon composite allows more freedom.

In a way, with new versions of traditional instruments, the performance possibilities become endless.

Before you make a final decision on whether you’ll get a wooden or carbon fiber violin and bow, make sure you try as many as you can.

You’ll get a better sense of their benefits and drawbacks – and In the end, you can also combine them for the best effect.

Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Outfit

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Review

As soon as you take the Fiddlerman Soloist Violin in your hands, you’ll notice that it’s a premium product.

This violin comes from a renowned GCV workshop with a reputation for building some of the best on the market.

Overall, the Soloist Violin is definitely an instrument for advanced violin players as only a seasoned violinist will appreciate its premium features and craftsmanship.

Who Is the Fiddlerman Soloist Violin For?

Instruments like the Soloist Violin require more technique than it might seem at first glance. And that’s why this instrument is best suited for experienced musicians with an advanced playing technique.

Even the smaller versions are not recommended for children as their first instrument but rather as a second one.

On account of its sound qualities and price, Fiddlerman’s Soloist is perfect for live performances. Accordingly, experienced players can use it to the fullest in a string quartet or a big orchestra.

With a focused and brilliant projection, it’s excellent for fast passages or solo variations.

What’s Included in the Outfit?

When you decide to purchase this outfit, you can choose between four violin sizes. The instrument comes with two different varnishes: “Red-Brown” and “Medium Brown.”

If you’re a fan of red undertones, the former would be the best choice for you. You can choose your case color and decide whether you fancy a dark gray or a sand-color finish.

Among other features, you’ll get a well-balanced Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow, Oblong Violin Case FC75, and Holstein Premium rosin that give a nice texture to the bow’s hair.

As part of the Fiddlerman standard violin outfit, this package includes a rubber practice mute, polishing cloth, and Fiddlerman digital tuner.

Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Outfit Features

This violin is one of the best in its price range. It’s entirely hand-carved from premium-quality spruce and maple more than 12 years old.

It also features an exceptional hand-carved French Despiau bridge and an ebony fingerboard, pegs alongside precise fittings. All these features are state-of-the-art, which you don’t see in standard violins.

On top of that, it comes with Thomastik Vision strings that work well with its airy carbon fiber bow. That’s how you can get warm tones in the lower registry and light ones in the upper registry.

The Soloist Violin Outfit comes with some pleasant surprises as well. With a sturdy but not too heavy FC75 case, you’ll have a safe place for your violin and additional equipment.

As mentioned, you can get it in two stylish colors: a dark gray and an elegant sand color. There’s enough space in the case to store four bows, and it features exterior upholstery for a better feel while you’re wearing it.

Fiddlerman Soloist Highlights

• High-quality boxwood fittings
• Premium Despian bridge
• Two types of varnish
• Good sound projection
• Comfortable and elegant case

Using the Soloist Violin

What makes this outfit so outstanding is that you can start playing it right out of the box. Since Fiddlerman instruments have to pass a rigorous inspection before they’re shipped, you won’t have to do any additional tuning.

As this outfit includes everything you need to enjoy the Soloist’s warm and sharp sound, you won’t have to spend on any additional features.

Key Points to Consider

Other Violin Outfits to Consider

Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit

Scott Cao 750 Violin

Ming Jiang Zhu 905 Violin

Final Thoughts: Is the Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Worth the Extra Money?

In this Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Outfit review, we’ve demonstrated that it’s not only a state-of-the-art instrument, but includes accessories that make it an excellent choice for any intermediate or advanced violin player.

With lovely red tin that accentuates the wood grain and ebony details, this violin has all hallmarks that a serious musician needs. Plus, it’s fittings and measurements are spot on, especially if you’re using Thomastik Vision strings.

The case offers enough room to use four different bows, but the carbon bow with horsehair will be more than enough for most semi-professionals and professionals. In the outfit, you can also find Holstein Premium rosin and a Fiddlerman tuner for e-string.

Lastly, any player would benefit from playing an instrument as delicate as the Fiddlerman Soloist Violin. The musicians who will fully appreciate it are those with advanced technique and the ability to use its powerful projection to the fullest.

Check Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Outfit Availability >>

Save time and quickly find the perfect violin, gift or accessory for your immediate needs. If you need quick references for finding just the right violin product or package at the best possible price, this is it.

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