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.

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 >>

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.

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 >>

Holstein Traditional Red Mendelssohn Violin

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

Table of Contents

Holstein Traditional Red Mendelssohn Violin Review
Overview
What’s Included?
Features
Highlights
Other Violins to Consider
Final Thoughts

Holstein Traditional Red Mendelssohn Violin Review

Red Mendelssohn Overview

Holstein is a name deeply rooted in the history of violins, and there’s no better example to prove it than a Red Mendelssohn violin.

It’s a faithful copy of the violin Antonio Stradivari created in 1720 that even inspired other workshops to use red varnish on their instruments.

The modern version comes with hand-applied varnish on ten-year-old wood to produce a warm sound and pay tribute to the priceless original.

The Red Mendelssohn can create a brilliant yet powerful sound with a solid core that proves to be one of its most significant features.

Who is the Holstein Mendelssohn Violin For?

After reading this Holstein Red Mendelssohn violin review, you’ll realize that this instrument is best suited to intermediate and professional violinists.

If you’re an adult learner, this violin will give a lot of space for growth. It has a premium build quality that looks and sounds like a custom-made instrument.

However, most teachers suggest that you’ll appreciate it more when it’s an upgrade from another model. Most violin novices find it out of their price range for a first violin but as a worthwhile investment if it is an upgrade.

Students also find this instrument to be ideal for solo performances and long practice sessions. It’s a light and responsive violin that you can use to fiddle and perform classical pieces due to its versatile and powerful sound.

What’s Included?

At first glance, you’ll notice that a Holstein Red Mendelssohn violin has a wonderfully crafted boxwood neck. The mix of two pieces of pearwood in the back with ebony trim shows that no compromises were made regarding its craftsmanship.

It also features Despiau Three Tree bridge and Thomastik Vision high-quality strings.

Should you decide to purchase the Holstein Red Mendelssohn violin, you’ll have to count on additional expenses like a bow, violin case, rosin, cloth, or anything else you might need.

Luckily, if you order it from the Fiddlershop, you’ll get personalized instrument reviews and recommendations based on your preferences.

A bow is one of the most essential accessories for any violin. The best reviews go to the Holstein Pernambuco bow and Holstein Three Star bow as they’re lightweight and easy to maneuver in this category.

Some violinists like to use the Holstein 1-Star Sandalwood bow as it creates a slightly warmer undertone.

Features of Holstein Red Mendelssohn Violin

Delivered only as a 4/4 violin, it’s a full-size violin for adult players with accurate string separation and height measurements. The material used to create a Holstein Traditional Mendelssohn violin has to be 10-year dried, fine-grained maple or dry pearwood.

Luthiers carefully apply the varnish, especially on the two-piece back, to achieve the best flaming effect and red finish.

It has a well-aligned, slightly thicker bridge that comes from Despiau, and it’s a Three Tree model, famous for its first-class quality. You can choose among a variety of strings depending on the sound you want to achieve.

Most players go with Thomastik Vision to get the full and rounded tone with colorful overtones. This model comes with only one fine tuner. Should you want all four, you’ll have to make a specific order.

One of the potential downsides you might feel as soon as you start playing is a slightly thicker bridge made from boxwood. Some players find this hard to get used to and replace it with all-ebony fittings.

What draws players and enthusiasts to this particular model is the movie “The Red Violin.” The film follows the story of the real Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin only to underline its somewhat unusual properties.

After the film, the interest in this particular violin grew, especially when its current owner Elizabeth Pitcairn shared exciting stories about her instrument’s history.

Violin Highlights

• Historic value
• Powerful and solid sound
• Premium quality varnish
• Responsive instrument
• Lifetime structural warranty

How to Get the Most of the Mendelssohn Violin

One of the best features of the Red Mendelssohn violin is the ability to play it right out of the box. It will arrive tuned and customized to your needs and performance style.

Holstein Mendelssohn Violin Key Points

Other Violins to Consider

Final Thoughts: Is The Holstein Red Mendelssohn Violin the Best Choice for Your Next Step?

If you compare the Holstein Traditional Red Mendelssohn violin price and its quality, it becomes clear that it’s made for advanced and adult learners. With its flaming reddish-orange finish, it’s a dazzling violin even when seen from afar.

If you’re looking for a violin and nothing else, the Holstein Red Mendelssohn might be the best choice in its price range. As expected, this violin is not sound forgiving as it was made for the most skilled solo players.

But with enough practice, every learner can hone its lovely soft sound and enjoy its projection. A more budget-friendly option could be the Fiddlerman Soloist Violin Outfit since it comes in four varied sizes and is easy to play, but it all depends on what you’re looking for in an instrument.

In this Holstein Red Mendelssohn violin review, we’ve shown you everything that makes this violin the right choice for any adult learner that wants nothing but the best for themselves.

Check Today’s Holstein Red Mendelssohn Violin Price! >>

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

Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit Review: Is It A Good Mid-Level Instrument?

Fiddlerman Artist Outfit Ratings at a Glance:

Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit

Artist Violin Outfit Overview

Many violin students find themselves in a tricky situation when it comes to choosing a new instrument.In our Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit review, we’ll see whether it’s the right choice for music students and whether it’s suitable for their needs.

Regardless of its price, the Artist Violin Outfit features everything that an average violin student requires. It’s made from hand-carved spruce with a subtle spirit-based finish that gives it just the right color.

The instrument is preset with a properly fitted bridge and pegs. The carbon bow can feel a bit sturdy initially, but you’ll get used to it after just a few minutes of playing.

Who is the Artist Outfit Best Suited For?

The Fiddlerman Artist Violin is one of the most recommended for music students and orchestra players. Since they spend a fair amount of time commuting and take their violins everywhere they go, this model offers a compact outfit.

Packed with all the necessary equipment like rosin, tuner, and cloth in one place, you won’t have to think about making many additions. Plus, this fFddlerman violin provides clear and rich sound, ideal for long practice hours.

This model also meets the needs of former enthusiasts who wish to restore their playing skills.

When it comes to professionals, they might find the Artist Violin a bit one-dimensional in sound. Indeed, if you’re a seasoned music artist, you’ll probably want to go for something that has more character.

The Artist Violin comes at an affordable price without too many compromises in terms of quality materials. Students and adult beginners believe it offers excellent value for the money.

What’s Included with the Outfit?

Even if it doesn’t have all the premium features, the Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit has more than enough for both novices and more experienced players. This outfit includes a ready-to-play instrument, a carbon fiber bow, D’Addario Kaplan Amo, or Zyex strings.

It comes with over and above the equipment that its price point might suggest. And it includes a Fiddlerman Wood shoulder rest, Holstein Premium rosin, polishing cloth, rubber practice mute, and an AV10 digital tuner.

The case itself has multiple pockets and compartments, straps to secure the instrument on your shoulder, and enough space to store everything you need to have it with you at all times.

Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit Features

Every Fiddlerman violin is known for its rich and vivid sound, and the Artist Violin is no exception. Due to the spruce and maple, the resonance is excellent for both classical and modern music performances.

With D’Addario Kaplan Amo strings, you’ll enjoy a deep rich tone that will add another layer to any composition.

In terms of comfort, you’ll notice how easy it is to hold and to play it, even if you have it in your hands for more than 40 hours every week.

The Fiddlerman Artist is crafted to sit nicely on your chin without any pressure on your shoulder, and the carbon fiber bow is more durable than any Brazilwood that you might find in the same price range.

Since every Fiddlerman violin has to be impeccable, they’ve developed a system of ten points that every instrument has to pass. That’s why every violin comes with a certificate of excellence and a lifetime structural warranty.

Fiddlerman Artist Violin Highlights

Here are some of the best features that you’ll get with the Fiddlerman Artist Violin:

• Lightweight antique wood violin
• Precisely measured string height
• Ebony fittings
• Hand rubbed sprit finish that accentuates the wood texture
• Carbon fiber bow with Mongolian horsehair

How to Get the Most from the Artist Violin

As with most violins, this model will require additional tuning before playing. However, since it will arrive with a tuner, you can have it ready in a few minutes.

It’s available in four sizes, and like any Fiddlerman instrument, it comes with a lifetime structural warranty. Furthermore, the Artist Violin was set up and tested so that you can start playing as soon as it arrives.

Fiddlerman Artist Outfit Key Points

Other Violins to Have Keep Mind

Is the Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit the Right Choice for You?

Once we consider everything, the Fiddlerman Artist Outfit is probably one of the best instruments for music academy students or serious orchestra players.

Even if it’s not among the budget-friendly options, its body is made from seven-year-old wood, creating a sound that you won’t hear in any other competitor model. That’s what makes Fiddlerman violins so unique – the right materials.

Whether you’re a music student or an enthusiast, this instrument will upgrade your learning experience and allow you to develop as a musician.

With outstanding performance and high-quality materials, it’s one of the best value violins around. The Artist Violin Outfit can cater to anyone that appreciates beauty and toughness combined.

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The Glasser Carbon Violin at a Glance:

Glasser Carbon Composite Violin

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Overview

The Glasser Carbon Composite Violin’s design is unusual for many players as it feels like it’s a different instrument.

However, once you start playing, you’ll notice that you can play it without fear of damage regardless of the weather conditions or your location. And that’s why it’s one of the best choices for fiddling and outdoor performance.

The idea behind this unorthodox material choice is that wooden violins are too sensitive to use outside. With a carbon box that’s almost impossible to break or scratch, you can use your violin wherever you want.

Plus, if you’re a novice, you won’t have to spend too much time taking care of the wood or the instrument itself.

Who Is This Composite Violin Best Suited for?

The Glasser Carbon Composite violin is excellent for beginners and music teachers who often use their instruments and repeat the same moves and melodies.

Due to its resilience, this instrument is almost indestructible, making it an ideal starter violin in music schools, orchestras, and bands.

Obviously, seasoned musicians and professional violin soloists will most likely find this violin less interesting than violins from Holstein or the Ming Jian Zhu workshops.

However, if they’re traveling or want to play while camping, this instrument gives them more liberty than a traditional model.

On the other hand, violinists who want to use it for fiddling will see all the benefits of carbon composite. Even if they’re going to play outside during warm summer nights or in a bar full of people, a carbon violin won’t change its sound properties.

Glasser is a world leader in developing instruments using composite materials that make them far more resilient and durable than any wooden string instrument.

What are You Getting with the Glasser Violin?

You can buy only the Glasser Carbon Fiber violin or opt for an outfit upgrade that includes additional equipment. The outfit features a backpack violin case, Glasser 203SH fiberglass bow, tuner, rosin, and polishing cloth.

Instrument Features

Glasser violins are constructed to last as their body is weather and scratch-resistant. The fingerboard, pegs, and scroll are also made from carbon composite to make it more lightweight and well-balanced.

It’s a useful instrument for exercising string limits and intensive performances. It comes equipped with Larsen strings and Planetary pegs for tuning stability.

The carbon composite body doesn’t imitate wood, and designers made it in a red and black version. When compared to traditional wooden violins, the Glasser Carbon is a bit heavier at 565 grams.

It doesn’t influence the performance too much, although professional performers find it hard to get used to.

The sound of the Glasser Carbon Composite violin is one of its most essential aspects. Together with Larson strings, a carbon violin tends to have a deeper and darker sound than a traditional violin.

Its projection has less impact on the audience, but since the higher registry’s sound quality is sharp, numerous performers successfully use it like a fiddler.

This instrument probably won’t be anyone’s first choice for a solo performance or concert due to its sound properties. However, violin novices will appreciate its sturdiness as it allows them to practice everywhere.

Glasser Violin Highlights

• Revolutionary carbon body
• Perfectly figured
• Easy to carry around
• Great for outdoor performances
• Resilient and solid

Getting the Most Out of Glasser’s Carbon Fiber Violin

One of the Glasser Carbon Composite violin’s best features is that it requires just a few simple adjustments, and you can play it as soon as it arrives.

If you order it with any outfit, you’ll have everything ready to practice or perform and enjoy its dark and moody sound.

Key Points to Consider

Comparable Violins Worth a Look

Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit

Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit

Glasser AEX Acoustic Electric Violin

Is the Glasser Violin Right for You?

In this Glasser Carbon Composite violin review, we’ve tried to show you all the benefits of owning a reliable carbon composite instrument.

Not only does it allow you to perform outside, in the rain, sun, or at the beach, but you can do so without fear of compromising the instrument’s structural integrity.

This sturdy violin comes fully equipped with Planetary pegs for stability and Larsen strings for a solid projection. It does take time to get used to playing it, mostly if you’ve always played on wooden instruments.

Lastly, due to its price, this violin is accessible to everyone from novice players who love traveling and want to take their violin wherever they go. It’s a low maintenance instrument with a modern look that will undoubtedly draw attention.

Check Today’s Glasser Carbon Composite Violin Price! >>

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 >>