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

How to Find the Best Violin to Learn On

Let’s start with a few hand-picked starter violins and outfits to give you an idea of what’s available. This short list is sure to make a great reference for finding the best violin to fit your particular needs:

Starter Violin Comparison Chart

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best Value! Cecilio CVN-300 Solid Wood Ebony Fitted Violin	No products found.	(4.2)	$$$
#2 Best Budget Model ADM Full Size Handmade Acoustic Violin Outfit		(3.7)	$$
#3 Best Alternative Choice Mendini MV500+92D Flamed 1-Piece Back Violin	No products found.	(4.3)	$$$
#4 Best Build Quality Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin			$$$
#5 Superior Sound Stentor 1500 Violin		(3.9)	$$
#6 Good Value Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Violin		(3.8)	$$
#7 Comes with Electronics Cecilio CVNAE 330 SR Acoustic Electric Violin		(3.9)	$$
#8 Great for Girls Merano MV300P Violin with Case		(3.8)	$
#9 Best Premium Outfit Ricard Bunnel Full Violin Outfit		(4.7)	$$$$
#10 Great for Kids ADM Handcrafted Beginners Violin		(3.8)	$

Our Top Five Best Violin Choices Reviewed

1. Overall Best Violin: Cecilio CVN-300

The best overall combination of instrument, accessories and price point.

No products found.

Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Outfit

The Cecilio CVN-300 violin is a beautiful handcrafted wooden instrument that produces great sound and a tone that is described as warm and pleasing to the ears.

It’s a great set for students and other beginners because of its affordability and the completeness of the outfit provided which makes it a reliable and great choice when you are looking for quality and affordability.

Features of the Cecilio CVN-300

• It measures 32” x 12” x 5” and weighs approximately 5 lbs.
• Full size (4/4)
• Features hand carved top made of solid and aged spruce, for the sides and back part, aged maple is used
• Ebony fittings (chin rest, fingerboard, pegs, tailpiece)
• Includes 2 Brazilian wood bows with unbleached Mongolian horsehair and a hard case outer shell to keep your instrument properly secured
• Stock strings are D’Addario Prelude strings
• Other accessories included in the outfit: CD/DVD tutorial/lesson book, shoulder rest, rosin cake, 2 extra bridges, spare set of strings and a tuner
• With 1-year warranty for manufacturer’s defects

No products found.

Read the Latest Cecilio CVN-300 Violin User Reviews >>

How Does the CVN-300 Violin Sound?

Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Review

No products found.

What Do Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Customers Think? >>

Product Summary

The Cecilio CVN-300 is an affordable and reliable beginner’s violin. It is made of quality materials to ensure that each piece is durable and will last you a few years.

This Cecilio violin, and the inclusions the package offers, are also great bonuses because they have undergone the right process to maintain quality even with the affordable price point.

No products found.

Check Out Our Full Cecilio CVN-300 Review Here >>

2. Best Budget Violin: ADM Full Size Handmade Violin Outfit

A great violin for a student on a tighter budget.

ADM 4/4 Handmade Violin Outfit

As a beginner, if affordability is one of the top considerations that you look for in choosing a violin, then the ADM Full Size Handmade Wooden Acoustic Violin Outfit is suitable for you.

Not only is it considered the least expensive violin available online, it also sounds remarkable and is beautifully crafted.

ADM stands for All Days Music, a professional supplier of musical instruments known for their quality beginner violins that are offered at a low price.

Features of the ADM Violin Outfit

• Solid wood violin. For the body of this violin, hand-carved tone woods were used with the addition of inlaid purfling so the instrument can withstand the stress of continued dailyuse
• Produces pure and decent sounds
• Ebonized solid hard wood. For the fittings, blackened solid hard wood is used to mimic the appearance of genuine ebony fittings. This applies to the fingerboard, chin rest, and pegs
• The top part of the violin is made from hand carved solid spruce while the back and sides are hand carved from maple
• For the tail piece, alloy is used with 4 built-in fine tuners
• Other accessories in the outfit include: shoulder straps, a shaped foam casing, Brazilian wood bow with horsehair, rosin and digital tuner
• Measures 32.3” x 10.6” x 5.9” inches and weighs approximately 6.4 ounces

Click Here for ADM 4/4 Handmade Violin Outfit Reviews

How Does the ADM Violin Sound?

ADM Full Size Violin Outfit Review

What Are ADM Violin Customers Saying? >>

Product Summary

The complete ADM Full Size Acoustic Violin Outfit is excellent if you have very limited budget or you are buying an instrument for a child.

Although the quality is great, this instrument is more commonly considered a violin-shaped object (VSO) which, according to reviews, may not be as good in sound as a real one.

Check Out Our Full ADM Violin Outfit Review Here >>

3. Best Alternative Choice: Mendini MV500+92D Violin

A beautifully constructed instrument considering the price.

No products found.

Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D Violin Outfit

The Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D Flamed Violin is among Cecilio’s factory-made instruments that combine affordability and quality. This instrument is known to produce medium-quality tones, which are great for beginners.

Although factory made, Mendini instruments are also handcrafted and tested for quality control by skilled technicians before they are shipped.

Features of the Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D Flamed Violin

• Measures 32” x 6” x 13” and weighs approximately 5 pounds
• Violin is full size, 4/4
• Top: Made from solid hand-carved spruce
• Back and sides are made from one piece of maple wood with flamed design
• Has inlaid purfling and finished with a glossy varnish
• Features ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest, and tailpiece with 4 built-in fine tuners that can be detached if needed
• Other inclusions: lightweight hard case, 2 Brazil wood violin bows using unbleached horsehair, 2 bridges, adjustable shoulder rest, rosin cake and a spare set of violin strings
• With 1-year warranty for manufacturer’s defects

No products found.

Read the Latest Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D Violin Reviews

How Does the Mendini MV500 Sound?

Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D Flamed Violin Review

No products found.

Are Mendini MV500+92D Violin Customers Happy? >>

Product Summary

For a factory-made violin, the Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D Flamed Violin is a great choice to consider for good quality beginner’s violin that produces great mid-level tone quality without the high price tag.

It’s also durable and can hold up from constant use as you practice to become more skilled in playing the violin.

No products found.

Read Our Complete Mendini MV500 Review Here >>

4. Best Build Quality: Cecilio CVN-500 Violin

Hand crafted with a focus on longevity. This instrument is built to last.

Cecilio CVN-500 Violin Outfit

The Cecilio CVN-500 violin is a step up from the usual beginner’s violin. Aside from being constructed using high quality materials, this model can also be used by more advanced players looking for an affordable violin with the ability to produce a reliable sound.

This violin also offers a great package that has all the important extras you need for your violin outfit.

Features of the Cecilio CVN-500 Violin

• Measures 32” x 12” x 5” and weighs approximately 5 pounds
• Violin size: 4/4 (full size)
• Top: Made from hand-carved solid spruce top
• Sides and bottom are made from a single hand-carved maple wood with a flamed design for an added effect
• Finished with a satin antique varnish
• Fittings like the fingerboard, chin rest, tailpiece and pegs are made of ebony
• Has inlaid purfling
• Features 4 built-in nickel plated adjusters located at the tailpiece
• Stock string set used are D’Addario Prelude strings
• Outfit inclusions: form fitting hard shell casing, includes 2 violin bows made from Brazilian wood and genuine horsehair, shoulder straps that are easily adjustable, chromatic tuner with metronome, 2 bridges, lesson, rosin cake
• It also offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty if ever you find defects that are caused by the manufacturer

Read the Latest Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Violin Reviews

How Does the CVN-500 Sound?

Cecilio CVN-500 Violin Review

What Do Cecilio CVN-500 Violin Customers Think? >>

Product Summary

The Cecilio CVN-500 is a great option for a first violin or second one. It will not cost you much and you can still use it after you have gone past the beginner’s stage.

Reviews for this instrument are positive, and for the negative ones, most issues can be resolved easily.

Read Our Complete Cecilio CNV-500 Review Here >>

5. Best Sounding Violin for the Money: Stentor 1500 4/4 Violin

Considering the price, this is a great sounding instrument.

Stentor 1500 4/4 Violin

Teachers highly recommend this versatile violin for students who are looking for their very first violin because the Stentor 1500 4/4 violin is best known for its reliable sound and budget-friendly price.

This violin features a responsive sound with a good tone, thus you are sure that what you pay for is worth it with regards to the violin’s overall performance.

Features of the Stentor 1500 4/4 Violin

• The violin has a measurement of 6.2” x 31.5” x 11” with an approximate weight of 4.4 pounds.
• Spruce is used for the top part of the violin, while maple is used to construct the bottom, ribs and neck of the violin
• Features a gold brown varnish for the finishing
• Fittings are made from ebony (fingerboard, pegs) while a composite is used for the tailpiece
• 4 nickel-plated fine tuners are built into the composite tailpiece
• The outfit includes a violin bow with horsehair, violin case with interior wraps and pockets for accessories, as well as two holders provided for the bow

Click Here for Stentor 1500 4/4 Violin User Reviews

How Does the Stentor Violin Sound?

Stentor 1500 4/4 Full Size Violin Review

Are Stentor 1500 Full Size Violin Owners Happy? >>

Product Summary

The Stentor 1500 violin is a reliable instrument to invest in for your very first violin. Although the price is a little bit high when compared to other entry-level violins.

The construction of this violin is solid, and it is well-made, which means that it will last you quite a while, something that is very practical for beginners.

Aside from practical reasons, this model is also known for the quality of its sound, which is also an important aspect to consider when choosing your first violin.

Read Our Full Stentor 1500 Violin Review Here >>

Starter Violin Buying Guide: What to Look For

Why Start With Violin?

An enchanting instrument that has been around for literally centuries, the violin has an incredibly rich history.

Classical greats such as Strauss, Vivaldi, Paganini and many more laid the foundations for modern masters.

Popular cutting edge artists such as Lindsey Stirling are taking the instrument into previously uncharted territory thereby reaching a whole new audience.

There would seem to be no end to the creation of beautiful music that comes from the violin.

A violin is a wooden stringed musical instrument which has four strings. It is a hollow, wooden box that has a protruding neck at the top.

Violin Construction

Although it is mostly made of wood, different kinds are used to make the whole violin. For the front body, the bass bar and the sound post, spruce is used as it lightweight but strong.

A harder wood like maple is used for the neck, ribs, pegbox, back, and the scroll.

Another type of wood, ebony, known to be dense and very hard, is used for the parts where stress is frequent. This is used in making the fingerboard, pegs, tailpiece and end button.

Musical Style

The violin belongs to the string family which includes the cello, viola, and the bass – sometimes called “the doghouse” by some performers.

Among its members, the violin is the smallest and the most high pitched.

In an orchestra, the violin is commonly used to convey the melody because of its carrying sound.

Aside from the orchestra, different musical genres also use the violin.

Folk music, jazz, Western classical tradition, and country music are just some of the genres that you can hear the violin being played.

Quality and price range

Quality intermediate violins are usually priced around $500. For professional types, violins can start as high as $3,000.

For beginners, it would be best to bring your teacher along with you or a violinist friend when choosing one.

Having someone with experienced ears will help you decide which ones are low-quality violins, and which ones are good.

Also, don’t inform the dealer of your budget; this way, you will avoid having the prices marked up if no tag is displayed.

Set your budget

Start by setting a budget based on how you will use the violin. Will you use it as a hobby or as a means for your future career?

Do your research and look for options that you would want for your violin.

When choosing within your budget, don’t change your price range just because the shop you are looking into does not have one that fits your price range.

Don’t let yourself be pressured to buy; take your time and check out other shops to find the best violin for your budget.

Make a smart decision, learn more about the various features of the best beginner violins:

Playing the violin

Using your right hand, the violin is played by drawing a bow at correct angles across a string causing it to vibrate.

By choosing the string that comes in contact with the bow, pitch is controlled, while the length of the sound is regulated by pressing that string down onto the fingerboard with one of the fingers on your left hand.

You can also pluck the strings to make a sound, this method is called as pizzicato.

Of course, to fully enjoy this beautiful instrument, there’s much much more you can learn about how to play a violin:​

Try it

When you see a violin that you like, try playing it first and try playing other violins as well.

Some dealers may also lend you the violin for up to two weeks so you can try it at home where you can practice comfortably with it.

You can also bring it to your teacher to have it checked out as well before you decide to purchase it or not.

Beginner vs professional

If you are buying a beginner or a student’s violin, it is recommended to buy it online where it costs less compared to buying one in a violin shop.

These types of violins are usually made by a machine using lesser quality wood and a spray-on finish.

For a professional violin, visit a reputable shop. High-quality violins are commonly carved by hand using premium-quality wood that has been aged and set up by a professional luthier (stringed instrument maker).

Test the sound from afar

Bringing a violinist friend will also let you test the sound of the instrument from afar.

Have your friend play, and listen from afar, as some violins sound great under your ear but do not project well from a distance.

Buying vs renting

If you are buying for a child not big enough to own a full-sized violin, renting one is the best option. Buying a small-sized violin can be expensive since you may have to change it often as your child grows.

Also, smaller sizes may not be as high-quality as full-sized violins.

In general, buying a violin is a more cost-effective option in the long run as renting one will usually cost you the same if you’re going to use it for a long time.

Wrapping It Up: The Best Violins to Start With

Considering price, features, build quality, warranty, reputation and overall value, here are our top three choices of violins to start learning on:

Best Violin to Start With

Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with...

Best Budget Model

ADM Violin 4/4 Full Size Solid Wood Polishing...

Best Alternative Choice

No products found.

The Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit at a Glance:

Ricard Bunnel G! Violin Outfit

Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit Review – Is it Worth the Investment?

If you are looking for a violin for someone who is in the beginner to intermediate stages of their music training, the Ricard Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit is perfect. It comes with everything that a budding musician needs to jump right in and start playing.

Kennedy Violins claims to have the best instruments on the market, so you may be wondering why the price is so reasonable.

Kennedy Violins purchases their products directly from the manufacturer. This means that they are able to cut out the middle man, keeping their costs low, and deliver savings to you, the customer.

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!

Features of the Ricard Bunnel G1 Violin

Crafted by hand, the Ricard Bunnel G1 Violin from Kennedy Violins has pure ebony fittings with an oil finish. If you are looking for a bundle that packs a punch, without punching a huge hole in your wallet, this bundle is definitely an option to consider.

This is a great violin bundle for beginner to intermediate students, with everything you need to begin playing as soon as you take it out of the box, including:

• Genuine Brazilwood bow
• Rosin
• Case
• Shoulder rest
• Equipped with D’Addario Prelude Strings
• Additional set of Portland Strings
• Tuner
• “Intro to Violin” book

This violin features solid, carved maple and spruce tone woods, with a hand-carved French Aubert maple bridge that is custom-fitted. The D’Addario Prelude strings come already installed, so all your budding musician needs to do is tune it up and it is ready to play.

Read What Ricard Bunnel Customers are Saying >>

Kennedy guarantees superior sound quality, better than what you would find in other violins at this price. Some of the best features include:

• All Kennedy Violins are backed by a lifetime guarantee warranty with full coverage if there are any issues that are related to manufacturer defects.
• Purchased directly from the manufacturer, all of the final stages of assembly of Kennedy violins, including the Ricard Bunnel G1, are assembled by Kennedy’s own violin experts in United states, right in the State of Washington.
• The maple and spruce tone woods give this violin a natural and realistic sound, making it easier for students to learn and play.
• The violin body is oiled carefully to ensure that it will not only have a gorgeous finish, but that it will also be durable.
• Everything your budding musician needs is included, so they can open up the box, tune their instrument, and begin learning and practicing immediately.

The Ideal Student Violin Package

This is the ideal first violin for beginning students, and the great sound quality also makes it a good choice for intermediate students who have been playing for a couple of years.

This is a wonderful student violin, with plenty of features that can help leaners improve on their skills and master their technique before moving on to a more expensive model.

This actually one of the highest-rated violins on Amazon, as well as the most popular student violin from Kennedy, for good reason.

Not only is this quality instrument backed by a lifetime warranty, there is also a 45-day money-back guarantee for your peace of mind should there be a problem with this instrument (which isn’t likely).

Easy to Tune and Play

This violin features a customized, fixed France Aubert link, with the size being perfectly modified for playability. The tuning pegs are simple to turn, so even a child can easily tune the Ricard Bunnel G1 without any assistance. A pre-rosined bow is included, as well as extra rosin.

Pros and Cons

Ricard Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit Review

What Do Ricard Bunnel G1 Customers Think? >>

While the manufacturer does claim that this violin is ready to use, any tuned instrument can be knocked out of tune during the shipping process.

Tuning can be difficult for beginners, but since this bundle comes with a clip-on tuner, that shouldn’t be a problem. Even a beginner can easily tune a violin with the tuner, and start playing right away.

Compare Featured Violin Models:

Bunnel Premier Violin Clearance Outfit 4/4 Full...

Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit 3/4 Size - Carrying...

Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size - Carrying...

Conclusion: Is the Ricard Bunnel G1 Violin a Good Deal?

If you have a child who is interested in learning how to play the violin, or has recently started taking lessons, and they need a decent violin to practice on, the Ricard Bunnel G1 from Kennedy Violins really is one of our preferred choices for them to start out on.

With it’s rich, natural tones, the bundle comes with everything they need to start playing now!

What Do Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit Customers Think? >>

Top Rated Accessories!

Snark Rechargeable Chromatic, USB SN5X Clip-On...

D'Addario Prelude Violin String Set, 4/4 Scale,...

D'Addario Violin Rosin - Cello Rosin - Kaplan...

Sale

Glaesel Violin Practice Mute, Black (GL3834)

Choosing the Best Student Violin: The Only Purchasing Guide You Need

Great Student Violin Selections at a Glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best Value! Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin Outfit	No products found.		$$$
#2 Best Budget Model Mendini MV300 Solid Wood Satin Antique Violin with Hard Case			$$
#3 Best Cheap Violin Crescent Student Violin Starter Kit			$$
#4 Best Premium Deal Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Outfit			$$$$
#5 Second Best Choice Cecilio CVN-200 Solidwood Violin Outfit			$$$

Have your kids told you that they are interested in learning how to play the violin?, but you are worried that the interest is fleeting, and don’t want to spend a lot of money on an expensive instrument?

There are plenty of quality violins available that are perfect for beginners and students, and many cost less than $250. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of our best student violin packages that give a novice student everything they need to start learning, and decide if this is the instrument for them.

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!

Top 5 Student Violins for Beginners Reviewed

1. Best Student Violin: Cecilio CVN-300 Ebony Fitted Violin

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Cecilio CVN-300 Ebony Fitted Violin

Here is one of the most popular student violins from Cecilio. The CVN-300 is made with a solid spruce top, with maple on the back, neck, and sides. There is also inlaid purfling with an antique varnish.

The fingerboard is made from ebony, along with the pegs and chin rest, and there is a tailpiece with four detachable, nickel-plated fine tuners.

Overall, this is a good violin for the beginner or student, and it even comes quality D’Addario Prelude strings, which are already installed (note, there is no extra set of strings included).

No products found.

Features

• This is a bundle package that includes the CVN-300 violin, a Cecilio chromatic tuner, a lightweight hard case, two Brazil wood bows with unbleached, genuine Mongolian horsehair, a rosin cake, an adjustable shoulder rest, an additional bridge, and a lesson book
• Enjoy awesome sound clarity and terrific responsiveness. The tone is bright and warm, so it is exciting yet smooth at the same time
• This is a durable instrument that is particularly good for younger students who often have a tendency to be rough on things

No products found.

What are Cecilio Customers Saying? >>

Pros and Cons

Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Review

What Do Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Customers Think? >>

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Verdict

Not all student violins are actually teacher-approved, but the Cecilio CVN-300 is loved by teachers of beginner and intermediate students.

It comes pre-strung with a set of quality D’Addario Prelude strings, and the Cecilio tuner even has a metronome, which is going to help students stay in time while they are practicing.

Overall, this is a great package for any beginning violin student, and many students who have been playing for a while also like it.

For more information, read our full review on this student model violin here.

2. Best Budget Violin for Students: Mendini MV300 Solid Wood Violin with Hard Case

Mendini MV300 Violin Outfit

If your kids are old enough to handle a full-size violin, the Mendini 4/4 MV300 is a great option. It is also a violin that produces a quality sound, which is necessary when learning in order to be able to correctly hear what is being played.

Priced at less than $75, this attractive violin has a satin antique finish. The top is made from hand-carved, solid spruce, and the sides, back, fingerboards, chin rest, and pegs are made from maple. The alloy tailpiece has four integrated fine tuners.

Features

• The Brazil wood bow features unbleached, genuine, Mongolian horsehair, whereas other inexpensive violins come with bows that have synthetic hairs
• Bundle package includes a lightweight hard case, bow, rosin, an adjustable shoulder rest, two bridges, and extra strings
• This violin comes with a one-year warranty that protects you against any manufacturer defects. Contact customer service if there are any manufacturing issues with this product

Click Here to Check Mendini MV300 Availability >>

Pros and Cons

Mendini MV300 Violin Review

What Are Mendini MV300 Violin Customers Saying? >>

Verdict

Obviously, you are not going to get a symphony-quality violin at this price, but the Mendini MV300 is pretty impressive overall, for the price. This is a great violin for the beginner, and it is also popular with students who are not quite ready to move up to a more expensive model.

All in all, if you are looking for a violin that costs less than $100, this is an excellent option. It comes with everything needed to start learning right away, so you don’t have to go out and buy any extras before you send them off to their first violin lesson.

Read our full review of the Mendini MV300 here.

3. Best Cheap Violin for Students: Crescent Student Violin Starter Kit

Crescent Student Violin kit

If you want to spend as little as possible but still get a decent violin for your kids to learn on, the Crescent 4/4 full size student violin starter kit is definitely one to consider. This is a full size violin that is ideal for beginners.

It’s not expensive, so if they do lose interest, you won’t be out a lot of money (and maybe you or someone else in your family might decide to take it up). Everything needed to start learning to play the violin is included in this student package, including the bow and carrying case.

Features

• This is a full size, 4/4 violin that is ideal for most beginners and students, with the exception of smaller children who may need a smaller instrument to start out with
• Made from quality materials, this violin has a solid maple back and sides, with a solid spruce top, and an alloy tailpiece with four fine tuners
• This is an attractive violin with a smooth, glossy finish. It plays well and has a better sound than one would expect at this price point
• Available in a rainbow of colorful choices

Click Here for the Latest Crescent Reviews >>

Pros and Cons

Crescent Student Violin Starter Kit Review

What Do Crescent Student Violin Customers Think? >>

Verdict

When it comes to a beginner violin, many students and teachers are impressed with the Crescent 4/4 Beginners Violin. It’s well-made with materials that you would find in more expensive models, and it works as well as many that cost twice as much.

This is an attractive violin that delivers excellent sound quality. The biggest drawback is that it doesn’t come with a shoulder rest, but you can add one to your order for just $5, so it isn’t that big of a deal.

4. Best Premium Violin for Students: Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Outfit

Bunnel Clearance Violin Outfit

If you’re worried that a violin priced at less than $100 isn’t going to have the sound quality that your budding musician needs, particularly for ear training, you can spend a bit more and purchase the Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Outfit, 4/4 full size.

This is actually one of the highest-rated student violins on Amazon, and it is backed by not only a lifetime warranty, but also a 45-day money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with this violin, which is not something you will find in most other stringed instruments.

Features

• This violin is set up and ready to play. The final assembly and setup is performed by the professional luthiers at Kennedy Violins in Washington state
• This instrument is hand-crafted using solid maple and spruce tone woods. The fittings are 100 percent ebony, and the violin has a nice oil finish
• This is a clearance violin, meaning that it does have some minor imperfections. These are generally only with the appearance, and do not affect the playing quality

What are Bunnel Clearance Customers Saying? >>

Pros and Cons

Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Outfit Review

Are Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Customers Happy? >>

Verdict

When you want to make sure that your kids have a quality instrument to learn on, but you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, The Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin is a great choice.

his bundle package comes with everything students need to start learning how to play the violin, including a durable, high-grade Brazil wood bow with genuine Mongolian horsehair, an oblong case with straps and compartments, Kennedy Natural Rosin, and extra strings.

Read our full review of the Bunnel Clearance model here.

5. Our Alternative Best Choice for a Student Violin: Cecilio CVN-200 Solid Wood Student Violin

Cecilio CVN-200 Violin Outfit

The Cecilio CVN-200 violin is a perfect violin for beginners or students. It includes a hand-carved maple back, hand-carved solid spruce top, and sides completed with attractive varnish.

This violin is tailored with a chin rest, maple fingerboard, and alloy tailpiece comprising of four detachable fine tuners.

Accessories included with the violin are a two Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, modifiable shoulder rest with soft foam stuffing and soft rubber feet.

Also included is a light hard-shell case with straps and pockets (making it ideal to carry if you’re in an orchestra or to school), violin bridge, rosin cake, and additional strings.

Features

• Size 4/4 (Full Size)
• Maple back & sides and hand-carved solid spruce top
• Boxwood Pegs, Maple fingerboard, chin rest and includes four fine tuners
• Consists of: Cecilio tuner, 2 Brazilwood bows, hard case, rosin, two bridges, adjustable shoulder rest, extra set of strings, and lesson book
• 1 Year warranty

Click Here to Read the Latest Cecilio CVN-200 Reviews

Pros and Cons

Cecilio CVN-200 Student Violin Review

What Do Cecilio CVN-100 Student Violin Customers Think? >>

Verdict

So, it is a nice idea to buy the CVN-200 for yourself if you’re a beginner or student at playing the violin. It is definitely good enough for somebody who’s taking small steps to becoming an immediate to advanced player.

It can be a great gift if you have a son or daughter that is eager to learn how to play.

Based on how it works, its appearance and with the case and accessories that accompany it, this is a great violin for students.

Compare Featured Student Violin Models:

Best Student Violin

Cecilio CVN-100 Solid Wood Student Violin with...

Best Budget Model

No products found.

Best Cheap Student Violin

Bunnel Premier Violin Clearance Outfit 4/4 Full...

Conclusion: Which Student Violin is the Best for You?

As you can plainly see, there is no need to go out and spend a fortune on an instrument that you aren’t even sure will be used by next year.

There are plenty of quality violins priced at well below $250, and they come with all of the accessories needed to jump right into learning how to play the violin.

Any of the above packages will be ideal for your little learners, and if they decide to keep on playing, you can always upgrade to a higher quality instrument later on

In our humble opinion, if you have the budget for it and the student has a committed attitude, the Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Outfit 4/4 offers the best overall value as you’re getting an exceptional instrument at a reduced price.

But, as most parents of new students are naturally more sensitive to the combination of price point and commitment level, our top pick is the Cecilio CVN-300 as the overall best choice for a student violin outfit.

Editor’s Pick

The Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Outfit

No products found.

What Do Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Owners Think? >>

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Glaesel Violin Practice Mute, Black (GL3834)

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What is the Best Violin Brand for a Beginner? Read the Reviews:

Committing to buy a starter violin should only be done after you’ve researched the instruments you’re interested in.

Since violins aren’t necessarily the most affordable musical instrument on the market, the advice In this article will help you discover some of the best violin brands. You’ll also be able to pick up some useful tips about making an informed decision in selecting a violin that’s right for you.

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!

The Top 6 Best Brand-Name Violins Compared:

Now that you know what to consider when purchasing a violin, it is time to get to know the best brands of violins and why they are considered among the best.

1. Yamaha Violins

Although most of the best violins are handcrafted by an artisan, there are still some commercial brands that offer great choices when it comes to violins. Yamaha is one of these brands and they are known not only for their violins, but other musical instruments too.

For a beginner, it may not be best to purchase an artisan violin because they still need a lot of practice to play it. Most often than not, the best-quality violins are more difficult to play and learn from.

Top Yamaha Violin Choices:

Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 3/4 Size

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Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 4/4 Size

Yamaha is a Japanese manufacturer and their violins are known to be sturdy and reliable. They have violins for players of different levels. The “Standard” line is meant for students and beginners.

They also have more professional or higher level violins that even the more experienced players will greatly appreciate. Some of their violins are inspired by the famous handcrafted violins that well-known luthiers have crafted in the past.

2. Cremona Violins

Cremona is a brand that was founded in 1899 and is currently controlled by Saga Musical Instruments who maintain an exceptional level of quality standards for all of the many different instruments they offer.

They provide various models of violins suitable for beginners and more intermediate players alike. They produce high-quality violins because the makers were trained by the Italian and German masters themselves.

They are a well-recognized brand and are recipients of multiple honors and authentications because of how they create their products. They not only create quality violins, they also manufacture bows.

Top Cremona Violin Choices:

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Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit - 4/4...

They make use of high-quality wood and are careful in their assembly to make sure that the product is properly made. This may be the reason why they price their violins at a higher price than other brands.

The great thing about buying a violin from this well-known brand is that you can easily resell it as a used violin if you decide not to pursue playing it. There are many people who would love to buy this kind of violin, even if used.

3. Stentor Violins

Another very popular brand, and one of the best is Stentor. They provide high-quality violins that are also very durable, which may be one of the reasons why it is one of the most recommended brand by teachers.

Stentor has been around since the late 1800’s but it was in the 1960’s that they first crafted their own violins instead of previously importing them. This means that the quality of their instruments has improved and since then, they have built a great name for themselves.

Top Stentor Violin Choices:

Stentor, 4-String Violin, Brown, 1/2 (1500

Stentor 1400 3/4 Violin

Stentor, 4-String Violin, Brown,Red (1500 3/4)

Most Stentor violins, such as the Stentor 1500 model, are meant for beginners, but they also have other higher quality violins that are meant for orchestra play. It makes it possible for students to practice with them, as well as grow with their violins as they reach higher levels of expertise.

They make use of high-quality tone woods which produce a warm sound. Most models, if not all, make use of ebony fingerboards and pegs, which not only improves the sound, but the appearance as well.

4. Cecilio Violins

Cecilio gives you a taste of what a handcrafted violin can do, at a fraction of the cost of an artisan violin. The company has built a name for itself as one of the best violin brands for beginners because it offers a range of options at reasonable prices.

They pride themselves on offering solid workmanship, and a wide range of different violins. The company may not be one of the most famous violin brands just yet, but that’s changing fast.

The company takes its name from the patron saint of musicians, St Cecilia. The techniques used by the luthiers have been handed down by craftsmen over the centuries.

Top Cecilio Violin Choices:

Cecilio CVN-200 Full Size Violin with D'Addario...

Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with...

This is the best violin brand if you want a decent instrument at an affordable price, such as the top selling Cecilio CVN-300. The company prides itself on giving you access to higher quality instruments at reasonable rates.

So, if you have a kid who is just starting, you’ll find that this is one of the best violin brands to start with. These instruments provide reasonable performance and are perfect for honing your craft.

Can you do better? Yes, but not without paying a lot more money for one of the more established violin brand names. These instruments come very close to professional-level instruments. If your child becomes serious about playing, they’ll want to upgrade later.

Until then, though, they get a high-quality instrument without you needing to mortgage your home.

5. Mendini

This is one of the most popular budget violin brands. Cecilio makes the instruments on behalf of Mendini, but they come in at a lower price point. The advantage of this set-up is that you get the quality that you’ve come to expect from Cecilio at an excellent price.

If you’re a beginner, unsure whether or not you will continue, this is a good option. You’ll usually get everything that you need to get started with most instruments this brand offers.

What you’re not getting here is a hand-crafted, artisan instrument – the Mendini MV300 is a perfect example of this. But then, at this price point, you cannot expect that. That said, these do produce a good sound and are ideal for beginners to practice on.

Top Mendini Violin Choices:

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One of the areas where the company does cut corners is with the strings. We’d recommend replacing the strings with something of better quality as soon as possible.

Nine times out of ten, you’re also going to want to look into upgrading your bow at some stage. The bows supplied are fine, but they’re not the highest quality.

Generally, though, this brand wins points as being the best budget-friendly option. You’ll find it necessary to upgrade as you advance. That said, if you decide that playing the violin is not an option for you, you won’t feel as bad sticking these models in the back of the garage or selling them.

6. Knilling Violins

Knilling has established a solid reputation since they started in 1922. It’s one of the most popular violin brands amongst students and teachers because of the high-quality craftsmanship they offer. They have established themselves as one of the leading brands of student violins.

Every instrument that leaves the premises is thoroughly checked to ensure that it is up to the high-quality standards that Knilling maintains. You’re not going to get a dud if you’re ordering a Knilling. As part of the inspection process, the violin is also set up for you.

Top Knilling Violin Choices:

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That means that beginners can get started right away, without going to the extra expense of getting the instrument set up first. The price tag does reflect their popularity. These are not the cheapest on the market, so do expect to pay a little more.

That said, the extra cost is a worthwhile expense for a student who is eager to make progress. The pegs that Knilling makes are unique and one of the best selling points for their instruments.

The pegs have gears incorporated into the shank, which allows tuning to be as painless as possible and is one of the reasons that beginners love these models.

You can order the precision pegs, or request a model without them, as you prefer. We’d recommend sticking to the precision pegs because they make tuning so much simpler.

Worth Mentioning: Bunnel Violins

Bunnel is a range that is supplied by Kennedy. Kennedy Violins is based in Washington state and is a reasonably new name in the market. That hasn’t stopped them becoming extremely popular in the time they’ve been open.

The instruments are excellent quality and reasonably affordable as well. They are typically received with rave reviews. This is hardly surprising considering the care and craftsmanship that goes into every model.

They typically use spruce tonewoods and good-quality solid maple instead of composites. This does add to the cost a little, but it does make for instruments that are more durable and that sound amazing.

Top Bunnel Violin Choices:

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 3/4 Size Clearance By...

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The company was initially started by a music teacher who saw a big gap in the market. At the time, student violins didn’t offer the kind of performance needed for students to get the best out of their lessons.

Now, while there is a saying that a poor workman always blames their tools, quality does make a difference for a student.

The better the quality of the instrument, such as the Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit, the better the performance. Students using sub-standard instruments might well be put off because they sound flat.

Another aspect that we like about this brand is that it does offer great options for the intermediate user as well. So, as you advance, you can stick with the brand that you’ve come to know and trust.

How to Choose a Good Violin for Beginners

In selecting a violin to purchase, it is very important to consider the following:

Skill or level of expertise

One of the first things to consider is the skills or capability of the player. There are violins that are meant for beginners and there are also others that may best for more experienced or intermediate players.

It’s best to match the level of the player with the violin design so that the beginner player doesn’t get to frustrated in trying to play a violin meant for a more experienced one.

It also prevents the more experienced player from being limited with what they can do with the beginner violin.

Budget

The budget is another very important aspect to consider in purchasing a violin. Violins come at different prices and this depends on what materials are used, how it is constructed and even the brand that makes them. It is very important to compare the price with what you are exactly getting.

The most expensive violins are handcrafted and are mostly from Europe. Although they can be the most sought after for violin enthusiasts, there are also some lower priced ones that can be a great instrument too.

Make sure that the budget is realistic because violins don’t come cheap. You also wouldn’t want a very low-priced violin that is also low quality; you’ll just end up replacing it and spending more just to be able to play.

Type of playing

Some may want to learn how to play the violin for classical music, while others may want to play it, fiddle style, for folk music. Either way, the player should identify how they want to play so that they can find a violin more suited for them.

Violins that have a flatter bridge are best for folk music while those with an arch bridge are best for classical music players.

Usability of the violin

Another thing to consider is how long the player can use the violin. Although it is great that there are beginner violins, it is still best that the violin grows with the player. With that, the player won’t have to change and upgrade violins every few years.

Choose the Right Violin Size

With any brand of violin that you choose, you should also make sure that the size fits the intended user. Violins actually come in many sizes, with full sizes for adults, also known as 4/4 size, to the smallest for children, known as 1/32.

Measurements of the extended arm of the player from the base of the neck to the wrist will be taken to make sure that the right size is purchased.

If you are already an adult, then it will be much easier to buy a violin in the right size because you won’t have to change the violin every couple of years to accommodate growth.

What About Acoustic vs. Electric Violins?

The traditional acoustic violins may be more common to us but there are also electric violins. Just like electric guitars, they are fitted with electric pickups.

Electric Violin Choices:

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Traditional acoustic violins produce a warmer and rounder sound because of the tone woods used. On the other hand, the sound produced by the electric violins can be easily enhanced or edited.

When it comes to appearance, the acoustic violins come in their traditional shape. Electronic violins, on the other hand, can come in different shapes. Due to the lack of the bulk of the violin, it can be very lightweight and modern looking.

In Closing, How Do Violin Brands for Beginners Stack Up?

Purchasing a violin should be carefully done and with research in order to end up with a worthy purchase. There are a few well-known brands in the market such as Yamaha, Stentor and Cremona, as well as Mendini, Cecilio and Ricard-Bunnel which all offer great-quality violins.

When purchasing a violin, it is important to consider your budget, the skill level of the violinist, type of playing done, and the usability of the instrument. Players can also decide whether to get a traditional acoustic violin or a more modern electric violin.

Choosing a violin to purchase is a personal choice, but that doesn’t mean that you just have to rely on your gut instincts. A better way to do it is to first do some research here so you end up with the right brand and model for the player.

OUR TOP PICKS

Best Major Brand: Yamaha

Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 3/4 Size

Four stringed acoustic violin; Black carrying case with adjustable strap; Rosin; One bow

Best Budget Brand: Cremona

Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin Outfit - 4/4 Size,Traditional...

EDUCATOR APPROVED: US-made Prelude strings, the top choice for students.; PLAYER COMFORT: Kaufman-style chinrest, oiled neck, and balanced bow for easy playing.

Best Intermediate Brand: Stentor

Stentor, 4-String Violin, Brown,Red (1500 3/4)

Hand crafted with fine-grained solid Spruce top; Solid maple back; Full ebony fittings

Best Electric Brand: Cecilio

Cecilio Silent Electric Solid Wood Violin Kit with Ebony Fittings in...

Overall Ratings For Beginner Violin Brands:

The Bunnel Student Clearance Outfit at a Glance:

Bunnel Pupil Clearance Violin

Bunnel Pupil Clearance Outfit Review – Find Out Why It’s Rated a High 4.5/5

One never knows how serious a child’s interests may be—and often, we skimp on quality when buying that first instrument. But there’s reason inexpensive products are inexpensive; they typically must cut corners on key design features and materials to hit a price point.

The results can frustrate that budding musician. If the violin never holds its tune, they face a lot of stopping and starting, to learn when and how to tune it, or they may just blame themselves that they are not getting any better.

The solution, of course, is a better beginner violin. So, how do you invest the right money without over-investing if junior decides he’d rather play rock and roll…or the clarinet?

The Bunnel Pupil Clearance Violin is a great, middle of the road answer to this conundrum. Balancing price and quality, this violin will get that new player down the road more assuredly.

Depending on the age and stature of your child, you may choose one of Bunnel’s other sizes of violins for kids.

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!

Highlights of the Bunnel Pupil Student Violin Outfit

This instrument may be more expensive but it is cosmetically pleasing and built to hold a tune, making it attractive and playable for those just starting out.

Made of solid maple and spruce, the chinrest is ebony as are its pegs and fret board. There are nice-looking inlaid purflings and four independent tuners for the strings—for more convenient fine tuning by little hands.

The Bunnel Pupil Violin is an outfit that includes a Brazilwood bow, rosin, all in a sturdy case. The violin itself is about 7 lbs.; hefty but not too heavy for young players.

Read the Latest Bunnel Pupil Violin Customer Reviews >>

For newer players in growth-spurt-mode, you may wish to order the full-sized, 4/4 rather than the 3/4. But if the player is very young or petite, look up online how to measure, or better yet, consult the instructor and go with their opinion.

Most notably tone is rich and fills the ears, another key ingredient to engaging new players. The instrument comes with steel-core D’Addario-brand Prelude strings.

The fine tuners we mentioned are stainless steel on the ebony tailpiece and on the composite tailpiece, there are four built-in, steel fine tuners as well.

When shopping, you may find that the Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit is available with a free setup. This is strongly recommended unless mom, dad, or other family member has the experience and patience to set up a new violin.

Being able to take that violin out of the box is a huge plus for a Bunnel’s Pupil model. This does not mean you won’t need to tune and maintain the instrument. But it really makes those first moments more joyful when receiving the violin as a gift.

Fit and Finish: Bunnel Pupil Clearance Student Violin

While it  may be the string, those with a real ear for music may find this instrument—despite its relatively rich sound—a bit thin or tinny.

Note that the construction and materials in a beginner instrument are simply never going to match up to violins costing hundreds or thousands of dollars more than this one. Instructors report this Bunnel can be tuned, and holds its tune, with ease.

Still, despite the slight the minor imperfections, this discounted instrument represents an excellent value when compared to others in it’s price range.

What Do Bunnel Pupil Violin Customers Think?

How Does it Sound?

Pros and Cons

Bunnel Clearance Pupil Violin Outfit Review

What Do Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit Customers Think? >>

When buying online or at a music store, pick up an auto tuner—or chromatic tuner, as they are called. Going to a store is best, if you’re unacquainted.

Have the salesperson walk you through how it is used for a violin and write down which string from thick to thin should be what note when tuning. Most any brand is fine; you needn’t spend a fortune for a tuner.

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Conclusion: Should You Consider Buying the Bunnel Pupil Clearance Violin?

What a great starter-violin for beginners! Well-made, you won’t need to replace the Bunnel Pupil Clearance Student Violin Outfit as quickly as others. Your new player will enjoy the pleasures of a rich sound and an instrument that holds its tune.

Pay just a bit more than other entry-level options, and you’ll have a more motivated learner using an instrument more often and for a longer time.

Are Bunnel Pupil Clearance Violin Customers Happy? >>

The Bunnel Edge at a Glance

Bunnel EDGE Clearance Electric Violin

Bunnel EDGE Electric Violin Review – Why Is It Rated 4.6 / 5?

Musicians sometimes just want a new sound—and that means exploring outside the comfort zone of their favorite instrument. The tone of an acoustic violin is second to none. But there is a time and place for the electric violin.

Once amplified, it opens a new world of dynamics. Like guitarists, the violinist can delve into the tone controls and even effects pedals. One violin to consider, because so many have raved about it, is the Bunnel Edge Electric Violin Outfit.

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!

What We Like About It

Like traditional acoustic violin kits, some of the best electric violins now come in a set that can include the case, bow, strings, and headphones. The Bunnel Edge, which Bunnel terms as coming in an “outfit,” goes a couple steps beyond.

They call it the Bunnel Edge Electric Violin Outfit, and an amplifier tags along, featuring controls for volume, tone, and other effects. You can use the headphones, also included, to practice without the neighbors filing any complaints…

This electric violin’s design is eclectic. Other than the chin rest, the top is largely cut away, and it really is striking. The red finish is eye-catching and helps earn that “Rock Star” marketing tagline.

Read the Latest Bunnel Edge Customer Reviews >>

Fit and Finish

The Bunnel Edge Outfit is the whole nine yards: stringed violin, case, amp, headphones, bow, Kennedy rosin, and a polishing cloth. There is no assembly required except for putting in the battery and tuning it. (Pick out a chromatic tuner at the music store or online if you don’t already own one).

Although it does sometimes stray from holding its tuning, the violin is handcrafted and features ebony fittings. It is not for lack of quality components. And the issue of it going out of tune is not a pandemic, fatal flaw.

It just seems to happen more than traditional violins. Perhaps it is just a matter of upgrading the strings or getting a cursory servcie.

What Do Bunnel Edge Customers Think? >>

It comes with D’Addario Prelude strings, a respected brand, but going a step up in the D’Addario family may do the trick—if you even encounter the problem.

What is neat is that the tailpiece has four fine tuners. So, during your rock star performances, you can easily fiddle around (pun intended) to regain tune.

The bow is a Giuliani. This is a responsive bow and strong, made of Brazilwood. Intense playing is welcome! The bow has Mongolian horsehair, which contributes to a smoother, fuller tone. The ebony frog is metal-mounted and there’s nice mother-of-pearl accents.

How Does the Bunnel EDGE Sound?

The body is solid maple to help produce a rich sound when amplified. The resonance of maple always has been popular with manufacturers and violinists because of its tonality. The ceramic pickup does the job even if it is a little old school. But, hey, who wants a humbucker on a violin?

Some say that electric violins tend to compress or mute the range of notes. The luthier behind the Bunnel Edge’s design somehow managed to achieve a relatively greater degree of openness.

Even when not amplified, this one can be heard acoustically, although not for performance—just for practicing.

Pros and Cons

Bunnel EDGE Electric Violin Outfit Review

What Do Bunnel EDGE Electric Violin Customers Think? >>

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Conclusion: Does The Bunnel EDGE Electric Violin Give You The Edge?

This is a great all-in-one package. The Bunnel EDGE from Kennedy Violins is an attractive-looking instrument with tone and volume on the top for easy adjustment while playing.

The amp comes with distortion and chorus effects, as well as ¼” cables that hook up the effects to the violin and the amp. The case is padded and good quality.

That the amplifier is rather small and relies solely on battery power makes for a rather “disposable” feeling. Nice for around the house, but intermediate or better players intending to hit the road will likely buy a traditional amp having more features and larger speakers.

Watch for the tuning issue, but the tuning issues people have written about can be due to string, not letting the instrument adjust to room temperatures, or simply a bum string or two.

So, on the whole, a very powerful, well-designed outfit that a player can turn to and enjoy for many years to come.

What Are Owners Saying About the Bunnel EDGE Electric Violin? >>

Bunnel Premiere Clearance Violin at a Glance:

Bunnel Premiere Clearance Violin

Bunnel Premiere Clearance Student Violin Outfit Review – Why Is It Rated 4.6/5?

For the beginner or student violinist, picking up the instrument is a big investment. And that goes for mom or dad, too. There is practice time, maybe an instructor, shuttling the budding violist to lessons, and then, of course, the costs of a respectable instrument and the accessories.

But a good deal is a good deal.

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!

What you want to do is purchase something that is so well designed or manufactured that it:

• Stays in tune
• Has a tight properly anchored chin rest
• Features pegs that are a quality wood like ebony
• Can withstand a couple of bumps or being dropped
• Comes with all the parts and pieces

Bunnel Premier Clearance Student Violin Overview

This Bunnel model is handcrafted of maple and spruce. These are quality tonewoods. The fittings are ebony, and that means your pegs are ebony—the right wood for a tuner.

Bunnel offers these clearance outfits due to cosmetic imperfections—such as the finish or some little scratch or dent during its manufacture.

You’re still getting a new violin, it is just one having a less than perfect finish; there is nothing wrong with the violin’s mechanics: tunability, playability, and so on, are good to go.

On the whole, it represents a superior value as one of the best student violins on market.

Read the Latest Bunnel Clearance Reviews >>

Shopping for a Clearance Sale Violin

You have choices. You can try local music stores that sell violins. They, most certainly, have a reputation to maintain. Or, if you’re an online shopper, you will come across all kinds of new and used violins and violin outfits.

As for used violins sold online—again, there are reputable, long-term online sellers, and then, there are the great unknowns. You have to feel comfortable with the images you see, looking for wear and tear, as well as the return policies and the ratings of the seller.

It can be a gamble, but if you do your homework and know something about how a healthy violin should look (even though looks can be deceiving in photos…), you may find a good deal.

What’s Included In the Bunnel Student Violin Outfit?

The Bunnel Clearance Student Violin Outfit includes most everything you need, except the tuner we talked about earlier. The violin comes stringed with a case, Brazilwood bow, rosin, and an extra set of strings. Hand-carved, custom-fit maple bridge

What Do Bunnel Premier Clearance Customers Think? >>

The finish is hand-rubbed and oil-based. There is no thick lacquer on the finish. The Bunnel meets or exceeds all MENC and Suzuki standards for violins. If you’re ordering one that is represented as “set-up,” it means the string height has been precisely measured and is ready to play.

Made of high-grade Brazilwood, the bow shows great responsiveness and nice bounce. For as full a tone as possible, the bow features Mongolian horse hair which glides more smoothly on the strings.

The ebony frog is metal mounted to provide good balance to the instrument overall. There also are nice mother-of-pearl accents—and it is genuine mother-of-pearl, not an imitation.

Available in a Number of Sizes

The Bunnel Basic Clearance Violin Outfit is available in many sizes – 1/16, 1/8, 1/2 and 3/4. If you’re looking for a full-size (4/4) violin, read our complete review here.

On certain sites, you’ll find that they ship the Bunnell Basic outfit assembled and setup by professional luthiers. That means the strings will be on the violin, the bridge in place, and the rosin and pegs and other details already taken care of. That reduces a lot of hassles for first-timers.

All you would need to do from there is to check the tuning when you take it out of the case. For that, you may want to purchase a chromatic tuner. These are relatively inexpensive and most anyone can tune any stringed instrument with minimal learning curve.

How Does the Bunnel Student Violin Sound?

x

Pros and Cons

Bunnel Premier Clearance Student Violin Review

What Do Bunnel Premier Clearance Outfit Customers Think? >>

Read What Bunnel Customers are Saying >>

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Conclusion – Is The Bunnel Premiere Student Outfit Worth Your Investment?

The Bunnel Clearance Student Outfit is a great deal. This is a classic-looking model, it has above average tone quality for the price, and the bow is of a quality to match making the violin an excellent choice for a beginner or student.

The inclusion of the case with a strap, extra strings, and so on are really nice to have. But buying from a reputable seller that sets up the violin in advance of shipping is icing on the cake.

It is a strong value-for-the-money proposition, and an instrument that will get years of use with reliable tuning and playability.

What Do New Owners Say About the Bunnel Premier Student Violin? >>

What Is The Best Violin to Buy for Beginners?

Good Beginner Violins at a Glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Overall Value Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood Violin			$$
#2 Best Quality Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit			$$$$
#3 Best Support Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit			$$$
#4 Many Options D’Luca DL-45012 Meister Beginner Violin Outfit			$$

At some point or another, many of us have experienced getting our first instrument. If that wasn’t in recent times, you may have had to roll up to the local music store, only for your parents to have to figure out how to fit an expensive instrument into their budget.

Realistically, it isn’t as much of a worry because companies have discovered how to create those instruments in a way that will suit a budget better, which is wonderful considering the good that such a productive hobby can do for children and beginners of all ages.

One of these instruments is the violin, which has undergone such changes that quality beginner violins can now be purchased for under $300.00, which is a huge deal compared to the prices many of us are used to seeing.

With so many options available, it can be hard to tell which of these more budget-minded violins is going to be the best option for you. Luckily, there are articles like this one made to help you get a feel for some of the more popular beginner’s violins on today’s market.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide on beginner violins 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!

What Is The Best Violin For Beginners?

1. Best Overall Beginner Violin: Mendini MV400 Outfit

Mendini MV400 Violin Specs:

Mendini 3/4 MV400 Violin

The Mendini 3/4 MV400 violin is available in ½, ¼, ¾ and full size, making it easier to get a perfectly-sized violin regardless of whether it’s for a child or an adult. This violin is made with a solid spruce wood top, with the back and sides made from maple. It has a gorgeous varnish, and inlaid purfling.

The fingerboard, pegs and chin rest are all made from ebony, and the tail piece is made from an alloy. As part of the kit for the Mendini, you’ll get two bows made from Brazilwood and unbleached Mongolian horsehair. It’s always a good idea to have a backup bow, just in case one of them breaks at an especially inconvenient time.

The Mendini volin kit also includes a lightweight hard case made to protect your violin without causing you to struggle while carrying it around. You can also expect to find an adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges, a quality resin cake and an extra set of violin strings.

Finding a quality violin alone for under $100.00 is an amazing find, so getting all these extras along with it is a huge deal that’s really going to benefit you in the long run.

With this violin kit you also get a one year warranty against manufacturer defects, so if you should receive the violin and discover there is something wrong with it you can easily get that taken care of.

It’s important that companies are aware that once in a while a product can come out that isn’t quite the level of quality they intended, and are willing to make sure those kinds of issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

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2. Best Quality Model: Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit

Bunnel Pupil Violin Specs:

The Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit comes in ½, ¼, ¾, and full size. Kennedy Violins is known as the highest rated brand of violins on Amazon, which goes to show that not only are they great violins, but the manufacturers also provide excellent customer service to go along with it.

These violins come with a lifetime warranty and a 45-day money back guarantee. A lifetime warranty is a huge deal. Many companies may provide a year or two warranty, but Kennedy really takes it to the next level.

The final assembly and setup for Bunnel violins is done in Washington State by Kennedy Violins’ professional luthiers, who will make sure that each violin holds up to the expectations of the company and customers.

Once you receive the violin, you won’t have to worry about doing any assembly yourself, just tuning up the strings a little bit and you’ll be good to go!

These violins are made by hand with solid maple and spruce tone woods. The fittings on the violins are 100% ebony and they have a glossy oil finish. The outfit for each violin comes with a professional case, a genuine Brazilwood bow, rosin and D’Addario Prelude strings.

You’ll have everything you need to get going with your violin, which is great because no one wants to have to spend extra on accessories. Items such as a case, and backup strings which are a wonderful addition so that you can easily replace any strings that might break without having to go buy more.

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3. Best Customer Support: Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit

Cremona SV-75 Premier Violin Outfit

Cremona SV-75 Violin Outfit Specs

The Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit comes in ½, ¼, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, ¾ and full size, making sure you are able to find any size violin you might need. An exciting aspect of this violin is that unlike many violin brands, it comes in a variety of colors including sparkling black, blue, green, purple, rose and the traditional brown for those who prefer it.

These color choices can be especially appealing to children who are new to the violin, as it gives them some flare and style while they learn.

Each Cremona violin comes with US-made Prelude strings. These are known to be the preferred strings for students to use. They also come with properly fitted hardwood pegs and a lightweight composite tail piece.

There are also four smooth fine tuners to make the job of tuning an easy one. You will also find these violins have a low profile Kaufman-style chin rest and the neck is oiled to allow you to have a better feel and more balanced playing experience.

You’ll find that the strings are placed in the perfect spots to allow for perfect finger positioning and intonation. Each violin has hardwood fittings and is made from hand-carved solid spruce and maple. It has a lightweight, quality design that makes it easy to carry and play.

Nobody wants to be uncomfortable while they learn or show off their talents! For under $150.00, this is a pretty great violin setup that will be sure to last for years to come.

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4. D’Luca DL-45012 Meister Ebony Fitted Beginner Violin Outfit

D’Luca DL-45012 Meister Beginner Violin Outfit

D’Luca Meister Beginner Violin Outfit Specs

The D’Luca DL-45012 Beginner Violin Outfit comes in ½, ¼, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, ¾ and full sizes. It’s an ebony fitted violin that comes with a light and durable case, a bow and resin to keep the bow working perfectly.

The bow is made from Brazilwood and has an ebony frog and genuine Mongolian horsehair. It’s a handmade violin with a solid spruce top as well as maple back and sides.

This violin has a varnish finish with inlaid purfling and an ebony chin rest, pegs and fingerboard. It also has four nickel fine tuners to make tuning easy.

This violin comes in at just under $160.00 depending on the size you order. Luckily, there are so many sizes that if you are looking for a violin for a child to start learning on and you decide you like these violins, you can easily move up to the bigger sizes as your child grows.

That’s incredibly convenient considering how well-priced these violins are. Typically, these kinds of instruments can go for $1000 or more so it’s always wonderful if you can find one you like that fits the average budget better.

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More Choices for a Good Beginner Violin

Cremona SV-130

This Cremona beginner SV-130 violin includes a foam case, an ebony frog and an Brenton Brazil wood bow upon purchase. For the bow, unbleached horse hair is used.

This violin is a popular choice among beginners because it ensures ease of operation, and is sold at an affordable price point without compromising on high quality materials for a great sound. It is made of quality tone wood similar to those used in their premier line.

The top is made from a single piece of crack-resistant spruce while the bottom and sides are made from well-aged maple. As for the pegs, chin rest and fingerboard, ebony is used to ensure that these parts will hold up from constant use.

This violin undergoes strict construction standards as each instrument is carved by hand and graduated one at a time to ensure fine tuning and accurate measurements. As for the fittings, all are made from ebony except for the tailpiece. Instead of using ebony, an A. Breton alloy is used with four integrated tuners.

For more information, read our comprehensive review of the Cremona SV-130 Violin Outfit here.

Stentor 1500

This Stentor violin model is also a great beginner’s choice because it produces good sound and it’s easy to play. For the front part, a handcrafted, fine-grained solid spruce-top is used. The sides and back are made from maple with the fittings made from full ebony, except for the tailpiece with four string adjusters which are made from alloy.

It also features a chin rest made from hardwood and Red Label strings which are durable and very sensitive. The Stentor 1500 4/4 Violin outfit also includes a horsehair bow and a fully lined case with a blanket to protect the instrument.

Read our full Stentor 1500 review here

Knilling School

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Carved from seasoned tonewoods that features inlaid purfling and high quality ebony fittings, the Knilling School Violin is a popular entry-level violin if you want to invest in an instrument that combines traditional craftsmanship with high-quality materials fora pleasing sound.

Most Knilling violins are factory made except for the bridge which is hand carved individually to ensure the exact fit for the height and spacing of the strings. It has an even-grained spruce top with solid maple for the sides and bottom, including the neck, ribs and scroll.

For the fingerboard, pegs and saddle, ebony is used. It also has integrated tuners and D’Addario Prelude steel-core strings. The outfit also comes with a white horsehair bow made from Brazil wood with an ebony frog and rosin.

Franz Hoffman Amadeus Violin

The Franz Hoffman Amadeus Violin is a very inexpensive student violin and a great alternative for a VSO (violin shaped object) if you are considering to buy one for a child.

Even with the low cost, the manufacturer of this violin has managed to use quality materials, like a spruce front and maple bottom.  It also has ebony fittings and a composite tailpiece to add durability. The sound it offers is pleasing enough to resemble a higher quality violin.

What makes this violin a great alternative is the balance between affordability and substance.  Although cheaper than most entry-level violins, the Franz Hoffmann Amadeus violin is constructed with the right weight and sound to it, and it is also reliable enough to stand up to frequent practicing.

A note though, purchasing this violin does not include an outfit to go with it, which means that you have buy the bow, case and resin separately. This is quite understandable given the low cost.

Yamaha Model V3

The Yamaha V3 Student Violin Outfit is also great for students also because of the affordable price and the complete outfit (bow, rosin and case) that comes with it, which students will find useful.

The case included is perfect for traveling with your instrument because it’s made from durable but lightweight material that makes it easy to carry around. It has a carved, solid maple back and sides with the top made of high-quality and durable spruce.

The fingerboard is made from ebony while the tuning pegs, chin rest and tailpiece are made from rosewood. It also features four fine tuners and Prelude strings.The violin can be played easily and produces a sweet and mellow sound.

Read our complete review of the Yamaha Model 3V here.

Final Comparison of Affordable Beginner Violins:

Best Violin for Beginners!

Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood Violin with...

Best Quality Beginner Violin

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 3/4 Size Clearance By...

Best Customer Support

Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit - 1/4...

In Conclusion, Which Violin Is The Best For Beginners?

If it’s ideal for you to find the lowest possible cost, then the Mendini 3/4 MV400Violin Outfit is going to be a great option, otherwise it’s just a matter of finding the balance between cost and quality that works best for you.

Overall, whether it’s the Mendini, Bunnel, Cremona, or D’Luca, you’re sure to get a great violin at a great price with any of these options.

Some honorable mentions that might also be worth checking out include the Cremona SV130, which is similar to the Cremona SV-75 listed here, the Stentor 1500, the Knilling School, the Franz Hoffman Amadeus, and the Yamaha Model 5.

Having a wide range of brands to check out can always be useful in helping you get what you need out of a violin.

It’s important to keep in mind that any brand is going to have its strengths and weaknesses, that’s why great customer service and a helpful warranty are only going to be beneficial to your violin buying and owning experience.

It’s going to be up to you to decide which violin will best suit your needs as well as your budget.

Our #1 Pick!

The Mendini MV400 Outfit

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