Tower Strings Midnight Violin Outfit

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

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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.

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 >>

In Review: A Violin Inspired By Classic Italian Luthiery, Meet The Cremona SV-500

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin

Getting to Know the Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit

Cremona’s SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit is an affordable violin that comes with limited accessories. Hand carved violin features quality tone woods and a worn-in feel thanks to the shaded varnish on top.

Available in four sizes ranging from ¼ to 4/4, the SV-500 is a lightweight, Stradivarious-style instrument. With surprisingly big tones and comfortable feel, Cremona’s SV-500 is a quality first or second violin.

As part of Cremona’s Premier Artist series, the SV-500 represents an affordable and rich sounding alternative to higher priced options.

Each Premier Artist series instrument is set up in Cremona’s California factory and inspired by historical, high quality Italian luthiery.

Coming in at the mid- to low price range, the SV-500 features quality tone woods, transparent varnish, and quality figuring. Despite some mixed reviews of the build quality, the Cremona SV-500 remains a popular option for new students.

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Who is the Cremona SV-500 Best Suited for?

With a price that generally falls in the $300-400 range, the SV-500 remains a great first or second violin. For beginners, the SV-500 is an affordable option with quality sound and a lightweight feel.

Furthermore, it comes with the bare bones essentials that each student needs to get playing right out of the box. The outfit designation in the name is meant to indicate you’re not getting a lot of extras, but you’ll be outfitted with a quality instrument, bow, and case.

For players not too concerned with getting extras, like more experienced players, this also makes an excellent 2nd violin. And certainly makes a great choice as a good violin for an intermediate player. Especially if you’re moving up in size or quality from another model.

What’s in the Premiere Artist Outfit?

Cremona’s SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit comes with a really nice, durable case, a Brazilwood bow, and a shoulder rest. Unlike some of its competitors, they aren’t a lot of extras included, not even rosin or extra strings.

To be fair, the case seems to be nicer than the average carrying case included with most affordable violins. But otherwise, the cost is kept down by the bare bones accessories.

Cremona SV-500 Artist Features

The Cremona SV-500 is crafted from figured solid Maple for the back and sides. A hand carved solid spruce top gives the SV-500 that classic, archtop appearance.

Above the wood, a transparent red/brown varnish is faded to give the appearance of an aged instrument. While the varnish no doubt looks great, some SV-500’s have had varnish clumps around the f-holes, creating a vibrating sound.

The neck and scroll are also made of figured Maple, while the bridge is made of composite. Four built-in-fine tuners and pegs meet the Ebony fingerboard, though the pegs have been known to slip easily.

Genuine D’Addario Prelude strings come stock on the SV-500 as well. Lastly, the bow is a Brazilwood bow with carbon fiber and horse hair materials.

• Worn-in, transparent varnish
• Loud, full sounds from quality tone woods
• Comes stock with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Lightweight, comfortable body
• Ready to play out of the box

Is the SV-500 Ready To Go?

Beginner’s looking to hit the ground running should have no issues with the SV-500. Despite some build quality issues, the SV-500 sounds great, is comfortable to play, and fairly affordable.

Do note that the Cremona SV-500 doesn’t come loaded with extras like an extra bow, pack of strings, or rosin that others may include.

Competing Violins and Beginner Packs

For comparison shoppers, there are a wide variety of options to check out, all above or below the Cremona SV-500’s price tag.

For a similarly priced beginner instrument with upgraded tone woods, check out the Ricard Brunnel G2 Violin Outfit. The high quality, hand carved instrument is made from Spruce, Maple, and Ebony.

If you’re still looking for a more affordable option, consider the Cecilio CVN-600. The one-piece back of the violin provides excellent sustain and resonance.

The construction is solid, and the hand rubbed oil finish creates this great, aged-look that matches up nicely with the aged tonewoods.

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size Clearance...

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Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Highly Flamed 1-Piece...

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D Z Strad Violin Model LC101 Full Size 4/4 with...

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D Z Strad’s Model LC101 is a high quality option that makes a great first or second violin. The excellent tone woods and build quality lead to clear, brilliant sounds and a very playable instrument. Plus the Model 210 comes with all the same features as the SV-500 plus rosin.

The little sister of the Model LC101, D Z Strad’s Model 101 is a more affordable option that comes with all the same accessories. However, the Model 101 has lesser quality tone woods and a less clear and loud sound.

Furthermore, it requires the bridge to be set into the instrument before it can be played. However, the cheaper price and warm, rich tones make it an appealing option for budget-minded players.

Pros and Cons

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Review

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Cremona SV-500 Violin Final Thoughts

Cremona’s SV-500 is another quality sounding, beginner friendly violin. While buyers should be aware there are some quality control issues with the pegs and transparent varnish, it is not a bad value overall.

The pleasant tone, size options, and hand carved construction are key highlights. Another highlight is the durable, oblong travel case. Better yet, the Cremona SV-500 is ready to go right out of the box for beginners and students.

While it may not beat the D Z Strad Model 210 overall, it’s a cheaper, still satisfying option.

What Do Ceremona SV-500 Customers Think? >>

Cecilio CVN-600 Violin Review: Is It The Perfect Intermediate Violin?

CVN-600 Violin Outfit by Cecilio

Cecilio CVN-600 Overview

The Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Finish Violin Outfit is a remarkable premium intermediate violin that is not only great to look at but is also amazing to play.

Built for performance in mind, it is an outstanding violin that’s ready for the stage. With an intricately designed neo-classical styling and an amazing tonal quality, this is an excellent violin to own and play if you are willing to spend a little more.

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Founded in 2004 in California, Cecilio Instruments is a maker of high-quality orchestra instruments for the mass market. The instruments range from brass to woodwind to string instruments.

Never compromising on quality, they produce mid to high-quality instruments but keep the pricing affordable enough for students and intermediate players to purchase. The Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Finish Violin Outfit is no different.

The violin offers a premium priced violin that looks and sounds as good as custom-made pieces that tend to cost much more.

A Performer’s Choice Violin

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With its high-quality handmade finish, the Cecilio CVN-600 Outfit is made to stand out from the crowd. Cecilio built the violin for the discerning performer who wants a beautifully made instrument with no compromise in tonal quality.

The violin is made from the finest materials. The CVN-600 is built to last decades, to be passed down from one generation to the next.

Professional VNC-60C Oblong Carrying Case

The first thing you’ll notice when unboxing the CVN-600 is the VNC-60C oblong professional carrying case it comes delivered in. The case is inlaid with a soft velvet interior over the soft protective foam to protect the violin while you’re on the move.

It features a storage compartment, padded neck restraint, bridge protector, hygrometer, and a beautiful velvet blanket to protect your beautiful violin. Latch on the adjustable strap with soft foam padding, and you can carry around your violin with ease.

There’s more to talk about than the premium carrying case. The package also comes with 2 VNB-60B Brazilwood bows which have a distinct mother-of-pearl inlaid frog in addition to unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, which performs beautifully straight out of the box.

On top of that, you will also find a spare violin bridge, a quality rosin cake, and a Cecilio chromatic tuner.

Ready for Stage Performances

Cecilio built the body of the violin from fine grain solid spruce for the top. A single piece of solid maple forms the back and sides with undulating patterns, both cured for at least seven years.

The violin is topped with a hand inlaid purfling and hand rubbed oil finish, which brings out the vibrant natural wood markings. The fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest are made of highly durable ebony, complete with an ebony tailpiece inlaid with mother of pearl, and four fine gold-plated tuners.

Finally, it comes pre-stringed with D’Adario Prelude strings and includes a set of spare strings. With so much attention to detail, the Cecilio CVN-600 Violin is a finely crafted product that lives up to Cecilio’s reputation as a manufacturer of premium classical instruments.

An Excellent Premium Violin Outfit

The Cecilio CVN-600 Violin Outfit is an outstanding premium violin package worthy of its price tag. Packed full of accessories right out of the box, you can bring it out for performance without having to worry about much else.

Cecilio made the violin for the discerning musician who has a taste for more exceptional quality violins.

Getting Started with the Cecilio CVN-600 Violin

The CVN-600 is entirely ready for the stage right out of the box. It delivers exceptional tonal quality with no additional setup required.

With a simple round of tuning with the accompanying Cecilio chromatic tuner and an excellent application of rosin on the Brazilwood bow, you’re ready to play. Any violinist with a couple of years of experience will be able to bring out the best of this violin effortlessly.

Pros and Cons

Cecilio CVN-600 Violin Review

Read the Latest Cecilio CVN-600 Violin Reviews! >>

Alternatives to the CVN-600

Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size...

For those looking for a premium starter violin, you may consider Cecilio CVN-300 Starter Violin. The violin offers beautiful quality sound for a more affordable price. It sports the same D’Adario Prelude Strings that the Cecilio CVN-600 Violin has to offer.

Another choice for a reasonable student violin outfit would be the Mendini MV500+92D. It’s a step up from the CVN-300, well built, and comes with everything a progressing student needs to advance.

Or, if you’re looking for something closer to the Cecilio CVN-600, you may consider the Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit. This violin provides a more classic look with comparable sound quality but in a similar price range.

For more information, you also may be interested in our article on choosing the best Intermediate violin here.

Final Thoughts on the Cecilio CVN-600: Should You Give it Serious Consideration?

Cecilio built the CVN-600 for the performance violinist in mind, with its exquisite handmade finish, coupled with top-notch tonal quality for a violin of its price range. For the intermediate violinist who is looking to step up their performance game, this is the perfect violin for you.

What Do Cecilio CVN-600 Violin Owners Think? >>

The Cecilio CEVN-3NA Violin at a glance:

Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-3NA Solid Electric Silent Violin

Cecilio CEVN-3NA Electric Violin Review: What Makes It Special From the CEVN Series?

If you’ve never played an electric violin before, then this will be a new experience for you. These instruments play very softly unless plugged into an amp. This is great if you need to be able to practice anytime, anywhere.

If you have to worry about disturbing the neighbors, you’ll want to consider using the Cecilio CEVN-3NA Violin.

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!

Cecilio Electric Violin Overview

To kick off this Cecilio CEVN-3NA Violin Review, let’s have a look at what you’re getting. It’s a full-sized model made in what the company terms, “Style 3.”

The wood used for the body is solid maple, and has been carved by hand. The ebony fingerboard provides a lovely accent for this piece as well.

It comes with everything that you need to get started. You’ll get:

• A full-sized violin
• The bridge
• The bow
• A 9V battery
• An aux cable and headphones
• A lightweight case. The case is of reasonable quality and will prevent your instrument from getting scuffed up or damaged. We wouldn’t suggest flinging the case around, but it will protect the violin from an accidental drop.

We recommend getting some spare batteries for quick changes when you need them.

A Solid, Silent Instrument

The maple body is solid wood, not a composite. This makes it a lot less fragile than its more traditional counterparts. It has a cool, funky look that is going to make a splash whenever you perform.

The manufacturers have provided a year-long guarantee against manufacturer’s defects.

What we liked best was the way we were able to control the sound. It’s barely above a whisper if it’s not plugged into an amp. That means that whether you’re playing it at three in the morning, or three in the afternoon, you’re not going to disturb anyone.

The CEVN-3NA Comes Ready to Play

With the instruments in this price range, you usually have the issue that they need to be set up before you can use them. The bridge does come separately, so you do have to set that up first. Aside from that, it’s ready to play.

You’ll get a great sound out of this violin from the beginning, and you can easily do the prep work yourself. The tuning may need to be adjusted, naturally, but this is also easy to do with this violin. As with most new instruments, it can go out of tune quickly.

If you find that the pegs are slipping, you can apply rosin to prevent further issues.

Features and Specifications Summary

Read the Latest Cecilio Electric Violin Customer Reviews Here! >>

This is a relatively simple model, but for the price, you wouldn’t expect a lot of features. Here are the specs and features that you need to know about:

• Full-size electric violin
• Soft tones unless you’re using an amp
• High-gloss finish
• Solid maple, hand-carved body
• Durable ebony fingerboard
• A handsome tailpiece featuring an inlay of mother of pearl
• Powered by a 9V battery
• Protected by a decent case that is lightweight and reasonably strong
• A bow featuring genuine Mongolian horsehair
• The body of the bow is made from Brazilwood
• You get a fair amount of rosin to start with
• The bridge is included
• Aux cable and headphones
• One-year warranty

CEVN-3NA Violin Sound Quality

How good is the sound produced by the Cecilio CEVN-3NA Violin? Prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The quality is good, especially considering the low price point. To say that this model outperforms others at the same price point is to understate things.

It’s not going to outperform the more professional models, but the quality is high enough for a beginner to get a good grounding. The tones are clear and clean.

Build Quality

Like with the other models that Cecilio has put out in this line, you’re getting a better build quality than you might expect. The body is made of solid wood and has been put together with a lot of care.

This is not an instrument that is going to die on you quickly. The hand carving on the body gives it a unique look without damaging the integrity of the structure.

What you aren’t getting is top of the line strings, but that’s not unexpected.

Pros and Cons

Cecilio CEVN-3NA Electric Violin Review

Read What Cecilio CEVN-3NA Violin Customers Are Saying >>

Adverse Features Summary

You’re getting a starter set at a rock bottom price. As a result, you can expect some compromises. Fortunately, in this case, it’s not with the sound of the instrument. Where the company has saved money is with the bow and the strings.

Don’t get us wrong, you can use the strings and the bow that come with this model, but we’d recommend replacing them as soon as possible.

It’s not unusual for a company to install cheap strings in a new instrument. However, we’d love to see this change in the future.

The battery is also a bit of a pain. It takes a standard 9V battery, which is good because it’s easy to find replacements. We’d have preferred something that could be easily recharged, even if it meant paying a bit more, though.

Compare Similar Electric Violins:

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Final Thoughts: Is the Cecilio CEVN-3NA a Good Electric Violin?

With the Cecilio CEVN-3NA Violin you get a decent starter set with the basics. We’ll even go so far as to say that it’s one of the best value for the money options.

You do have all the basics that you need to get going. But you may want to replace the strings and bow later. We would also recommend getting some decent peg oil and a shoulder rest. But you don’t have to do that if you don’t want to.

We like this model because it’s been well-built, and it sounds excellent. There are better models out there for sure, but none at this price point.

Will you want to upgrade to something better later? Naturally, but for the meanwhile, this model will do just fine.

What Do Cecilio CEVN-3NA Violin Customers Think? >>

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SKY SKYNV102 Violin Review: Is This the Best Outfit to Start With?

Click Here to Check SKY SKYNV102 Violin Availability! >>

SKYVN102 Violin Overview

The SKYVN102 Solid Wood violin is a 4/4 full-sized violin that comes from SKY, a builder of decent quality violins at an affordable price. This particular outfit is made for absolute beginners.

Priced less than 100 USD, it is an excellent choice for a starter’s violin. This violin is especially useful if you’re not yet sure you will still be playing the instrument a couple of years down the road.

Constructed professionally in the US, the SKY SKYVN102 violin is made from a solid spruce top and solid highly flamed maple back, sides, neck, and head scroll. With a bit of help in the setup, you’ll be ready to start playing.

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!

A Great Violin for Beginners

The SKYVN102 Solid Wood Violin finds its niche with absolute beginners who may be getting their very first violin to start learning in classes. It has no bells and whistles and comes with everything essential for a beginner.

It’s made to last you for the first couple of years of learning, preparing you to upgrade to a better violin outfit in time as you build playing confidence. It is also well suited for children.

If you’re not sure whether they would persevere in learning to play the violin after a couple of years, the SKYVN102 will make a small and painless investment to get them started.

About the SKY Music Company

SKY Music, a US company, is a maker of quality musical instruments for beginners, ranging from string instruments to wind to percussion.

As a family business founded in 1995, they produce such a wide range of products, that they may not be dedicated to the fine craftsmanship of constructed violins. Nevertheless, they provide a decent baseline quality in all their products.

The SKYVN102 is a testament to that sense of quality instruments for beginners. They have been a valuable partner of schools across the United States and North America.

Rain Proof Canvas Case

The SKYVN102 Solid Wood Violin comes in a lightweight triangular carrying case, which fits the violin snugly. The case includes space for a bow, a compartment for accessories and spare strings, and a front pouch for tucking away sheet music.

The case sports shoulder straps for you to carry it like a backpack. Its rainproof canvas exterior protects it from wet weather.

The SKYVN102 also comes with a Brazilwood bow with genuine unbleached horsehair and double pearl eye, as well as a cake of high-quality Austrian rosin cake.

Professionally Made for Beginners

What Do Sky Violin Outfit Customers Think? >>

The SKY Solid Wood Violin is made from a solid spruce top, and solid highly flamed maple back, sides, neck, and head scroll, with a varnished finish. The purfling, pegs, fingerboard chinrest, and tailpiece are made of solid maple wood as well.

The violin is fitted with high-quality strings out of the box, and it comes with a set of spare strings. The instrument has everything you would need to get started, and it comes at an unbeatable low price of less than 100 dollars.

Getting Started with the SKY Solid Wood Violin

While very affordable, you might need guidance from your teacher or a professional mentor to bring out the best of the SKYVN102 Solid Wood Violin. When using the violin straight out of the box, the rough wooden pegs don’t seem to do their job very well.

You might notice them slipping now and then, losing their tuning ever so slightly. This problem might be difficult for a beginner to see, but it would be evident to a trained ear.

But this problem is easily fixed by properly setting up the pegs. Simply remove them one by one, sand them down, and applying a layer of chalk before placing them into back into the headpiece.

While you’re doing this, you might also adjust the bridge slightly lower than the default position, which is a little too high.

Lastly, you will also need to apply a good layer of rosin onto the bow before it can pull sound well. Be careful not to tighten the bow too much, as it might warp the shape of the bow.

Just tighten it enough to get the right amount of tension on the hairs of the bow, and you’ll be good to go. With the proper initial setup, the SKYVN102 will sound great and will be easy to play, even for a beginner violinist.

Unbeatably Low-priced Starter Violin Outfit

The SKYVN102 is an unabashedly affordable starter violin, and it prides itself as such. With decent sound and build quality, it is priced at the same level as most other starter violin outfits.

But it offers much better performance than its peers. However, do take note that it is what it is – a starter violin. You shouldn’t expect to use this for more than a couple of years.

You’ll eventually need to upgrade to a better violin as this would no longer suffice in terms of tone and sound quality after a few years.

Pros and Cons

SKY SKYVN102 Violin Outfit Review

What Do SKY SKYVN102 Violin Customers Think? >>

Alternatives to the SKY Solid Wood Violin

For an alternative starter violin that is just slightly more costly than the SKYVN102, you may want to look at the Cecilio CVN-300 Starter Violin, which comes with premium D’Addario Prelude strings with a solid ebony body.

If you do not wish to start with a base level starter violin and want to jump straight into one that would last you for a few years right at the start, you may also look at the Cremona SV-175 Student Violin Outfit, which offers a much cleaner sound profile than the SKYVN102.

Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin Outfit - 3/4...

SKY 4/4 Full Size SKYVN102 Solid Wood Violin with...

Final Thoughts on the SKY SKYVN102 Violin Outfit

While not the best of its class in performance, it is the clear winner in terms of low price, with no cheaper violin in the market with comparable sound and build quality.

Despite its limitations, it serves its niche exceptionally well. If you’re looking for an affordable starter violin, you should look no further. Pick up for yourself a SKYVN102 Solid Wood Violin.

Read What Owners Think of the SKYVN102 Violin! >>

Which Violin Brand Should You Buy? Cecilio or Mendini?

Direct Comparison of the 2 Brands:

Brand	Size	Quality	Colors	Learning	Reviews
	Large range of sizes	Design and quality are great	Comes in a variety of colors	Good for intermediate players	Check the Latest Reviews!
	Decent variations in size	Decent quality	Several vibrant colors	Teacher approved. Good for starters	Check the Latest Reviews!

Let’s face it. Choosing a violin is not always a straightforward process, especially when you’re presented with a multitude of choices. However, that’s not the focus of this Mendini vs Cecilio violin review.

We’ll look at two notable brands, both of which are suitable for beginners and intermediate players. We’ll consider their features and evaluate which one fares better than the other.

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!

About the Cecilio Company

Crafted by skilled luthiers who have inherited a centuries-old technique, Cecilio violins are some of the best string instruments on the market.  These violins are available in different sizes, from size 1/32 up to 4/4 for the biggest of hands.

What stands out about Cecilio is that they produce violins for all levels. And for this reason, they’re widely adored by thousands of educators and music instructors, who in turn and recommend them to their students.

The name Cecilio is derived from St Cecilia, who’s the patron saint of music. So where are Cecilio violins made? They’re made in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Each instrument is then tested vigorously against strict quality standards at a Los Angeles distribution center before being sold.

Some of Cecilio’s most famous violins include Cecilio CVN-300 and Cecilio CVN-500. Both are 4/4-size (full-size) violins with antique varnish. The tops are made from spruce wood, and their backs are made from maple.

The CVN 300 has an exceptional tone and resonance, while the CVN-500 is a reliable and useful instrument. Any student who is just starting to learn how to play the violin will find either of them comfortable to play and durable.

About the Mendini Brand

Still part of the Cecilio brand, Mendini violins are low-cost and all-purpose instruments that are designed for students who want to learn the violin without worrying about the costs of replacing strings or maintenance in general.

They include all the necessities for a starter. Though not as highly regarded as the Cecilio violins, this type possesses excellent tonal quality and can create an exciting sound that will beautifully resonate when appropriately tuned.

Like its counterpart, this line of violins is available in various sizes. So, a student can choose one that not only suits their budget but their hand-size as well. Two of its most popular violins include the Mendini MV500 and the Mendini MV400.

Both are made from solid wood and come with an extra bridge. Made from Brazilwood, their bows also have unbleached horsehair.

At the time of writing this review, both had amassed hundreds of great reviews at Amazon. That speaks volumes about the confidence that learners have using this line of violins.

What are good quality violin brands?

If you’re looking for good quality violins that can help you learn and transition into a pro performer at your pace, the Mendini and Cecilio brands offer excellent choices of good quality violins.

One way to look at the major differences is to note Cecilio violins are available at a more premium price. useful for intermediate learners who don’t mind the cost. In contrast, Mendini violins are the cheaper option and suitable for cost-conscious learners.

Breaking Down the Two Top Violin Brands

Cecilio and Mendini have respective strengths and weaknesses. In this review, we’ll look at how each fare in regard to five things; size, quality, pricing, material, and learning. Here we go:

Sizes Available

Violins are available in a range of sizes, such as 3/4 size, 1/2 size, 1/2 size, 4/4 size, and 4/4 size (full size).  These correspond to body size and arm size. So, an adult can go for the 4/4 full size while a beginner will use the smaller 1/4 size violin.

When shopping around, look for a violin size that you can handle and play comfortably, whether a student beginner or an intermediate player.

Mendini

This brand is available in four sizes, but it doesn’t have the size 4/4. So, if you’re upgrading from size 3/4, you may have to jump to size 4/4 (full size).

Cecilio

On the other hand, Cecilio strikes the right chords when it comes to sizes. They’re available in different sizes to satisfy the different need of players. With its range of sizes, Cecilio lets you find and play a violin of your size.

WINNER: Cecilio

Overall Violin Quality

When shopping for a violin, don’t ignore its quality as it could mean the difference between delivering an enjoyable orchestral performance and getting booed off the stage.

Quality spans the whole gamut from design to the choice of material to the nature of bows, pegs, tailpiece, fingerboard, and other parts. Each of these parts contributes to the sound quality, and each will influence your performance too.

Mendini

If you’re more concerned about costs than performance, Mendini might serve you best. Its saving glory may be its warm tone. It has some decent components and reliable parts.

Low-cost models are factory made, and the problem with this is they may not get the attention that handcrafted violins get. As a starter’s violin, you will make mistakes. So, expect some repairs and part replacement from time to time.

Cecilio

Handcrafted by skilled luthiers and made from the most beautiful hardwood, Cecilio has all the hallmarks of a premium quality violin. And that even reflects its pricing. Each instrument is tested thoroughly before being released to the market.

The testing explains why music teachers and intermediate players have so much confidence in the product. Though this line is a bit expensive, it will serve you well for years and give you your money’s worth.

WINNER: Cecilio

Compare Popular Cecilio Violin Models:

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Available Colors

Violins come in natural colors and in varnish. Though they have no bearing on a violin’s performance, colors leave an impression among younger players. And it could even give them the motivation to play their instruments regularly as they admire the color.

Many of them will be attracted to violins with fancy colors. Unless you’re performing in an orchestra where you desire color uniformity, this shouldn’t be a problem when buying a learner’s violin.

Mendini

It’s available in a decent number of colors, including white and pink, which kids may find attractive. So, you have lots of options to choose when you’re ordering one. Our only concern is the extra varnish may muffle the sound.

Cecilio

On the other hand, Cecilio is mostly available in natural colors (brown) and with varnish. A mature player may not see this as a problem. But for a young learner who’s dazzled by colors, this line of violin may not give them the incentive to want to play their instrument regularly.

WINNER: Mendini

Learning Level

No one is born with an innate ability to play the violin. Even the best performers started from the basics, fumbling with the strings and struggling to hit the right notes. So learning is part and parcel of playing the violin.

Mendini

When you’re starting, you want to get a violin that will help you learn and transition into an intermediate player, not one to produce high-class performances at an orchestra. And Mendini seems to be the right model. It’s commonly regarded as a beginner’s violin because it’s cheaper.

Cecilio

Handcrafted by skilled luthiers and rigorously tested, Cecilio violins are suitable for orchestral performances. It’s teacher-approved and commonly used by advanced students or professional performers.

WINNER: Mendini – hands down

And that answers the question: who makes the best student violin?

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Violin Build Strength

When buying a violin, it’s advisable to get one that will endure the rigors of your performances. A stronger violin will also last for years because of its sturdy nature. It will be less prone to problems. This also applies to the choice of accessories, including your violin bow.

Mendini

Though made from quality material such as maple for the back and sides and spruce for the top, Mendini has a medium-strength bow. It might serve you a few years, but it’s going to take effort to keep it in good shape. Expect strings to snap and even the bow to break from time to time.

Cecilio

Handcrafted and sturdier than its counterpart, Cecilio is the kind of violin you would want to have as an intermediate student who’s turning pro. It’s crafted from the best hardwoods, and the result is a solid construction that will last a long time.

Some players even pass it down while still in top shape, even after years of vigorous use.

WINNER: Cecilio

Final Recount of Pros and Cons

As we wind up this Cecilio vs Mendini comparison, it’s apparent that one violin stands head and shoulders above the other:

Final Verdict: Which Violin Brand is Better?

When we look at the specifics of the details between the two brands and consider the overall best value, we have to go with Cecilio Violins as our favorite.

Lucky for you, given that violins are fragile instruments and can get damaged in the shipping process, both violin makers give their buyers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

No products found.

Find the Best Cecilio Violin Deals Here! >>

The Cecilio CEVN-2NA Violin at a glance:

Cecilio CEVN-2NA Violin Outfit

Finding the best instrument can involve a lot of trial and error as a string player. While we don’t usually associate violins with electrical instruments, getting an electric violin could be the right option for you.

If you live in an apartment and need to practice without driving the neighbors nuts, an electric violin is a good option. You can more easily control the sound and volume of your violin with an electric model.

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 Cecilio CEVN-2NA Review: Read About This Affordable Electric Violin Before Buying

To kick off this Cecilio CEVN-2NA Violin review, let’s go over what you’re getting. This is a full-size model that features a hand-carved body made from maple. The fingerboard is made from ebony.

You’ll get everything a new violinist needs to start with. You’ll get the violin, the bow, a bridge, and rosin. You’ll also get an aux cable and a set of headphones. The case is lightweight and hard so that you can transport the instrument safely.

You’ll need a 9-volt battery to power the instrument, so have a spare on hand for when your battery runs out of juice. Also, make sure that you understand exactly where it goes, or you could inadvertently damage the violin.

Built to Last

With its solid maple body and ebony fingerboard, this model has been made to last. It doesn’t look much like a traditional violin, but that’s part of its charm. It’s lightweight, expertly crafted, and it’s bound to turn a few heads.

The advantage of this kind of set-up is that it plays very softly. That’s perfect for when you’re practicing and have to consider the neighbors. If you need to crank up the volume, that’s easily done by plugging it into an amp.

The manufacturers have included a year-long warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

Read What Cecilio CEVN-2NA Customers are Saying >>

It’s Ready Out the Box

Don’t you hate it when you order an instrument online to find that it needs to be taken to the music store to have it set up? This is not the case here. We’d advise applying some rosin to the tuning buttons to prevent them slipping at a later stage.

You might need to fine tune the instrument a little, but it sounds good straight out of the box. That means that you can try out your new baby as soon as you get it. With most models in this price range, the same cannot be said.

Read the Latest Cecilio Electric Violin Reviews >>

CEVN-2NA Features and Specifications

There are a lot of features that make this a worthwhile buy, especially for the price.

• Full-size electric violin
• Plays very softly until plugged into an amp
• Metallic finish
• Made from solid maple that has been carved by hand.
• The fingerboard is made from ebony for maximum durability
• The tailpiece features a mother of pearl inlay
• Comes with a 9V battery to power it.
• The case is sturdy and light to carry
• The bow is made of Brazil wood and has unbleached Mongolian horsehair strung to it
• It comes with a fair-sized cake of rosin
• You’ll also get a bridge
• To round things off, you get an aux cable and a set of headphones
• One-year warranty

Sound Quality

So, the most critical question is, “How does the Cecilio CEVN-2NA Violin sound?” The answer, good. It plays the notes rich and true. To hear what it’s capable of, you’ll need to plug it into an amp.

Without an amp, the sound is soft and barely there. That’s ideal if you’re practicing, but not ideal if you want to play in front of an audience. With the amp, you can crank up the volume as much as you like.

Cecilio Electric Violin Build Quality

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the low price means that the build quality will suffer. That’s not the case here. The strings and bow are not the best, so you might want to replace those. That said, you can still use them if you like.

The entire body is solidly constructed and has been hand-carved. It’s surprisingly sturdy and will last you for a long while.

It has the footprint of a standard violin, with cool cutouts to help reduce the weight overall.

Pros and Cons

Cecilio CEVN-2NA Electric Violin Review

What Do Cecilio CEVN-2NA Electric Violin Customers Think? >>

Is this a perfect electric violin? No, and here’s why:

Is this a perfect model? No, but then at this price point, you need to temper your expectations. We would have preferred a model that offered us the opportunity to plug into the power source. It’s a minor irritation, but we don’t like the idea that the battery could run out during a performance.

Read the Lates Cecilio CEVN-2NA Customer Reviews >>

To be sure that this doesn’t happen, you could swap out the batteries before performing. It’s a bit of a nuisance though. Failing the plug-in power source, we would have preferred a high-quality rechargeable Lithium battery instead.

Still, considering the price, you’re getting a pretty good deal here. This is one of the most reasonably priced models on the market, and so it makes sense that they had to cut corners somewhere. For our money, it’s better to have to use a cheaper battery than to compromise on sound quality.

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The Verdict: Is the Cecilio CEVN-2NA Violin Right for You?

Is the Cecilio CEVN-2NA the best electric violin that you can get? In this price range, most certainly. It’s built to be durable and produces a much better sound than you’d expect. The tones are rich and true. It’s been expertly crafted and feels solid in your hands.

It’s not going to be the last model that you buy. It’s marketed to professional violinists as well as beginners, but most advanced players would want to upgrade at some stage. It sounds good, but there are better models out there.

That said, for the price that you are paying, you’re getting a great little instrument that delivers the goods.

What Do Others Think of the Cecilio Electric Violin? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: http://www.ceciliomusic.com/catalog/

About: Teacher approved Cecilio orchestral instruments perfect for beginner to intermediate musicians.

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Once you’ve established that violin playing is something that you really enjoy, and you’ve advanced to an intermediate level, it may be time to get yourself a better violin.

What is the best intermediate violin on the market though? How can you be sure that you’re looking at the best violin brands for intermediate players?

Below we’ll do our best to answer common questions those shopping for a violin ask, as well as provide a review of the top intermediate violins on the market today.

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!

Best Intermediate Violins & Brands: Ultimate Guide with Reviews

Quality mid-level violins at a glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Intermediate Violin Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit		4.8	$$$
#2 Best Value Model Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit		4.5	$$
#3 Best Tone Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit		4.3	$$$
#4 Most Complete Package Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Violin Outfit		4.5	$$
#5 Highest Quality Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit		4.6	$$$$

Our Top 5 Intermediate Violins and Makers Reviewed

1. Best Intermediate Violin: Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

This Fiddlerman OB1 comes in at an excellent price as well, so if you are on a tight budget, it is well worth considering. We felt that the darker brown varnish used here added a more vintage look overall, and we loved that.

It is hand-carved – the back is made from maple that has been aged for at least four years. The front is made from spruce. Everything is beautifully finished and presented in a decent-quality case.

The case does have a detachable shoulder strap and handle and various useful compartments.

Click Here to Read the Latest Fiddlerman OB1 Reviews

The tailpiece is Wittner-style and has four fine tuners built into it. The fittings are all made from real ebony and designed with maximum durability in mind.

Each violin is fitted with D’Addario Prelude strings and is carefully inspected during setup. The company uses a ten-point checklist to ensure that everything is in order before shipping the instrument.

You will be able to play it straight out of the box. The tone of the OB1 outfit is rich and clear and ideal for the intermediate user to improve their playing on.

It comes in two sizes:  1/4 and full. No premium is charged for ordering the smaller size.

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit Review

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2. Best Value Model: Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size

Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit

Antonio Giuliani is famous for producing great quality musical instruments at exceptional prices. Add this in with their lifetime warranty, and their 45-day money-back guarantee and you know that you can buy one of their violins with complete confidence.

This model is extremely popular for intermediate students and is highly rated.

The features include an attractive oil finish, fittings made from real ebony and a handcrafted base made from spruce and maple. The maple is naturally aged, and the spruce is sourced from the Himalayas. This makes for a highly durable instrument that will last for many years.

What Do Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Customers Think?

This outfit comes with the case, a bow made from Brazilwood, a shoulder rest made by Portland Gold, a detachable tuner, and a spare set of D’Addario Prelude strings.

The bridge is available with a German Teller or French Aubert option. Each violin is carefully inspected in the United States by experienced Luthiers before being set up in accordance with MENC standards.

The Etude comes in four different sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size. You can expect to pay a premium for the half and quarter size.

Our overall view of this model is that it is highly playable and comes in at an excellent price. The tone is rich and well-balanced. We’re sure you’d be pleasantly surprised at the results you get with this model.

Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin Outfit Review

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3. Best Tone: Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit – 4/4 Size

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit

This model was reviewed by Strings Magazine as being a good choice for those looking for their first or second violin. This is the manufacturer’s most popular option for intermediate to advanced users because of the quality of the sound it produces.

The violin features a French-made Aubert bridge with a maple and spruce body. It is lightly varnished to reveal the full beauty of the wood. It also has a chinrest that takes on the design of Stradivari violins.

Read What Cremona SV-500 Customers Are Saying >>

The case is of good quality and has a rigid foam interior. It features four bow holders and also a hygrometer. The strings are high-quality Prelude strings made in the United States.

The bow is made from Brazilwood and high-quality hair. The fingerboard is made from ebony, and the tailpiece is made of a composite to help lighten it.

Tuning is easily accomplished, and set-up is completed by professional luthiers in California according to MENC standards.

It comes in four different sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size.

For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better violin. The SV-500 is not a professional violin by any stretch of the imagination, but it is more than adequate for practicing with.

Cremona SV-500 Premier Outfit Review

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4. Good Intermediate Violin for the Money: Cecilio CVN-600 Violin

Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Flamed 1-Piece Back Violin

Out of all the models that we have reviewed, this one gives you the best value for money. This Cecilio model comes with several extras that most do not.

For starters, there are two bows made out of Brazilwood with Mongolian horsehair string. You also get a second bridge, a shoulder rest that can be adjusted, a case that has a hygrometer, a lesson book, and a chromatic tuner.

What Are Customers Saying About the Cecilio CVN-600?

Now, on to the actual CVN-600 violin itself. It has hand-carved and features a highly flamed back and sides in one-piece maple. The maple is allowed to age for at least seven years. The top is made from spruce. The finish is oiled giving an attractive appearance.

The fingerboard is made of ebony, as are the pegs, and tailpiece. The purfling is inlaid and highly attractive, and the back has a pretty design on it. There is also a fine tuner that can be detached.

The strings on the violin are D’Addario Prelude strings. You get a full year’s warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

Overall, some concerns have been raised about the final finish as it might be a little uneven in places. Still, considering the price paid this delivers a fantastic sound and so is still worth considering.

Cecilio CVN-600 Violin Review

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5. Highest Quality: Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit 4/4

Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit 4/4

Made by Louis Carpani, this is a high-quality, well-crafted option. It comes fully assembled and ready to play. Even the bow has been rosined for you. This is one of the only options with a full lifetime guarantee.

The sound produced is rich and true. While some models focus only on creating a louder noise, this is more in keeping with the sound produced by much more expensive models.

Read What Louis Carpini G2 Customers Are Saying >>

It comes in a range of sizes including 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size. What makes Louis Carpani different from most of its competitors is that they charge the same price for all the sizes they offer.

In many other companies, the smaller models command a higher price, because they are more specialized pieces.

A Louis Carpini will run you more than most intermediate violins, but you get a professional case, an extra set of strings, rosin, and the bow. Everything is ready to go straight from the case.

The case itself comes with three different colored interiors to choose from – red, blue, or emerald green. The primary design consideration was utility here. There is space for four bows, sheet music, a range of accessories, and much more.

The final finish is rich and oiled. This is a musical instrument that won’t disappoint either in terms of look or sound.

Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit Review

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Buyer’s Guide for Choosing Good Intermediate Violins

How much is a good quality violin?

For a good quality violin, bank on paying at least $300. The models that we review here range from $300 to around $600. You might be able to find cheaper student models, but these are usually only good for absolute beginners. As an intermediate player, you’ll want better results when you play.

Expect to pay between $300 to $600 for a decent intermediate violin.

Unfortunately, that does mean paying a bit more upfront. On the bright side, though, if you look after these violins properly, they could very well last you a lifetime.

If you want the best of the best, it doesn’t get much better than a Stradivarius, but you’ll need deep pockets to get your hands on one of those – they come in at millions of dollars.

How much are violins for beginners?

Violins come in at a range of prices. You can pay anywhere between $100 and a couple of thousand dollars. At $100, though, you are getting a very basic model and taking a chance with the kind of results such a low-price bracket offers.

Those at the very low end of the market are not going to produce a high-quality sound but might be useful if you have a child who is unsure of whether or not they will enjoy playing. An alternative to consider in this instance is to rent a violin for a few weeks and then make the final decision.

Inexpensive beginner violins range between $100 to $300.

This allows your child to be sure that this is the right instrument for them without you having to waste money. From there, do consider spending a little more money on a better brand. While you might save a couple of hundred dollars by going as cheap as possible, you’ll need to replace the violin a lot sooner.

So, in the long run, you’re not saving any money, and your child is not getting a proper idea of what a well-made violin can actually do. You have to weigh these arguments when considering the potential for savings.

After all, what happens if your child turns out to have a real knack for playing but gets frustrated by having to use a poor-quality instrument? The pros and cons must be carefully considered here before you make a final decision.

For more information on beginner violin prices, read more here.

What is the best brand of violin for a student?

If you were to ask any connoisseur of musical instruments, it would have to be the Stradivarius. There is no denying that this master craftsman perfected the art of creating perfectly toned instruments. Interestingly enough, the sound a Stradivarius produces is something that we in the modern world can’t duplicate.

Of course, in case you don’t have a few million to drop on a violin, there are some other more affordable options. All the brands that we have listed below are excellent choices and won’t let you down.

We recommend Fiddlerman and Louis Carpini as the best brands of violins for intermediate students.

They’re not Stradivari, but they do offer a modern, affordable alternative. Each has been been rated in terms of the sound they produce and the value that they provide. They’ll help you to advance to a more professional level of playing.

If we had to choose the best brand out of the lot, that honor would have to go to Fiddlerman. They produce excellent quality instruments and are willing to stand behind their products 100 percent. With a full lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects, it doesn’t get much better than that.

If you are a beginner, and not sure whether or not these are a good fit, check out this post to find out which brands are the best for beginners.

Compare Featured Intermediate Violins & Brands:

The Verdict: Which Is The Overall Best Violin Brand?

At the end of the day, each of the options we listed above should prove to be a good investment. When compiling our list of top options, we wanted models that sounded as good as they looked. We went for models that had been expertly crafted and that produced reliable results.

However, if we were forced to choose just one out of the whole lot, our first choice would be the Fiddlerman OB1. It does come out as one of the more expensive instruments of the lot, but has fine detailing, a fantastic case, and is backed by an excellent guarantee and warranty.

We Recommend Fiddlerman Violins

Not only that, but Fiddlerman violins as a brand come in an exceptionally wide range of price points to match every level of player. This gives intermediate players a much better choice in finding an instrument that suits them perfectly.

If you are looking for the best value for money option, the Cecilio is the best choice. It has a range of additional extras included that give you a lot more bang for your buck.

If we were working purely on finesse, the Louis Carpini would come first for us. We love the darker varnish as it is a more unusual color. It makes the violin look more like a cherished older piece than a brand-new out-of-the-box model.

Which model is right for you? Check out all the reviews above and consider your options. We do hope that this review proves to be extremely useful for you and that it makes finding your perfect intermediate violin an easier task.

Editor’s Pick

Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit

What Do Fiddlerman OB1 Customers Think! >>