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

SV-150 Outfit Ratings at a Glance:

Cremona SV-150 Premier Student Violin Outfit

Cremona SV-150 Student Violin Outfit Overview

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

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

Who is the SV-150 for?

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

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

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

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

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

SV-150 Student Violin Outfit Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Use the SV-150 Violin

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

Cremona SV-150 Violin Outfit Review Key Points:

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Compare Alternative Violin Outfits

Final Thoughts On The Cremona SV-150 Premiere Violin Outfit

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

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

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

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

Check Today's Cremona SV-150 Violin Outfit 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? >>

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

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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.

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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! >>

The Cremona SV-175 Outfit at a Glance:

Cremona SV-175 Violin Outfit

Cremona SV-175 Review – Is This The Violin Outfit For You?

Cremona SV-175 Violin Overview

The Cremona SV-175 has been Saga’s flagship violin outfit for over three decades. It has made its mark as one of the best student violins on the market.

Priced affordably for the novice student, it is a readily available upgrade to your first starter violin. The USA-made violin is perfectly balanced and well-constructed. It includes a professional protective oblong carrying case and a quality Brazilwood bow.

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The violin is built to accompany the novice violinist’s learning journey, providing above average ease of use, quality, and value for the money.

Saga is a renowned maker of premier student instruments with almost 40 years of experience. The SV-175 has been in their line-up of products for more than 30 years.

The SV-175 has a long pedigree, and it has withstood the test of time. Throughout its history, Saga has improved and iterated the violin many times, with slight improvements made to the materials and minor changes to its form.

Yet Saga has kept the violin in line with its core mission – to be the best student violin at an affordable price point. This commitment is also why the Cremona SV-175 violin is still Saga’s bestseller outfit today.

What Do Cremona SV-175 Customers Think?

The Ideal Violin for Students

The SV-175 is an entry-level student violin that is favored by those upgrading from their first beginner’s violin to a stable base quality starter violin. Even experienced users will find its warm tone clean and pristine.

While beginners might be able to pick this up with ease, they might not be able to appreciate why this is a step up from a beginner’s violin.

With just a couple of years of using a baseline outfit, you will be able to get the most out of the Cremeno SV-175. It will accompany you for years to come.

Lightweight Carrying Case

The SV-175 comes in a lightweight TL-33 oblong violin case with an in-built hygrometer and velvet inner lining. The quality suspension foam protects the violin snugly while in transit. The case includes ample pockets for you to tuck away scores and sheet music within.

Each outfit also comes with an LB-13 J. Included is an octagonal Brazilwood bow that has an ebony frog and real Mongolian horsehair. These bring out the best sounds from the SV-175.

Hand Crafted with Care

Every SV-175 is made from a hand-carved maple for the back and sides, and spruce in its front. The violin is complete with a beautiful warm brown finishing. A lightweight composite tailpiece completes the body for simple tuning.

The choice of ebony for both the fingerboard and the chinrest are perfect for guarding against wear and tear.  As you’ll use the violin for decades, this is good news. The pegs are firmly fitted to stay in tune over long periods of use.

The violin is fitted with premium Prelude strings and properly fit Swiss-style ebony pegs. It comes complete with four smooth brass fine tuners for easy tuning. The manufacturers paid so much attention to the finest of details.

The SV-175 is not only pleasing to the ears but also your eyes. It doesn’t take much effort to bring out the best sound from the SV-175. It sounds and looks fantastic for the medium range price tag it carries.

The SV-175 Violin Comes Ready to Play

The SV-175 is an almost perfect balance right out of the box. It only takes a quick tuning to get started. With proper setup done according to standards at Cremona’s USA workshop, it’s finely balanced right out of the box.

Every part of the violin complements the other parts, bringing out the best sound quality without any hassle.

While some prefer to buy violins that excel in certain parts, while gradually upgrading it piece by piece over time, the SV-175 does not need tedious upgrades to sound great. Its simplicity is its greatest strength.

The simplicity is one of the most critical points for a novice player, where ease of use is essential to help them build up confidence and persevere through their learning.

Pros and Cons

Cremona SV-175 Violin Outfit Review

What Do Cremona SV-175 Violin Customers Think? >>

Alternatives to the SV-175

While few alternatives are so perfectly all-rounded as a student violin, beginner students who find it pricey for a starter violin might play the cheaper Cecilio CVN-300 Starter Violin.

This violin also comes with D’Addario Prelude strings and a solid ebony body. Advanced players who wand for a richer sounding violin may opt for the Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin outfit, which is a natural next step up from the SV-175.

Compare featured alternative violin outfits:

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

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

Final Thoughts on the SV-175 Outfit: Should You Buy It?

The Cremona SV-175 is a quality outfit with a very dedicated purpose. Its purpose is to be the best violin for students. And it does a fantastic job at that, outclassing other student violins in terms of sound, styling, as well as build quality.

It is quite simply the perfect violin outfit for the novice student. None of its competition comes close to such ideal suitability. suitability.

Read What Cremona SV-175 Owners Think! >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: https://www.sagamusic.com/

About: For more than 40 years, Saga Musical Instruments has steadily grown to be a global pioneer in the successful development, marketing and distribution of high-quality traditional American and European-designed student and professional acoustic musical instruments.

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.

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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! >>

Your Guide to Violins for Boys and Girls

Violins for Kids Compared:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Overall Value Cecilio CVN-300 Violin		4.2	$$$
#2 Best Budget Violin Mendini 1/2 MV400 Violin		3.8	$$
#3 Best Premium Deal Bunnel Pupil Clearance Violin Outfit 1/8 Size		4.6	$$$
#4 Best Basic Instrument Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin Outfit 1/2 Size		4.4	$$$$
#5 Best Premium Outfit Bunnel Premier Clearance Student Violin Outfit 1/10 Size		4.5	$$$$

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!

The Top 5 Violins for Children Reviewed

What are the best violins for kids? Find out how to pick the right instrument with our expert reviews and buying guide.

1. Best Violin for Kids: Cecilio CVN-300 Violin1/2 Size Outfit

Simply put, a perfect violin for kids in one affordable package.

Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Outfit

The Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Outfit is an ideal violin for kids who are at beginners, or even intermediate level without any issues. It is a half sized violin, with a solid spruce top and maple back.

The CVN-300 is fitted with D’addario Preule Strings that sit on an ebony fingerboard, which is one of the highest quality woods for this price. The Cecilio also features a chinrest, pegs and tailpiece with nickle plated fine tuners.

This instrument is truly stunning, and just to top it off, it is finished with a gorgeous antique look.

With the Cecilio CVN-300, you will also get some essential accessories which is ideal for the beginner and to get your child started right away.

This includes a Cecelio chromatic tuner and metronome and a hard shell case that is light in weight, with pockets and straps for convenient travel to rehearsal.

What Do Cecilio CVN-300 Customers Think? >>

It also has an adjustable shoulder rest with soft foam padding, a lesson book, rosin, a violin bridge and two brazil wood bows with genuine unbleached mongolian horsehair.

You will also receive a 1 year warranty for any manufacturer defects, so you can feel confident with your purchase.

2. Best Budget Violin for Kids: Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted 1/2 Size Outfit

If money is tight, this is a complete package for you.

Mendini MV400 Violin Outfit

The best thing about the Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Violin Outfit is the price. It is sold as an inexpensive violin that performs very well, and at such an affordable rate you really can’t go wrong for kids who are starting out.

The Mendini comes with a well-matched and aligned bridge installed and set on the violin, tuning pegs and action. It comes with an array of accessories including a case, shoulder rests, rosin, playing bows with genuine mongolian horsehair, violin strings, and more.

Read the Latest Mendini MV400 User Reviews Here >>

The Mendini MV400 comes with all the necessities a beginner will need to get going, making it an obvious choice for parents. The Mendini is astoundingly responsive, making it easy to play and easy to handle.

With such a bright and vibrant tone, the sound it produces is crisp and lively. Additional features include a chinrest to make playing easier, and beautiful ebony pegs.

3. Best Quality Violin Deal For A Child: Bunnel Pupil Clearance Student Violin 1/8 Size

Because it’s a clearance item, you get twice the instrument at half the price!

Bunnel Pupli Clearance Student Violin Outfit

Kennedy Violins are one of the best out there for great quality and affordability. Their only pitfall may be the aesthetics, which has no effect on the sound quality or playability.

But if you are more interested in quality and price then a Bunnel Pupil Clearance Student Violin Outfit is a great choice for your child. Many cheaper violins on the market are cheap for a reason. They may look the part, but the sound quality is generally lacking.

The Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit on the other hand produces a lovely tone, because they believe in quality and recognize how important this is when it comes the players experience and learning to play the violin.

What are Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit Customers Saying? >>

The Bunnel is kitted out with everything you’d need as a beginner. It’s also a very comfortable violin to play to ensure enjoyable playing. You can be sure your violin is safe since it’s so durable, and the attention to detail is there with this violin.

4. Best Basic Violin Outfit for Children: Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin Outfit – 1/2 Size

Premium fittings included in an upscale novice instrument.

Cremona SV-130 Violin

The biggest priority for Saga as a company is high quality at a reasonable price. They are one of the leading brands when it comes to making the best violin for kids.

Whether the pupil is a beginner of the learning process of a seasoned violinist, the Cremona SV-130 will perform with excellence beyond expectation.

Some features of the Cremona Premier Novice Violin Outfit include US made prelude strings, well fitted ebony pegs, a kaufman-style chinrest, an oiled neck for better feel and comfort, 4 smooth tuners for easy tuning.

Click Here to Check Cremona SV-130 Availability >>

The instrument also sports good string action and spacing for easy finger positioning and sound quality, beautiful ebony fittings and fingerboard, a hand carved solid spruce and solid maple body, which is lightweight due to the quality of craftsmanship.

5. Best Premium Violin for Kids: Bunnel Premier Clearance Student Violin Outfit 1/10 Size

A serious instrument for children committed to learning on a fine violin.

Bunnel Premiere Clearance Violin Outfit

The Bunnel Premier Student violin is the upgraded version of the Bunnel Pupil Violin. If your child is a beginner student and you are happy to pay a little bit more, the Premier is a fantastic choice.

The only reason you can get such a high quality product at this price is purely due to cosmetic reasons, and the quality of sound and playability of the premier is not affected at all by this defect.

Read the Latest Bunnel Premiere Clearance Customer Reviews >>

One of the best qualities the Bunnel Premier Violin has is the hand rubbed, oil finish. The oil finish not only looks beautiful, but it produces a nicer sound and remains true to the standards of traditional violin making.

The overall construction, quality of the wood and the design of the Bunnel gives the violin a warmer tone and better projection than other violins of the same price.

What Do Bunnel Premiere Violin Outfit Customers Think? >>

A violin of this standard would usually be more expensive, but is on clearance due to a slight issue with appearance.

Unlike the premier, most cheaper violins are coated in a thicker lacquer finish that affect the quality of the tone the violins produces, so an oil finish is always ideal.

The violin itself is handcrafted with solid maple and spruce tonewoods, with 100% genuine ebony fittings.

Finding A Good Violin for Kids: What to Consider

Why Should Your Child Learn to Play the Violin?

Learning to play a musical instrument is not only an exciting and fun time for your child, but it has also been shown to help children with their school studies, improve memory capacity and their overall happiness. It can even help them socially if they choose to join a band or orchestra.

Whether your child is a natural born violinist or a tentative beginner, all children can benefit from playing and you can be rest assured that there is a violin suitable for every one of their needs.

Perhaps part of this is down to the fact that you may have missed out on playing an instrument as a child. Maybe you want to do everything you can to support your child to learn a new instrument.

You want to help them achieve their ambitions in life, whilst making sure you don’t break the bank. But maybe you don’t know where to start, because it’s not as simple as it seems!

The reality is that when it comes to choosing the best violin for kids, the whole thing can feel a bit daunting.

Making the Right Decisions for an Instrument

With such an array of choices, knowing where to begin can feel like a task in and of itself especially since no one likes to make the wrong choice. Making a good choice for your child is important for several reasons and needs to be taken seriously.

You need to know what violin is most suited because you don’t want to make an investment that turns out to be a waste of money. And making the best choice not only affects the sound and playability, but it can also have a profound impact on the way your child feels about playing the violin.

When deciding on a violin, there are certain factors and features that you as a parent need to take into consideration when searching for the best violin for kids. That’s why we have outlined them below, so you can take them into account and choose wisely today:

Choose the Right Size

Choosing the right violin size for kids is important for your child’s ability to hold and play the violin as comfortably as possible. Having a violin that is either too big or small will affect how easy it is to play and indeed how enjoyable it is too.

We’ve created this buyer’s guide based on the fact that the average 7-10 year old will need a ½ size violin. But it is important to think about the age and size of your own child and decide accordingly.

For instance, if your child is smaller than the average 7-10 year old, they may need a ¼ size violin.

They may also be growing at a rapid rate, which needs to be factored in. If you are unsure about the best size, the best thing to do is see if you can try for yourself and see which feels the most comfortable for your child.

Material

When it comes to deciding on a good violin for kids, it’s important to think about the material of each component. For starters, you need to think about what type of materials are used in the construction of the actual violin, whether it be plastic, plywood, ebony or maple wood.

All materials have their pros and cons, and each are worth considering before your purchase. For example, Maple wood tends to be superior in quality but will be more expensive than plastic. If quality is more important to you, then you may consider a maplewood body.

Start Simple

The temptation to get the best of the best violins available is common amongst parents, but it is important to bear in mind that no matter how interested your child may seem in playing violin.

Spending excessive amounts of money on their first ever violin may not be a worthy investment.

Remember, even the best violin players out there started out with something more affordable. The reality is, kids are very fickle and may decide that the violin is not for them, which could end up costing you a lot of money if decide that they would rather play the guitar.

What you might need to ask yourself is, is it likely my child wants to play for a bit of fun, or do they want to take it more seriously and perhaps progress through their grades?

Regardless, you are not looking for a professional violin just now, and all beginners can start on something affordable.

Overall Cost

Another thing you need to think about when it comes to price, and we cannot stress this enough, is don’t let the price fool you. In other words, just because a violin is expensive, it does not necessarily mean that it is the best violin for your child.

There are plenty of cheaper violins that offer astounding quality for their price that are just as good as the big names. But please don’t be fooled by the label either.

Unfortunately, there are many forged student violins that are branded as something they are not, and have in fact been made with lower quality materials.

This mistake can end up costing you more money than you should be paying, and it really needn’t be the case. That’s why our review includes a selection of violins that are a perfect fit for this early stage in their musical career.

Instruments that are of great quality and offer value for money, so you can be sure to get the best violin for your child without spending a fortune.

Color Matters

While colors may not be the most important factor in your decision to get the best violin, it is still worth mentioning. For some, the appearance of their violin can determine how they feel about it and how enjoyable it is to play.

When your child looks at their violin, they may want to feel a sense of pride in playing it and choosing a color that best reflects the kind of person they are might help them to do that. It may even matter in the context of playing bands.

Color allows people to feel connected to one another, and having a violin that reflects the same color as their band friends may be helpful. Many brands offer an array of colors to choose from, so no matter who you are, you can be sure to find the right color for you.

Consider All-in-One Violin Kits

If your child is new to playing the violin, you may want to consider purchasing an all-in-one kit to get your child going and to keep the costs down.

An all-in-one violin kit offers a vast amount of benefits, including the obvious reason of convenience.

Since the all in one kit has everything they could need, you don’t have worry about buying every single component that your child will need (like rosin, bows, a case, straps, a violin bridge, chin rest, tuner, etc).

You know that none of the important parts will be missing or forgotten about.

Not only does that make your life easier, but it will save any disappointment from your child when they open up their new violin and they can get playing straight away. Another benefit of having an all in one kit means you have no chance of buying the incorrect sized components.

For example, you might choose a bow that doesn’t fit the case, or a case that isn’t the right size for the violin. However, an all in one is designed to make sure every component fits well in the case.

Which is not only just generally cheaper option, but it will save you a lot of time and disappointment too.

Now that you have all the possible considerations you need to think about to help you choose the best violin for your child (and your pocket!), you may still be feeling a little overwhelmed, which is why we are here to help.

We have provided a review of 5 different violins we believe are the best violins for kids once the cost, quality and durability is taken into account to make your decision easie

. In order of price (ranging from most to least expensive) we have included some of the features of the brand that we think will be suitable for any beginner.

Last Thoughts

We hope that these reviews help you make the right decision when choosing the best violin for your child.

Most of all, we hope this guide serves as a resource to help you establish your own needs and desires based on the factors each person should consider when choosing the best violin for your child.

We want to make sure you can stay within your budget so there’s no need to stress over the financial cost, which will help your child just learn to enjoy playing the violin.

But for your own peace of mind, it may also be worth asking friends about their experiences, music teachers, music shops or others about the best violin for kids.

It is also important to remember that learning to play an instrument is exciting for both you and your child, and we don’t want to take that away from you. While this guide might be a helpful tool to get you thinking about what you might want, choosing a violin is always down to the individual.

Some may see the features as must-haves, while others may not see the value in the same way. We suggest you always use your intuition or whatever feels right to you to guide you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our violin review, and we will see you next time.

Compare Our Top Choices for Kids’ Violins:

BEST VIOLIN FOR KIDS

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

BEST BUDGET VIOLIN

Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood Violin with...

BEST PREMIUM VIOLIN

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 1/2 Size Clearance By...

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

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

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

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

The Top 6 Best Brand-Name Violins Compared:

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

1. Yamaha Violins

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

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

Top Yamaha Violin Choices:

Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 3/4 Size

Yamaha Electric Violin-YEV104BL-Black-4 String...

Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 4/4 Size

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

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

2. Cremona Violins

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

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

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

Top Cremona Violin Choices:

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

Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin Outfit - 4/4...

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

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

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

3. Stentor Violins

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

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

Top Stentor Violin Choices:

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

Stentor 1400 3/4 Violin

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

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

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

4. Cecilio Violins

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

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

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

Top Cecilio Violin Choices:

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Mendini

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

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

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

Top Mendini Violin Choices:

Sale

Mendini By Cecilio Violin 4/4 Full Size for...

Mendini by Cecilio Violin 4/4 Full Set For Kids &...

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

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

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

6. Knilling Violins

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

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

Top Knilling Violin Choices:

Knilling Europa 1/2 Size Violin Outfit (3K) - with...

Knilling Perfection I Violin Outfit Outfit 4/4...

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

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

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

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

Worth Mentioning: Bunnel Violins

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

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

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

Top Bunnel Violin Choices:

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

Bunnel Premier Violin Clearance Outfit 3/4 Size -...

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Good Violin for Beginners

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

Skill or level of expertise

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

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

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

Budget

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

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

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

Type of playing

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

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

Usability of the violin

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

Choose the Right Violin Size

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

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

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

What About Acoustic vs. Electric Violins?

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

Electric Violin Choices:

Cecilio Silent Electric Solid Wood Violin Kit with...

Kinglos 4/4 White Blue Flower Colored Solid Wood...

Bunnel EDGE Clearance Electric Violin Outfit Jet...

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR TOP PICKS

Best Major Brand: Yamaha

Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 3/4 Size

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

Best Budget Brand: Cremona

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

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

Best Intermediate Brand: Stentor

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

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

Best Electric Brand: Cecilio

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

Overall Ratings For Beginner Violin Brands:

The Cremona SV-130 at a Glance:

The Cremona SV-130 Violin Outfit

The Cremona SV-130 Premier Outfit Review – Is This The Best Beginner Violin For You?

When considering what violin to buy for a beginner, there is a lot at stake. Invest too much and it is overkill, especially if your 4-year-old prodigy turns out to be a painter instead. Invest too little and it can frustrate everyone: won’t hold a tune, sounds tinny, and is generally toy-like.

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

What We Like About It

One very good option in terms of price and value is the Cremona SV-130 Premier Violin Outfit. Manufactured by Saga, the company has a good rep for quality violins aimed at the student market. Saga’s Cremona SV-130 is part of a series developed to walk that fine line between the best quality possible at a sensible price.

So, how did Saga do with the Cremona SV-130?

Saga says this Cremona model has been its top-seller for a decade. That says something.

The product comes outfitted with American-made strings, ebony pegs, plus a lightweight tailpiece made from a composite that features 4 fine tuners. It has the Kaufman-style chinrest, which is low in profile.

Click Here to Check SV-130 Availability >>

The neck is oiled to improve the feel and the bow is relatively well-balanced for the money.

A balanced bow is important for new violin players to govern how to engage and sustain notes, so they sound more and more pleasing as they master fingering. Mastering the movement of the bow, evenly and smoothly, is another critical step in the learning process.

Delightfully, Saga has managed to incorporate an ebony fingerboard. Others often substitute other less costly tone woods like maple. So, this is a nice touch to invest in probably the most important portion of the instrument.

The body is spruce and maple, hand-carved. The construction is lightweight, which speaks to good workmanship, not cheapness.

What to Watch Out For

If you are buying online or at a music store, please get a chromatic tuner. Ask the clerk to walk you through how to use one on a violin. Write down what note per string should set using the tuner.

Tuning is the biggest problem for beginners. The initial joys of just making sound with the instrument go away, and as they begin caring about little melodies, the player may get frustrated.

Fit and Finish of the Cremona SV-130 Violin

Saga states that it carves each instrument one at a time—truly doing the work of a luthier. Finishes include brown or red. These are relatively well-executed, making the Cremona appear like more costly violins. Some models in the series offer sparkle-finishes for the more adventurous.

We noted earlier the use of ebony for the pegs and fingerboard. These are important distinctions for the Cremona, relative to other entry-level products.

If the player has the experience or maturity, try to go to a dealer and try this one versus one with another tone wood fretboard. See if it matters to the player.

Read What Customers are Saying About the Cremona SV-130

How Does It Sound?

The Anton Breton bow is balanced, although some online reviewers claim otherwise. Hard to know if those were exceptions; certainly, one would expect if you found a defect, the seller or the manufacturer would address it for you.

The painted violins in the series come with a case that matches the color and the bow. So, if that little someone is flashy, why not let it all hang out?

Pros and Cons

Cremona SV-130 Novice Violin Outfit Review

What Do Cremona SV-130 Violin Outfit Customers Think? >>

Compare featured violin models:

Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin Outfit - 4/4...

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

Conclusion: Is the Cremona SV-130 Worth It?

The Cremona SV-130 Violin is reasonably resonant, producing a very satisfying tone. This instrument surpasses expectations for a beginner-level product.

The quality of the bow and the plush-lined case, while not as important as the use of ebony in the Cremona, are icing on the cake.

What are Owners Saying About the Cremona SV-130 Violin Outfit? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: https://www.sagamusic.com

About: For more than 40 years, Saga Musical Instruments has steadily grown to be a global pioneer in the successful development, marketing and distribution of high-quality traditional American and European-designed student and professional acoustic musical instruments.

Top Rated Violin Accessories!

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

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

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Glaesel Violin Practice Mute, Black (GL3834)

What Is The Best Violin to Buy for Beginners?

Good Beginner Violins at a Glance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is The Best Violin For Beginners?

1. Best Overall Beginner Violin: Mendini MV400 Outfit

Mendini MV400 Violin Specs:

Mendini 3/4 MV400 Violin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mendini MV400 Solid Wood Violin >>

Check Mendini MV400 Violin Customers Availability >>

2. Best Quality Model: Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit

Bunnel Pupil Violin Specs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Bunnel Pupil Violin Availability! >>

What Do Bunnel Pupil Violin Customers Think? >>

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

Cremona SV-75 Premier Violin Outfit

Cremona SV-75 Violin Outfit Specs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Cremona SV-75 Premier Violin Outfit Availability! >>

Read the Latest Cremona SV-75 Customers Reviews >>

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

D’Luca DL-45012 Meister Beginner Violin Outfit

D’Luca Meister Beginner Violin Outfit Specs

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

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

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

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

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

Check D’Luca DL-45012 Meister Beginner Violin Outfit Availability >>

What Do D'Luca Beginner Violin Outfit Customers Think? >>

More Choices for a Good Beginner Violin

Cremona SV-130

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

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

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

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

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

Stentor 1500

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

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

Read our full Stentor 1500 review here

Knilling School

No products found.
Carved from seasoned tonewoods that features inlaid purfling and high quality ebony fittings, the Knilling School Violin is a popular entry-level violin if you want to invest in an instrument that combines traditional craftsmanship with high-quality materials fora pleasing sound.

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

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

Franz Hoffman Amadeus Violin

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

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

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

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

Yamaha Model V3

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

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

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

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

Final Comparison of Affordable Beginner Violins:

Best Violin for Beginners!

Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood Violin with...

Best Quality Beginner Violin

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

Best Customer Support

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

In Conclusion, Which Violin Is The Best For Beginners?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our #1 Pick!

The Mendini MV400 Outfit

What Do Mendini MV400 Violin Customers Think? >>