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

Great Student Violin Selections at a Glance:

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Student Violins for Beginners Reviewed

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

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Cecilio CVN-300 Ebony Fitted Violin

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

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

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

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Features

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

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What are Cecilio Customers Saying? >>

Pros and Cons

Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Review

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

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Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

Mendini MV300 Violin Outfit

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

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

Features

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

Click Here to Check Mendini MV300 Availability >>

Pros and Cons

Mendini MV300 Violin Review

What Are Mendini MV300 Violin Customers Saying? >>

Verdict

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

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

Read our full review of the Mendini MV300 here.

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

Crescent Student Violin kit

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

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

Features

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

Click Here for the Latest Crescent Reviews >>

Pros and Cons

Crescent Student Violin Starter Kit Review

What Do Crescent Student Violin Customers Think? >>

Verdict

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

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

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

Bunnel Clearance Violin Outfit

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

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

Features

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

What are Bunnel Clearance Customers Saying? >>

Pros and Cons

Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Outfit Review

Are Bunnel Premier Clearance Violin Customers Happy? >>

Verdict

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

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

Read our full review of the Bunnel Clearance model here.

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

Cecilio CVN-200 Violin Outfit

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

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

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

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

Features

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

Click Here to Read the Latest Cecilio CVN-200 Reviews

Pros and Cons

Cecilio CVN-200 Student Violin Review

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

Verdict

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

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

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

Compare Featured Student Violin Models:

Best Student Violin

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

Best Budget Model

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Best Cheap Student Violin

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

Conclusion: Which Student Violin is the Best for You?

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

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

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

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

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

Editor’s Pick

The Cecilio CVN-300 Violin Outfit

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

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

The Best Violin Bows for New Violinists

Top 5 Quality Violin Bows at a Glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best Value! Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow		(4.5)	$$$$
#2 Best Budget Pick Cecilio Brazilwood Violin Bow		(4.2)	$$
#3 Best Upgrade Bow Crescent Carbon Fiber Violin Bow		(4.3)	$$$
#4 Best Backup Bow Violinsmart 3/4 Size Violin Bow		(4.4)	$$
#5 Lowest Cost Violinsmart Full Size Brazilwood Violin Bow		(4.2)	$$

As a violinist, there are several different aspects to consider before investing in a bow. Choosing the right one can certainly be easier with proper guidance.

When learning a new instrument, choosing the correct tools for your skill level can be intimidating.

If you’re a beginner player there’s no need for an expensive or fine violin bow just yet.

You will need a stick that has proper balance, is not too light or too heavy, and is reasonably strong as you begin to perfect your skills and become a better player.

What Makes a Good Violin Bow?

As the professional violinists say, a bow should be an extension of your hand. It’s vital to find the best violin bow so that you can gain proper bowing techniques and ability.

When looking for an appropriate bow always consider the type of material, sound, balance and weight, and shape of the product. Finding a bow that makes you confident and your performance effortless is crucial.

Typically, inexperienced players have a difficult time understanding that different bows can create a diverse sound on the instrument.

Choosing a bow that creates the sound you want is significant to distinguish your personal playing style. Read below for more information on the top five bows on the market for new violinists today.

The Top 5 Violin Bows In Review

1. Best Violin Bow for Beginners: Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow

The Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow is a handmade product known for its quality and low-cost price. It’s popular among the violin community and guarantees no finger strain.

The bow was designed to resemble the curve and weight of professionally-used wood bows. The bow may require being rosined and broken in if bought brand new.

Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Bow

Features

• Item Weight: 2.1 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 29 x 0.5 x 1 inches
• Decorated Copper Ebony Frog
• Features Mongolian Horse Hair

Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow Review

What Do Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Bow Users Think? >>

Click Here for the Latest Fiddlerman Bow User Reviews >>

Verdict

Ultimately, this Fiddlerman is a solid bow that is better than those that are given with starter sets.

The Fiddlerman bow is elegantly designed and is made with incredible craftsmanship. It’s been known to outperform many other competing products on the market.

With clean fittings, a great arch, and quality balance you won’t go wrong with a Fiddlerman carbon fiber stick if you’re looking for a good practice bow.

It’s a strong violin bow that holds comfortably and pulls a nice sound.

2. Best Budget Violin Bow: Cecilio Brazilwood Violin Bow

This Cecilio Brazilwood violin bow is popular among violin enthusiasts and beginners. It is a high-value bow known for being strong and its responsiveness.]

It’s reasonably priced and is a great starter or backup bow for violin players.

This bow is both well-balanced and holds rosin nicely if you’re looking to pull the sound out of the strings a little more.

Cecilio Brazilwood Bow

Features

• Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 29.9 x 1.4 x 0.9 inches
• Ebony Frog
• Silver Mount, Fully lined

Cecilio Brazilwood Violin Bow Review

What are Cecilio Violin Bow Customers Saying? >>

Read the Latest Cecilio Brazilwood Bow Reviews Here >>

Verdict

This Cecilio bow is a great bang for your buck. The horse hair is strong and durable, making it perfect for beginners who are rough on the strands.

It performs very well for its price and promises a nice sound. If you’re looking for a bow that is low-priced and will last you a few years, a Cecilo Brazilwood violin bow is highly recommended.

3. Best Upgrade: Crescent Carbon Fiber Violin Bow

This is yet another carbon fiber bow from Crescent, although it will take users a while to get used to playing it, the frog, fittings, hair quality, cut and camber is a steal for the price it’s selling for.

This is a respectable bow made with real ebony and abalone, you would see any plastic here. Beginners will be in awe of the ease this bow has against the strings.

Crescent Carbon Fiber Bow

Features

• Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 32 x 1 x 1 inches
• Crafted For a Full-Size Violin
• Round Stick
• Ebony Frog with Slides and Faux Pearl Eyes
• Synthetic Grip

Crescent Well Balanced Carbon Fiber Bow Review

What Do Crescent Balanced Carbon Fiber Bow Owners Think? >>

Check the Latest Crescent Bow Customer Reviews >>

Verdict

All in all, this second bow from Crescent is great for a subtle upgrade from a generic wood bow. It is a nice compositional bow at an excellent value.

Overall, it’s a high-quality bow that produces a slicker, smoother sound. Very durable due to the carbon fibers and build of the product.

4. Best Backup Bow: Violinsmart 3/4 Size Violin Bow

Known as a great student bow, the ¾ Violinsmart bow is a product that will satisfy novice and absolute beginner violin players alike.

It’s a handmade bow that is designed to produce incredible sound at a price that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Violinsmart Violin Bow

Features

• Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 27 x 1 x 0.5 inches

Violinsmart 3/4 Violin Size Bow Review

Are Violinsmart 3/4 Violin Size Bow Customers Happy? >>

Click Here to Check Violinsmart Bow Availability >>

Verdict

Overall, when rosined well the Violinsmart bow is an ideal choice for young or beginning users.

This product is highly recommended for kids who have just begun and are often a little reckless with their instrument.

It’s a low-cost product that will satisfy the needs of the user.

5. Best Economy Bow: Violinsmart Full Size Brazilwood Violin Bow

This particular Violinsmart Round Brazilwood bow is a cheap product with a high-quality look.

This bow is known for producing a thin, quieter sound, which as a practicing beginner may not be a bad thing. This bow is known to be used for silent practices and warmups.

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What Do Violinsmart Brazilwood Bow Owners Think? >>

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Our Top Two Picks for Beginner Violin Bows:

Overall Best Beginner Bow

Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow 4/4

Check Fiddlerman Bow Availability >>

Best Budget Violin Bow

Cecilio Brazilwood Violin Bow with Ebony Frog in...

Check Cecilio Violin Bow Availability >>

First impressions are always important so go with your gut. If a bow feels too heavy or light you may need to look into a different product.

When you’ve found a good bow, you should be able to play all parts of it comfortably. When testing out different products, make sure to listen for delicate differences in surface noise, clarity and fullness of sound.

You want a bow that will enhance your instrument not detract from it, so it’s imperative that you find a product that will work well with your violin.

Everyone will have a different opinion, so it’s essential to find a bow that is personally best for you.

As you begin to increase your skills and expertise over time, your ability to identify the difference between bows of a different make, shape, and balance will become clearer.

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