Carbon fiber violin vs wood – which is the better choice? There has to be some benefit – right?

Let’s find out if modern technology truly has caught up with the violin.

Carbon Fiber Violin Bow

Traditional Wooden Violin

Out of all the string instruments, theviolin is the one with the richest history. For hundreds of years, luthiers made violins in well-known workshops where they carved wood until getting the perfect shape.

That’s how all the famous and most expensive violins are made – through a thorough and lengthy process.

Nowadays, there’s a lot of innovative materials and ways to produce superior musical instruments. With carbon composites, it’s possible to make one much faster than from wood.

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A violin made of wood may be the traditional way to go, but it a carbon fiber violin can be made stronger, and faster.

Plus, this works well for today’s market, where nobody can wait for months until their instrument is ready.

Every violinist also has an opinion regarding carbon fiber violin vs wood violin. After all, beginner, intermediate or professional violinists have different requirements for the quality of an instrument.

And if you’re more inclined to modern music than classical pieces, that will also influence your opinion.

In this short guide, we’ll try to explain all the factors involved in deciding whether a wooden instrument and bow are better than carbon alternatives.

Or, indeed, if there’s any middle ground.

Wooden Violins vs Carbon Fiber Violins

Characteristics of Wood Violins

Every luthier knows that a good piece of dried wood is the key to success. The instruments they hand carve are marvelous in their sound properties as well as looks.

Usually, wooden violins are made from spruce, maple, pear, and sycamore, depending on the luthier’s knowledge and preference.

Luthiers often use maple since it features flame-like lines that a suitable varnish accentuates.

The varnish quality alongside the wood has a significant impact on the future sound as it makes it warmer and adds more depth.

Of course, if the wood has gone through a long drying process that lasted for more than ten or twenty years, its quality is marked as premium.

That’s why violins like Ming Jiang Zhu 925 Violin and Scott Cao Superior Signature Series come with a serious price tag.

These instruments are handcrafted, and the wood quality guarantees the best possible sound.

Wooden Violin Features

• Flexible instrument
• Easy to play on
• Rounded sound
• Strong projection
• Versatility
• Sensitive

Characteristics of Carbon Violins

Everyone agrees that a carbon fiber violin sounds slightly different from a wooden violin.

Due to the specific construction method and other materials used to create it, carbon fiber instruments have a more profound and louder projection than their wooden counterparts.

Glasser Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

You see more and more carbon violins in orchestras, even among professional musicians, especially if they want to perform in various indoor and outdoor locations.

Instruments like the progressive five-string Glasser AEX Carbon Composite violin are examples of how carbon violins combine advanced technology and great acoustic potential.

The flexibility of a carbon instrument is very different from that of a wooden instrument. Hence, why you see a lot of carbon fiber fiddles used by performance artists.

Any Glasser violin could be a great choice as you can find them in various colors, thus adding a visual component to any performance.

For gig performers, a violin often used as a fiddle is Glasser Carbon Composite 5-String Violin.

Glasser Carbon Composite 5-String Violin.

Carbon Fiber Violin Features

• Strong carbon body
• Good projection
• Sharp sound
• Great for outdoor performances
• Variety of colors and designs

Wooden Violin Bows vs Carbon Fiber Bows

Characteristics of Wooden Bows

Wooden bows are usually made from brazilwood if they’re mid-class and Pernambuco for the middle and upper class.

These were standard materials for violin bows as they were the only light and flexible materials available.

In recent years, Pernambuco became an endangered plant; cutting it was prohibited. That’s why wooden bows became scarce and very expensive.

On the other hand, a brazilwood bow is often a combination of several types of wood. In terms of price, they can vary from less than $50 to several hundred.

The factor determining the cost of any wooden bow is the craftsmanship used to combine its five parts.

Wooden Violin Bow Features

• Flexible
• Lightweight and easy to maneuverable
• Strong
• Sensitive to humidity
• Fragile and easy to break

Characteristics of Carbon Fiber Bows

Carbon is a composite material you can use to create strong and flexible instruments at only a fraction of the cost compared to wooden ones.

Composite materials have the same level of flexibility, and they’re often stronger and scratch-resistant.

A lot of professional players opt to use carbon bows to create better resonance and better projection.

More recently, both intermediate and professional violinists have started using carbon bows. Some even have several to choose from.

As far as the sound is concerned, the bow’s most crucial feature is its balance, but every player decides what fits them better.

When it comes to band gigs or concerts, players mostly use carbon bows to suit their strength since they find wooden ones too sensitive to humidity.

To find the best carbon violin bow, you’ll have to hear how it sounds first. But keep in mind that all of them have various characteristics, features, and price points.

A braided carbon fiber bow is one of the best you can find on the market. Unlike standard composite carbon bows that are hollow on the inside, braided carbon bows have a solid core that makes them stronger.

The braids come from carbon fibers, making the bow look more refined than a standard model.

One of the most recommended premium quality braided carbon bows is the Glasser Braided Carbon Fiber Sterling Silver Bow.

But if your budget has its limitations, you can also check more budget-friendly options like Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow as well as Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Weave Violin Bow.

Carbon Fiber Bow Features

• Durable
• Extremely strong
• Excellent performance in various conditions
• Responsive and light
• Great for outdoor performances
• Suitable for low hours of practice

Carbon Fiber Violin vs Wood Violin FAQ

Are Carbon Fiber Violins Good for Outdoor Performance?

Yes, carbon fiber violins are ideal for performers as the temperature and humidity don’t affect the sound quality.

Whether it’s a wedding on the beach, a gig in a crowded place or a concert on a boat, carbon fiber violins will sound equally good.

Are Carbon Fiber Violin Bows Good?

Some of the best performers use carbon bows at their concerts. However, keep in mind that if you want to get a good carbon fiber bow, it needs to have at least 60% carbon fiber for the best resonance.

And if you want a premium carbon fiber bow, those that have more than 80% of fibers will feel better than any wooden bow you’ve tried. Of course, it comes with a price tag.

Top quality carbon fiber violin bows are exceptionally good

That said, there are still musicians who still prefer wooden bows. In the end, it’s a matter of taste and preference as you can achieve superior performance with both.

Is Carbon Fiber Stronger Than Wood?

Because it’s a composite material, carbon is more robust than wood as it’s tough to break.

Another benefit of using a carbon fiber bow is that humidity can’t change its structure; it will stay the same for a long time.

Ensure that you’re buying a bow with more than 60% carbon, and it will be very strong.

On the other hand, if you get a bow with 45% or fewer carbon fibers, the bow might break easily.

Can a Carbon Fiber Bow Break Easily?

In terms of durability, carbon bows are almost impossible to break during a performance.

Braided carbon bows like the Glasser Braided Carbon Fiber Sterling Silver Bow are among the best since they are not hollow but filled with carbon fibers.

In Conclusion, Do You Prefer Modern Violins, Traditional, or a Combination of Both?

The debate about carbon fiber violin vs wood violin still rages on. It seems that carbon and other composite materials have become more prominent as wood is more expensive and harder to find.

Since every violin and bow feel differently depending on the material, each artist must decide what feels more comfortable while performing.

Every violin and bow will feel different

For some, the wood will always be more refined, while carbon composite allows more freedom.

In a way, with new versions of traditional instruments, the performance possibilities become endless.

Before you make a final decision on whether you’ll get a wooden or carbon fiber violin and bow, make sure you try as many as you can.

You’ll get a better sense of their benefits and drawbacks – and In the end, you can also combine them for the best effect.

Electric Violins for Beginners to Professionals

Top 9 Electric Violins Compared:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Choice Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin		(4.5)	$$$$
#2 Best Value Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit		(4.4)	$$$
#3 Best Budget Model Cecilio CEVN-1 Electric Violin Outfit		(4.3)	$
#4 Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit		(4.3)	$
#5 Kinglos Advanced Electric/Silent Violin Kit		(4.0)	$$
#6 Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit		(4.4)	$$
#7 Yamaha 4-string Electric Violin YEV-104		(4.3)	$$$$
#8 S Design WAV 4-string Electric Violin		(4.4)	$$$$
#9 Stingray WV-SVX5/BK Electric Violin		(4.5)	$$$$$

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

If you’re looking to transition from an acoustic violin or experiment with new play styles, electric violins are the answer. They produce different sounds and are, with many models, a great option if you want to perform some silent practice.

Just like with acoustic fiddles, you can find electric violins in all sorts of colors, materials, and designs. But with so many manufacturers and different instruments, how do you select the right electric violin?

In this article, we’ll go through nine electric violin recommendations and determine the best electric violin you can buy to fit your needs. We’ll also provide you with an electric violin buyer’s guide to help you understand what you should look out for.

The Best Electric Violins In Review

1. Best Choice: Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

The Glasser AEX violin combines acoustics with cutting-edge materials and Bartolini electronics. That makes it one of the best premium candidates on this list.

Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

Glasser Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin Overview

The only size you can get for this violin is 4/4. The color options are abundant, and you can choose from nine pearlescent nuances. There are four fine tuners, along with rosin and a polishing cloth. The instrument comes with the Glasser 203SH fiberglass bow.

Additionally, the AEX Carbon Composite violin is powered by Bartolini technology and requires two AAA batteries. The Glasser company also lets you use another outfit for the violin, but you’ll have to pay more.

Product Highlights

Naturally, the most attractive feature of the violin is its dual nature. You can play it as an acoustic or electric violin, depending on the effect you wish to accomplish.

The Perfection Planetary pegs ensure quick and easy tuning and provide your instrument with stability. The carbon fiber bridge and soundpost are high-quality elements, too.

Glasser AEX Features

• Electric and acoustic instrument
• Easy tuning
• High-quality bridge and soundpost
• Scratch-resistant
• Clear tone

The Good

Overall, this is a fantastic electric violin. The instrument looks great and delivers an exceptional performance.

Durable scratch-resistant body

The carbon composite body is scratch-resistant and highly durable. This dramatically reduces the risks of open seams and cracks. Extreme temperatures are also not an issue, and you can even play the instrument in the rain.

The amplified tone is clear and precise, and finally, the strings are easy to clean.

The Bad

There’s not much to take away from the violin itself. However, some components could be more reliable. Namely, people have reported that the G-string broke shortly after they purchased the item. But fortunately, this set comes with two such strings.

Glasser AEX Carbon Violin Key Points

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2. Best Value: Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit

The first entry is an acoustic-electric violin produced by Tower Strings. The model offers some excellent features for its price range.

Tower Strings Acoustic Electric Violin Outfit

Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Outfit Overview

The violin has excellent materials, such as carved maple and spruce. It comes in full size and has a 1/4″ jack built into it.

The sports quality ebony fittings, and features a carbon construction tailpiece. Moreover, the violin has fine tuners, steel-core strings, pickup, and built-in tone and volume controls.

Product Highlights

Considering that this is an acoustic-electric violin, you have the luxury of playing it acoustically or plugging it into your amplifier.

The setup and the accessories are of higher quality than what you usually encounter with violins at this price. There’s also a durable brown finish.

The instrument and all the accessories are backed by a one-year warranty.

Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit Features

• Durable finish
• Steel-core strings
• Convenient bridge
• Sturdy case
• Contains all the necessary accessories

The Good

The greatest benefit of this violin is its versatility. You get the best of both worlds, given that you can play it as an acoustic and an electric violin, depending on your preferences.

A durable two-way instrument.

The hand-carved bridge is well-rounded and contributes to your violin’s comfortable playability.

Lastly, the case is lightweight yet exceptionally sturdy. It includes various items, such as bow holders, music pocket, storage compartment, and carrying straps.

The Bad

Since this is a low-end violin, pulling good tones out of it isn’t as easy as on more expensive instruments. Additionally, the steel-core strings won’t deliver a lot of tonal complexity and depth.

Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Key Points

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3. Best Budget Model: Cecilio Electric Violin CEVN-1 Outfit

This is another affordable entry with decent features. The manufacturer, Cecilio, sells great electric models, and the following item is a good beginner electric violin.

Cecilio Electric Violin CEVN-1 Outfit

Cecilio Solidwood Electric Violin CEVN-1 Overview

The size is 4/4, and the instrument comes in metallic red mahogany varnish. The body is made of hand-carved maple, whereas the pegs, chin rest, fingerboard, and tailpiece are ebony.

‘The tailpiece contains four detachable fine tuners. The instrument draws its power from a 9V Alkaline battery included in the package.

Product Highlights

This instrument enables the players to practice without disturbing other people. The outfit has a 1/8″ output jack you can use to connect the violin to most PA systems or guitar amps.

The volume control allows you to select the ambiance, whereas the line-in jack lets you practice with background tracks.

As for the other components, the bow has real Mongolian horsehair. There’s also a high-quality rosin cake, AUX cable, headphones, and a bridge. The violin comes with a one-year warranty.

Cecilio CEVN-1 Features

• Mahogany varnish
• Handy volume control and a line-in jack
• Mongolian horsehair bow
• Ebony fittings
• One-year warranty

The Good

Overall, the instrument has a strong, sturdy feel to it. It’s a good-quality electric violin with all the items necessary to power it. There are also several color options to choose from.

A silent violin available in a range of colors

Furthermore, the model is an outstanding electric violin for beginners. The instrument is easy to play and is a great way to introduce yourself to electric violins.

The Bad

The main problem with the violin is the strings. In some cases, they don’t stay in tune for very long. You may need to stretch them out a bit or switch to higher-quality ones.

Also, the nut may be too high for some violinists and make the violin slightly less comfortable.

CEVN-1 Outfit Key Points

Check the Latest Cecilio CEVN-1 Electric Violin Reviews >>

4. Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit

Now we’ll do another Cecilio electric violin review.- the CVNAE-330.  This one is also an excellent cheap electric violin.

Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic Electric Violin Outfit

Cecilio Acoustic-Electric Violin Overview

The violin is also a full-sized, 4/4 model. Just like the previous violin, this item contains a tailpiece with four nickel-plated fine tuners.

The fingerboard, chin rest, and pegs are made of ebony, while the top is constructed of hand-carved solid spruce. The choice for the sides and back is hand-carved solid maple.

Product Highlights

The manufacturer retained a reliable bow design. More specifically, the component is made of brazilwood and contains unbleached Mongolian horsehair. There’s also an additional bridge, along with an AUX cable and durable rosin.

The color options are also good and include pearl white, metal black, and antique varnish.

Cecilio CVNAE-330 Features

• Full-sized model
• Brazilwood bow with Mongolian horsehair
• Extra bridge
• A range of color options
• Various materials, such as ebony, spruce, and maple

The Good

The strongest suit of the violin may be its design. The instrument has a stunning blue finish and features a stylish gloss.

Nicely designed, affordable product

The lightweight hard case is also a big plus. This piece comes with a backpack strap and a pocket.

Moreover, the sound is satisfactory and full even without an amp. Finally, this Cecilio violin is another model that’s easy to play and master.

Considering this, the Cecilio acoustic-electric violin might be the best cheap electric violin you can find in 2021.

The Bad

That said, this isn’t the best violin you can find. The quality of the sound is decent, but it could be vastly improved. The volume control and tone don’t change much, and you may need to adjust the pegs heavily to get proper tuning.

Cecilio CVNAE-330 Key Points

What are Cecilio CVNAE-330 Violin Owners Saying? >>

5. Kinglos Electric/Silent Violin Kit

The Kinglos electric/silent violin also features a striking design. This is a fashionable instrument with a lot to offer.

Kinglos Advanced Electric/Silent Violin Kit

Kinglos Electric/Silent Violin Kit Overview

Kinglos made this violin out of solid basswood, whereas the material for the fittings is ebony. The instrument comes with a VPU-300 pickup, and the setup is based on the standard for advanced violins. The model is powered by a 9V alkaline battery.

Other accessories include:

• Rosin
• Bow
• Earphone
• Advanced oblong case
• Four-meter cable
• Case
• AUX cable
• Extra bridge
• Set of strings
• Shoulder rest

Product Highlights

Kinglos made this electric violin more beautiful by applying patented color technology. The body is made of hand-carved solid spruce, and the carbon fiber tailpiece contains four detachable fine tuners.

The chin rest, pegs, and fingerboard are made of ebony.

Kinglos Violin Kit Features

• Patented color technology
• Hand-carved solid spruce body
• Carbon fiber tailpiece
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest
• Detachable fine tuners

The Good

The violin is very silent. If you play it from your room, you won’t be heard in other areas of the house. The headphones also give you a rich, full sound. The violin is elegantly designed and is sure to make heads turn.

Elegance and silence

The pegs hold quite well, and the bridge is relatively easy to position.

The Bad

When it comes to drawbacks, there are two significant issues. First, the bow doesn’t feel like real horsehair, which is why you may want to replace it. The quality of the case could be a lot higher, too.

Kinglos Kit Key Points

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6. Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit

This is an entry-level violin made by Tower Strings. But unlike the Tower Strings model, this one is just electric.

Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit

Tower Strings Electric Violin Outfit Overview

This is also a full-sized violin with plenty of useful accessories. The instrument is followed by a 1/8″ audio jack, polishing cloth, headphones, earbuds, 10ft music cable, and other handy items.

There’s also a built-in pickup and pre-amp. Also, the violin runs on a 9V battery.

Product Highlights

The Tower Strings Electric Violin features some excellent materials. The body is constructed of solid maple, and the bow is made of brazilwood.

The fittings and fingerboard are 100% ebony, and the carbon composite tailpiece has built-in fine tuners. There’s also a one-year warranty on the violin and accessories.

Tower Strings Outfit Features

• Solid maple body
• Brazilwood bow
• Ebony fingerboard and fittings
• Carbon composite tailpiece
• One-year warranty

The Good

Just like the previous Tower Strings model, this is also an excellent electric violin. There’s the hand-carved bridge that allows you to play the violin more easily and comfortably.

Comfortable hand-carved bridge

The case is also sturdy, and it can accommodate your violin, two bows, and other items in the storage compartment.

Furthermore, the instrument can use Fiddlerman, Prelude, or any other strings that suit you.

The Bad

The biggest issue with this item is the pegs. They tend to slip a bit, and you can over-tune them very easily.

Tower Strings Electric Violin Key Points

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7. Yamaha 4-String Electric Violin YEV-104

The Yamaha company makes outstanding instruments, and this YEV-104 electric violin is no exception. The model looks cool and sounds good for the price.

Yamaha 4-string Electric Violin YEV-104

Yamaha YEV-104 4-String Electric Violin Overview

Unlike some other violins made by Yamaha, this one has four strings. The body has three types of wood: maple, mahogany, and spruce.

The fingerboard is made of rosewood, whereas the tailpiece uses synthetic resin. Lastly, the frame is made of walnut, and the tuning pegs feature ebony.

Product Highlights

The combination of so many kinds of wood adds to the violin’s tone and organic appearance. The sound is decent even without an amp, and the wood of the frame resonates like an acoustic violin.

The Yamaha YEV-104 Electric Violin electric violin weighs a bit more than its acoustic counterparts, but the extra weight doesn’t get in the way of comfortable playing.

Yamaha YEV-104 Features

• Four strings
• Various types of wood
• Good sound
• Resonant frame
• Some additional weight
• Ideal case

The Good

This violin is comfortable in the hands and easy to play. No unpleasant effects accompany your playing, and the violin almost sounds like an acoustic instrument.

Very easy to play and sounds pleasant

The design is terrific due to the sculptural look of the frame. Apart from the minimal tuning of the strings, the instrument is ready to play right out of the box.

The Bad

This product is an outstanding option for beginners, but it isn’t the best electric violin for professionals. The violin simply isn’t meant for professional settings, such as a chamber or orchestra. As a result, the usage of the violin is a bit limited.

Yamaha Electric Violin Key Points

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8. NS Design WAV 4-String Electric Violin

If you’re looking to explore the sphere of electronic performance, the outstandingly designed WAV 4-string electric violin from NS may have what you’re after. It’s a remarkable violin made by NS with many admirable properties.

NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Violin

NS Design WAV 4-String Electric Violin Overview

This WAV violin is a full-size modern aesthetic model with standard NS electric strings. This item is compatible with stranded-core and solid violin strings, but synthetic strings aren’t recommended.

The bridge is made of black-dyed maple, while the fingerboard is ebony and contains hand-graduated relief.

Product Highlights

This model features the polar pickup system. This means that it produces great natural sounds you can adjust with tone and volume controls.

The intonation is consistent owing to the high-quality fingerboard. On top of that, the maple body and neck provide visual grace and rich tones.

NS Design WAV Violin Features

• Standard NS strings
• Maple bridge
• Ebony fingerboard
• Polar pickup system
• Maple body and neck

The Good

We’ve already mentioned some of the finest aspects of this violin, but the instrument has a lot more to offer. First, the precision tuners are accurate, and you’ll rarely need to adjust them. The model is lightweight and well-balanced, providing comfort.

Industry leading design and performance

Next, the ergonomic shoulder rest makes for stable, fully-adjustable support. You can also set the string height to cater to your style.

Overall, the violin sounds excellent, and you can produce natural tones while playing it.

The Bad

Still, the violin lacks some components that would make it even more enticing. There are no frets, and the lack of a built-in pickup means that you’ll have to plug the violin into a pre-amp to use it with headphones. Alternatively, you can use an amplifier.

NS Design WAV Key Points

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9. Stingray WV-SVX5 Electric Violin

The Stingray WV-SVX5 violin is a progressive instrument that works well for many genres. It also has a distinct and easily recognizable look.

Wood Violins Stingray 5-String Electric Violin – Black

Stingray WV-SVX5 Electric Violin Overview

This Stingray violin consists of five strings and a poplar body. The fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest are constructed of ebony, while the tailpiece is a lightweight precision composite.

This is a standard, full-sized violin and comes with all the necessary components, such as rosin and a string cloth.

Product Highlight

The quality of this instrument is extremely high. The manufacturer, Wood Violins, has been in the business for more than twenty-five years, which means you can expect a top-grade design.

The tuners do their job and aren’t sticky or slippery at all. Moreover, the unique shape is a nice touch and should fit well in your hands and neck.

Stingray WV-SVX5 Electric Violin Features

• Five strings
• Poplar body
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest
• Unique design
• Effective pegs

The Good

You’ll feel delightful while holding and playing this instrument. The look is impressive, and the sound is even better. The violin is ideal in any setting, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional violinist.

Great sound and lightweight design

The entire construction is lightweight, and the poplar body provides you with a warm sound.

The Bad

This is the priciest item in our roundup, which is why it may be out of range for some people’s budgets. The violin doesn’t come with a bow, but you can use pretty much any model for this instrument.

Wood Stingray 5-String Violin Key Points

What Do Wood Stingray Electric Violin Players Thingk? >>

Electric Violin FAQs and Buyer’s Guide

Buying an electric violin can be a relatively large investment. Therefor you should put a reasonable amount of thought into getting the right instrument. Otherwise, you may be forced to return an item just days into your playing.

To make an informed decision, you can do yourself a great favor and consider the essential details. In this guide, we’ve covered the most popular questions to give you a much clearer picture of what to look for.

What Is the Best Electric Violin?

Determining the best electric violin isn’t easy. Finding the perfect model usually depends on your preferences, which is why you may find some instruments better than the others.

GLASSER

For instance, if you’re after a combination of modern materials, traditional design, and pleasant sound, the Glasser model may be the best electric violin for you. The instrument features a contemporary look, and the sound you can produce with the item is exceptional.

KINGLOS

For instance, if you’re looking for a silent electric violin, the Kinglos Solid Wood might be your best option. If you feel that you’re making a lot of noise while playing your violin, you can just use the headphone jacks that come with the instrument and practice in silence.

TOWER STRINGS

Additionally, if you want to play an acoustic-electric violin, the Tower Strings Acoustic Electric piece is the way to go. The quality is slightly higher than the other acoustic-electric model on this list (Cecilio Acoustic-Electric Violin), and the item is affordable.

Are Electric Violins Good for Beginners?

While some good electric violins are suitable for beginners, novice players are usually better off with an acoustic fiddle.

This is because an electric violin can’t produce the same resonant sound as an acoustic fiddle. The feel is also very different.

Unamplified, electric violins produce muted tones that aren’t ideal for practicing. This is especially true if you want to perform in traditional environments and play classical music.

In that case, an acoustic violin is a far better option. Additionally, there’s no amplification required, making the setup much more straightforward.

Are Electric Violins Worth It?

Electric violins are a wise investment, but only in specific situations. If you’re looking to play contemporary genres, such as rock or jazz, the electric violin can provide you with an array of features that can expand your range within the genre.

For example, you can amplify your instrument with a jack-to-jack cable or practice silently with a headphone amp.

Moreover, you can take advantage of various loop pedals and effects to expand your sound range and options.

Can an Electric Violin Be Played Acoustically?

Electric violins can be played acoustically, but this feature is instrument-specific. We’ve covered two acoustic-electric violins in this article.

You can play them acoustically without plugging them in or use the necessary equipment to start the electric mode.

How Do I Choose an Electric Violin?

Choosing an electric violin largely depends on your preferences. Consider the following factors and make your decision accordingly.

Size

You can find electric violins in a variety of sizes. Most commonly, electric fiddles come in 3/4 and 4/4 (or full size), and if you’re a normal-sized adult, you’ll need one of these sizes.

On the other hand, children typically need a 1/2-sized instrument.

Accessories

Any electric violin will require some accessories. However, the number of necessary extra items varies and depends on your experience level.

If you want the best electric violin for beginners, you’ll probably need one with more accessories to start playing. In particular, a good electric violin for beginner players should contain a bow, case, shoulder rest, and cable.

Rosin for the bow is also a great buy and combined with the other items, it will help you get started right away.

Conversely, advanced players won’t require many accessories. All they need is the violin itself and an extra case or bow.

Number of Strings

Generally, acoustic violins come with four strings, but electric violins don’t adhere to this rule. As a result, you can find five or six-string electric violins, in addition to models with four strings.

Typically, violinists tune their instruments to the notes G, D, A, and E from their top string. But if you add a fifth string in the mix, you can get a low C string apart from the standard four notes. This way, you can play more low notes with your violin and make it more versatile.

Materials and Design

The materials and design of your violin will affect the tone and playing experience. For instance, if you want a completely silent instrument that you can hear only slightly when turned on, you should go for a metal or plastic model. Contrariwise, a solid wood electric violin will resonate a bit more.

Weight and Weight Distribution

Electric violins weigh more than acoustic fiddles. On average, the difference is about 3.5 ounces, but this depends on the individual violins and their manufacturing.

Just bear in mind that the heavier your violin is, the more likely you will experience tension and pain in your fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders.

Weight distribution is another significant aspect. The weight of your electric violin should be adequately distributed to save you the extra tension.

If not, and if the entire mass is at the violin’s head, the weight will be carried by the arm and left hand. In turn, you’ll have less flexibility and feel the instrument’s weight after just a few minutes of practicing.

Does an Electric Violin Need to Be Tuned?

Yes, you need to tune your electric violin, just like an acoustic one. This will help you play your notes more accurately and produce better sounds.

How Much Does a Good Electric Violin Cost?

There are good electric violins at all price ranges. However, your options open up considerably if your electric violin price is $600 or higher.

The instruments in this range and pricier models let you practice in silence and usually sound satisfying. Although this tier won’t give you creative paint finishes, professional tone control features, or deep extended range, it still delivers good tone.

How Hard Is It to Learn the Electric Violin?

In short, the electric violin is easier to play than an acoustic violin. The action of pushing down the strings is slightly more straightforward, but you may not notice the difference in some models. It’s also less physically demanding.

Nevertheless, electric violins aren’t the easier alternative if you’re looking to improve yourself as a player more efficiently. Electric violins lack the tonal palette of an acoustic fiddle, giving you an incomplete picture of your playing.

Also, you’re more likely to develop better technique with an acoustic violin. You may sound bad for some time, but overall, the acoustic violin will help you polish your skills better than an electric instrument.

Do Electric Violins Use Special Strings?

An electric violin doesn’t use unique strings. You can use any string type on your violin, including classical strings.

They’re compatible with electric violins, as long as they match the end of the string on your electric fiddle (e.g., loop end or ball end).

Our Final Top 3 Picks for the Best Electric Violins:

In Summary, What Is The Best Electric Violin For You?

Any one of the listed items would be a terrific buy, depending on your budget and needs.

But our overall best choice for an electric violin, all things considered, would have to be the Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin, an excellent choice for a modern electric violin – if you have the budget.

The Glasser violin combines a stylish look and outstanding tone features. This instrument produces clear, accurate tones you can play in any environment.

Additionally, you’re highly unlikely to see any open cracks and seams on the violin due to the scratch-resistant and durable body.

Secondly, we would have to choose the Tower Strings Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit. It really hits that sweet spot that combines excellent build quality with a complete set of accessories at a reasonable price. Plus you can play it acoustically!

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a cheap electric violin, either of the two Cecilio models on our list is an excellent choice.

Both the Cecilio CEVN-1 Electric Violin Outfit and their Acoustic-Electric Violin Outfit produce solid tones and feature good materials, considering the price range. The instruments include all the accessories you need to start playing. Just perform some tuning, plug them in, and you’re good to go.

Editor’s Pick

Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic-Electric Violin

Check Today’s Glasser AEX Acoustic-Electric Violin Price >>