Eager to start playing the violin? Well, the first thing you should do is look for the best violins for beginners. 

The ideal violin for a novice player is one that comes ready to use right out of the box. If it needs any setup, then the instructions should be clear and concise.

Our detailed list of top-rated beginner violins will help you find the perfect instrument for your skill level. Read on to learn more about the ideal violin for beginners.

Best Beginner Violin Reviews

1. Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin

Cecilio violins are revered for their affordability, and the CVN-500 is no exception. It comes in at reasonable price (click check price below to see today's price), yet it doesn’t compromise on sound quality.

One thing you’ll like about this violin is that it includes user-friendly features and a ton of accessories. For instance, it’s equipped with the famous D’Addario Prelude strings that make it easy to play.

As for the accessories, the manufacturer has included two Brazilwood bows, rosin, a violin tuner, customizable shoulder rest, and a spare bridge. The icing on the cake is the 1-year warranty that covers any defects caused by craftsmanship.

With the Ceciliob CVN-500, one thing you’ll never have to worry about is its durability. This is because it’s made of premium-quality wood. The top is made of solid spruce, the back and neck are made of flamed maple and the sides contain a satin antique finish.

2. D Z Strad Violin Model 101

If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, the D Z Strad is also considered a good beginner violin. 

This violin comes in four sizes: ½, ¼, ¾, and 4/4. It’s also packaged with several accessories, such as a case, rosin and bow.

But where the D Z Strad Violin really stands out is in construction. Unlike other violins that are mass-produced in a factory, each D Z Strad is hand-carved resulting in remarkable craftsmanship. 

So if your instrument ends up producing low sound quality, then you’re certain that it’s your technique that needs improvement and not the instrument’s build. In fact, the handmade violin produces an ultra warm and round tone.

3. Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin

Created by one of the top violin brands, the Cremona SV-130 is another instrument that’s perfect for beginners. 

One thing you’ll notice right off the bat is that it’s a well-designed instrument. It’s hand-carved- an aspect that makes it playable. 

We particularly like that the bridge and strings are built to an appropriate height. This, in turn, makes it easy to position your fingers correctly. 

Moreover, each part of this beginner violin is made of high-quality wood and metal, guaranteeing maximum durability. The top is made of spruce, the back is made of maple and the strings are alloy steel. 

Another reason why we consider the SV-130 as the best student violin is its ease of tuning. The tailpiece, which is made of composite, includes 4 smooth fine tuners for seamless tuning. 

You also don’t have to worry about getting fatigued when playing this instrument. This is because it comes with a Kaufman-style chin-rest to enhance the player’s comfort.

4. Mendini By Cecilio Violin For Beginners

Cecilio is one of the best acoustic violin brands. So it’s not too surprising that another one of their inventions has made it to our list.

Like the cecilio violin we reviewed earlier, this model comes with a bunch of accessories. This saves you money significantly as you won’t have to buy the items separately.

Included in the package are one violin bow, quality rosin, spare strings and shoulder rest with rubber feet and padding. And for ease of carrying, a hard case has also been provided.

Another reason why we consider this an excellent first violin is the fact that it comes in different sizes. This makes it easy to pick one that suits either an adult or child beginner. 

And as you might have guessed, this is another budget violin. In fact, this one comes in at one of the lowest prices out of the violins listed here, making it great for buyers on a shoestring budget.

The Mendini violin is also fairly well constructed. The top is made of solid maple while the back, neck and sides are made of maple alongside an elegant finish. The tailpiece is made of alloy and contains four built-in fine tuners.

5. Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin

If you’re looking for the best student violins, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the Yamaha V3 Series. 

For starters, this violin boasts superior longevity. The wood used in its build is dried in a controlled setting so as to improve its durability. The result is a musical instrument that beginners find incredibly easy to play.

Better yet, the chin rest, fingerboard and pegs are all constructed using ebony. This further helps to increase its longevity. 

As you can expect from a violin of this price range, the Yamaha violin comes as a complete kit. It includes most, if not everything you need to start playing the violin. The specific accessories provided are a bow, rosin and lightweight case.

Yamaha also understands that novice players grapple with tuning their violins. To help with this, they incorporate Wittner-style adjusters on all strings, significantly simplifying the tuning process.

That said, this is a pretty expensive violin. So if you’re looking for a budget violin, you may have to consider alternative models 

6. Paititi 1/2 Size Artist-100 Student Violin Starter Kit

Anytime you’re buying a new musical instrument, you should spend the least amount of money possible without compromising on quality.

On that note, the Paititi ½ Size Artist-100 is among the most affordable violins you’ll encounter. Its very low price allows you to buy a quality instrument without breaking your bank. 

Like most of the beginner violins we’ve looked at, this one is also available in several sizes. You can buy a ½, ¼, ⅛, 1/10, 1/16, ¾ and full size. 

7. Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit

Although Yamaha is the most widely recognized musical instrument brand, it’s not the only one. Another brand whose popularity has increased tremendously is Kennedy Violins. Their Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit is their version of a suitable violin for beginner

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this instrument comes in an array of sizes. This makes it easier to find a good violin for the youngest player; as it’s available in 1/16 size. 

Another reason why we consider this the best violin for novice players is that it comes ready to play. The manufacturer has included a ton of accessories that you’ll need when you’re starting. 

The best thing is, that these attachments are all high-quality. So you won’t have to spend extra money replacing them. Just to give you an idea, the extra items included are Giuliani rosin, Prelude strings, Giuliani Brazilwood bow, a spare set of Portland strings, Portland oblong case and Portland carbon fiber shoulder rest.

The icing on the cake is the quality of materials used to make the violin itself. Each Bunnel Pupil Violin is hand carved from scratch using maple and spruce. Additionally, the violin contains ebony fittings and a satin oil polish that gives it an elegant look.

Still hesitant to invest in this violin? Well, you shouldn’t be as it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Better yet, it includes a 45-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can always return it if it doesn’t live up to your expectations. 

8. Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit

Are you picky when it comes to the color of your musical instruments? If you are, then Cremona SV-75 Beginner Violin is designed just for you.

It comes in seven different sizes. More importantly, it’s available in several colors including sparkling blue, green, purple, rose and brown. This can come in handy if you’re buying a violin for a child who prefers bold colors.

This violin also prides itself on having a solid construction. It’s hand-crafted using maple & spruce, and, it contains hardwood fittings. 

If you’ll be carrying your violin around, then one thing you should consider is its portability. Thankfully, the Cremona SV-75 comes with a durable and lightweight case to help with this. 

What Makes a Good Beginner Violin

New students and violinists need a lot of motivation when they’re learning to play an instrument as difficult as the violin. The good news is that there are several features that help to smoothen this learning curve. 

Highlighted below are some of the features you should pay attention to when buying a beginner or intermediate violin. 

Size

One of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a beginner violin is size. 

It’s not important if a bigger and perhaps superior-quality violin is being offered at a discount. If it’s too big for the learner, then it will only make the learning process harder. 

Choosing the wrong-sized violin happens particularly when one is buying an instrument for younger players. Parents often assume that their children will grow into them. 

The problem with this approach is that the learner may not have enough physical strength to hold the violin for an extended period. The student may also end up compromising their violin playing posture and form. 

Violin Materials

Another thing you’ll want to note is that the materials used in the violin’s construction affect the resulting sound. 

If you want to create high-quality sound, then start by investing in the best sounding violin. How well the instrument sounds will depend on the materials the violin is made of. 

A good quality violin is one that’s constructed using woods like spruce or maple. Pay attention to the joint areas too, more so around the neck, peg and scroll. These areas ought to be smooth and unblemished. 

And if the price is an important factor, then consider manufactured violins. Such instruments are usually lower-priced than hand-carved string instruments. 

Typically, you should aim to buy the best starter violin for the lowest possible cost. Focus on an instrument made of solid wood and one that has good symmetry. Such factors generate pleasant tones, encouraging the beginner violinist to keep practicing their skills. 

Preferably, the violin should also contain fine tuners on all its strings. These result in an ultra-easy tuning and learning process. 

Strings and Accessories

To get a quality violin for beginners, you’ll want to pay attention to the instrument’s strings.

For the best violin sounds, opt for instruments made of perlon (a kind of nylon) or synthetic core strings. 

Although the steel core strings work well for certain music genres, they don’t always produce the warm, rich tones that violins are known for. So don’t be reluctant to spend a little more on the best quality violin strings. 

The Fiddlerman Violin String Set is a good case in point. The medium-gauge strings contain a synthetic core, resulting in the warmest sound. 

However, once you become an advanced violin player, you can experiment with other strings like the steel core strings. The good thing about these strings is that they remain in tune for a much longer period. This gives students an opportunity to practice without taking frequent breaks to adjust the tone. 

The kind of bow included in the package also plays a key role. Since most violin bows are delicate, you may be tempted to go for the cheapest option you find. But, this should not be the case. 

For the best outcome, we recommend bows made of either carbon composite or carbon fiber. They strike a great balance between strength and agility. 

Keep in mind though that the quality of accessories affects the final cost of the violin. A good beginner violin that contains high-end accessories like a Brazilwood bow, hard case, and rosin will likely be more expensive than others. 

Proper Setup

Ideally, the best beginner violins are those that are set up by the luthier before being shipped to you. If the setup is not done prior, then the manufacturer should be willing to send an expert to help you with its configuration. 

So what should you look for when it comes to a violin’s setup? For one, the violin bridge should have the right curvature and be set to the correct height. The strings should also be tensioned properly and the pegs should be installed correctly. 

Types of Violins

As a beginner, one of the things you’ll quickly notice when you start shopping is that there are different violin models. You may be shopping for yourself, for your child, or as a gift for a violinist. Either way it pays to understand the difference between the main types of violins.

The most popular type is the acoustic or classical violin. However, there are at least 4 other types, namely:

• Baroque violin
• Electric violin
• Semi-electric
• Five-string violin

Classical Violin

This is popularly referred to as the modern or acoustic violin. 

Invented back in the 1700s, this instrument is not a far cry from the modern-day violin. It’s characterized by higher string tension and a slender neck. 

One other feature that sets it apart from other violins is the presence of a chinrest and a longer fingerboard. The latter makes it easier for a violinist to play high notes and heavy bass. 

Electric Violin

If you’ve heard of electric guitars, then you have a rough idea of what electric violins look like.  

What makes this violin different is the fact that it relies on a pickup to amplify its sound. The pickup is positioned close to the bridge of the violin. This design ensures that this component picks up the strings’ vibrations when a player runs the bow across the strings.

After picking up sound, the pickup transmits the signal to an amplifier for amplification. Without the amplifier, the sound produced is barely audible. 

Semi-electric Violin

Also known as a hybrid, the semi electric violins combine the best of both worlds. 

Put simply; It’s a traditional violin, which means it has a sound box and f-holes. What makes it exceptional is the addition of a detachable pickup. 

Thanks to these features, this instrument is able to produce a very acoustic-like tone - an aspect that’s difficult to achieve when you go fully electric. 

Baroque Violin

There are a couple of stringed instruments- most notably the Violetta - which are regarded as the violin’s earliest predecessors. However, luthiers started constructing relatively-standard violins as early as the 1500s. 

The violin developed during that Baroque era is known as the Baroque violin. It has distinct characteristics, such as a smaller fingerboard, a shallower neck angle, and a tinier bridge. 

Five-string Violin

In a classical violin and most modern-day models, you will only find four strings. The way these strings are tuned is: G, D, A & E. 

However, some manufacturers have resorted to creating a five-string violin that adds a C string. The addition of this string makes the violin suitable for genres like country, jazz, bluegrass, and rock. 

Oftentimes, these 5-string violins also contain bigger bodies. This allows for the higher resonance of the C string. 

How to Choose the Right Beginner Violin

If you're looking for the best beginner violin, here are a couple of points that you should keep in mind:

Materials

If you’ve been planning to buy your first violin for a while, you’ve probably seen several models online. You’ll notice that these instruments have a fairly standard build. 

The top part is typically made of spruce- a material that’s chosen for its tonal benefits and aesthetic appeal. 

For the back and sides of the violin, most manufacturers use maple. The reason for using this material is because it facilitates the production of that full and warm sound. 

As for the fingerboard, different brands use different materials. The best beginner violins often have an ebony fingerboard and for good reason. This is the fact that it’s able to withstand the pressure exerted on the fingerboard by the strings. 

On cheaper violins, the fingerboard will likely be made of a softer wood, but the rest of the body is almost always the same. 

Size

Anytime you’re buying professional or intermediate violins, you always consider the instrument’s size. 

But as we mentioned earlier, this factor is particularly important to consider when you’re buying a beginner’s violin.

If it ends up being too big, then it can make the learning experience more difficult. In fact, it will probably be too heavy for the student to hold and position correctly. On the other hand, you don’t want to choose an instrument that’s too small. 

So what’s the correct size for beginner violins? Well, to determine this, you’ll need to take a couple of measurements. First, estimate the distance between the neck and center of the left-hand palm. This represents the biggest size of the violin the player can use. 

Next, measure the distance from his/her neck to their wrist. This represents the most comfortable size that the learner can you use.  Once you’ve taken these measurements, use the following chart to guide you:

If you aren’t sure whether you’re going about this sizing process correctly, you can always consult your violin teacher or instructor.

Weight

The violin is one of those musical instruments that require you to support it while you play. For this reason, be sure to check the weight of the student violin you’re planning to buy. 

If the beginner violin is meant for a child or a petite individual, then it shouldn’t weigh too much. A few pounds can make a whole lot of difference when learning different playing methods. 

Similarly, consider the ease of transporting your instrument from one point to another. If you choose a very heavy violin, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to carry around. 

Bow

When you're buying the best violin for beginners (such as the ones in our review), you often get a complete package that includes a bow, case and rosin. 

Since you’re just getting started on violin playing, the bow provided will suffice. It’s good enough to play simple songs like “When The Saints Go Marching”. 

But as soon as you advance to an intermediate violin, you’ll want to upgrade your violin bow as well. Such a bow will enable you to play faster and louder, not to mention, it will offer better stability that beginner bows don’t have.

That said, be careful about how you tighten your bow. Don’t tighten it excessively. And once you’re done practicing, loosen it a little. 

Another mistake that beginners make is to pull off broken bow hair. Now, if the hair is tied in a knot at the bow’s tip, pulling the hair will only loosen the remaining bow hair. Eventually, all the bow hair will fall off. Rather than pull, you should cut the broken bow hair using a pair of scissors. 

Music Genre

This is not as important as the other factors we’ve looked at. However, it can help you narrow your decisions, especially if you’re finding it hard to choose between electric violins and acoustic violins. 

This is because electric violins are most suited for playing certain music genres like jazz and rock. Meanwhile, acoustic violins are the perfect instruments to use when you want to play in an orchestral setting, or in traditional school or recital performances. 

Warranty

Don’t forget to check whether the violin has a warranty as well. In fact, the best violin for beginners not only includes a warranty but also a money-back guarantee. 

This way, if you discover that the violin isn’t the correct size, type, or fit for you, you can return it and get a replacement or refund. 

Accessories

Given that you’re just getting started, a violin isn’t the only thing you’ll need to buy. 

There are several other accessories that you should invest in to get the most out of your instrument. Buying a violin that already has these accessories saves you both time and money. 

The main accessories you should look for are:

Shoulder rest

A violin is typically positioned between your chin and shoulder when you’re playing. If you want to be more comfortable when you’re playing, consider getting a shoulder rest. 

This element props up the instrument, relieving the weight off your shoulder. It also prevents the violin from slipping. 

Chin rest

Not to be confused with a shoulder rest, a chinrest is another accessory that’s worth investing in. It’s a curved tool that’s made of either wood or plastic. Its role is to enable you to anchor the violin with your chin. 

A secondary benefit that a chinrest offers is to help you maintain the correct posture. It achieves this by aligning your neck, head, and shoulders. 

That said, ensure you check the type of chinrest that comes with your violin. Chinrests differ significantly, ranging from their height to their shape, size, and placement options. 

See our guide to the best violin chinrests for some great recommendations.

Carry case

If you want your violin to give you years of service then don’t skimp on a quality carry case. This provides a storage space where you can keep the violin anytime it’s not in use. It also makes it easier to transport your violin and other accessories. 

That said, the case that comes with your violin isn’t always the best. If this is the case, consider buying a better carry case for your violin, made of premium materials. 

Tuner

Another attachment that will really come in handy is a quality violin tuner. You can either download a digital one on your phone. Or, invest in a tangible electric tuner. 

Electric tuners are much easier to use. Most of them emit a certain color when a particular string is in tune. If the string is not in tune, then the tuner lights up in a different color, usually red.

The benefit of buying a violin with a tuner is that it trains you on what to listen for. Ultimately, you’ll be able to play perfectly with all the strings in tune. 

Rosin

This is another accessory that you’ll not want to ignore. Its role is to create friction, which is what allows the bow to grip the strings and send out vibrations. 

Most violin bow makers provide rosin with their instruments. However, you’ll want to pay attention to the quality or shade of rosin. For violins and violas, the most suitable rosin is the lighter one. However, if you were to buy rosin for a cello or brass instrument, darker rosin would be a better option.

Soft cloth

Applying rosin on your bow can be a messy affair. This is why most manufacturers include a soft cloth to clean up any dust that accumulates afterward. 

Music stand

Ask any violin teacher, and they’ll tell you just how important a music stand is. For one, you can use it to hold the sheet music as you play. This gives you a better view of the notes you’re required to play. Besides, it’s more comfortable than constantly having to look down on a table or chair. 

When it’s not holding your sheet music, you can also use it to prop other violin accessories that you’d like easy access to. 

Dampit

Chances are, you’ll spend a good sum of money on your first violin. For this reason, you should take care of it so that it lasts. 

One way to maintain it is to buy a dampit. In case you’ve never heard of it, this is a humidifier designed specifically for string instruments. 

To use it, simply fill it with water and place it in one of the F-holes on your violin. The idea is to increase the humidity of your violin to prevent it from becoming too dry. Violins, especially wooden models, can start to crack if they become too dry.

Tuning pegs

Are you having a difficult time finding the correct pitch? If you are, consider buying some tuning pegs. These items help you to tighten or loosen the violin strings. This, in turn, makes it easier to achieve the right pitch in an open position. 

Spare strings

If you’re passionate about learning to play the violin, there’s a high probability that you’ll be playing it frequently. As a result, the violin strings are bound to wear out at some point. 

Investing in a violin with an extra string set guarantees that you’ll continue practicing if the unexpected happens. 

Brands

Although only a handful of violin students pay attention to the brand, this is another crucial factor that you should consider. Violin brands for beginners can be classified into two: handmade and factory. 

Factory models are usually not the best. This is because some manufacturers use flimsy materials to make them. So they end up producing lower sound quality and they’re also difficult to play. 

However, not every factory violin brand is terrible. There are a few exceptions. Here’s a list of the best student violin brands:

Yamaha

One thing we like about this brand is that it makes violins that cater to the needs of all players. Whether you’re looking for a beginner, advanced or intermediate violins, you’re sure to find one. 

Another reason why we consider this as one of the best violin brands is that it provides different types. Whether you’d like to start learning with an electric or acoustic violin, it’s got you covered. 

The only problem with this violin brand is that their musical instruments are, at times, very expensive. 

Hofner

Another factory brand you can rely on is Hofner. Based in Germany, it’s regarded as one of the best contemporary violin makers. 

Better yet, the instruments created by this company aren’t entirely factory-made. If you’d like a violin that meets specific needs, then you can request them to make one. 

If you don’t like the idea of factory violins, the other option you have is a handmade model. In this case, the instrument is hand-carved by individual luthiers who have years of experience in this field. 

Cecilio

This is one of violin brand that’s highly recommended by violin instructors, and rightly so. Every instrument is designed with the player’s needs in mind. 

For instance, a beginner’s violin is equipped with special features that make it easier to learn. Similarly, an advanced violin contains several elements that allow students to learn more complex techniques. 

Although these brands remain a favorite for both students and teachers, they aren’t the only ones available. Check out the best violin brands:

• Fiddlerman
• Cremona
• Kennedy Violins 
• Mendini
• DZ Strad
• Stentor

Price

When buying your very first violin, it’s easy to assume that they all have roughly the same price. But as you’ve seen from our reviews, there are significant differences among violins for beginners too. 

These prices vary based on their ease of setup, accessories provided, and user-friendliness. If you’re working with a limited budget for your beginner violin, consider the Paititi Artist-100 model that’s priced at under $100. 

Meanwhile, if you’re willing to splurge on a violin that has all the bells and whistles, the Yamaha V3 Series is a fantastic option. Designed for adult beginners, this unit is available in either ½ or 4/4 size.  The good thing is that it delivers the exceptional performance that Yamaha violins are known for. 

FAQs

What is a good quality violin for a beginner?

Good quality violins have a couple of features that set them apart. For one, they come in the right size. This is because an adult beginner cannot use the same size of the violin as a younger player.

The best violin for beginners is also suitable for the music genre that the student loves. As an example, acoustic violins are better suited for orchestral settings than electric violins are. 

Another feature that warrants an instrument to be ranked among the best violins is the range of accessories. When you’re starting out, you’ll need to buy other tools like a carry case, bows, spare strings, and rosin.

How much should I spend on a beginner violin?

Your ultimate goal should be finding high-quality violins for the least amount of money possible. Generally, beginner violins go for as little as $100. 

How much does a good violin cost?

If you’re looking for beginner violins that have all the bells and whistles, expect to pay as much as $600. Conversely, intermediate-level violins can go for up to $1,000. Meanwhile, professional violinists are likely to pay several thousands of dollars for their instruments. 

Where to buy violins

If you’re looking to buy the best beginner violin, there are several options available. 

First off, you can buy from a brick-and-mortar store. This gives you a chance to test the student violin before making a commitment to buy. 

The second option is to buy your student violin online. If you choose this route, be sure to visit a music shop first and get a feel of the instrument. Alternatively, read reviews from other buyers to determine if it has any negative traits. 

Another option that’s great for a beginner violinist is renting the instrument. If you aren’t certain of your preferences or plan to upgrade to a bigger one within a short period, then you can save money by renting. Look for a local instrument shop and inquire about rental rates and policies. 

How to buy violin for beginners

When you’re starting out, it’s easy to buy something just because it’s a beautiful violin. However, it’s important that you don’t get carried away and end up buying a low-quality beginner's violin. 

Pay more attention to the features that affect the playability of the instrument. For instance, if the space between the strings and fingerboard is too big, it can make violin playing painful. Similarly, the instrument should have quality violin strings that won’t break easily. 

On the same note, the hair on the bow shouldn’t be made of cheap materials as it will affect the sound produced. 

How to Take Care of Your Violin

You already know the different types of violins available and how to choose one. The next thing you’ll want to familiarize yourself with is the instrument’s care. 

Don’t ignore this bit because it plays a part in your learning experience. Being committed to maintaining your violin helps with personal investment. And if the violin has any problems, you can identify them early and nip them in the bud. 

So what are some of the things you can do to keep your violin in pristine condition? Check out the following guidelines:

• When you’re not playing, ensure you keep the violin in its case; preferably a hard case. Keeping it in a safe spot minimizes risk of damage. You don’t want to end up spending a ton of money to repair a violin that you just bought. 
• Don’t store your violin in an area that’s exposed to extreme temperatures; be it hot or cold. 

The golden rule when storing your violin is that whatever temperature works for you also works for your instrument. So if you wouldn’t want to be stuck in a non-ventilated space for hours or left outdoors overnight, then don’t subject your violin to such conditions either. 

• For violinists who live in extremely dry area, consider investing in a room humidifier or dampit. Both of these items help to increase moisture. This ensures that your violin doesn’t get too dry and start cracking. 
• Uninstall the shoulder rest or padding before keeping the violin in its case
• Loosen the bow hair before storing the violin bow. If you leave it tensioned on the bow, you’ll end up ruining its fragile camber.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that finding a good violin for a beginner is a tall order. But taking certain factors into consideration can make this process easier. These aspects include the size, materials, brand, type and accessories that come with the instrument. 

One of the best violins for beginners is the CVN-500 by Cecilio. It comes at a mid-range price. So it’s not so expensive that you can’t buy on a small budget. 

More importantly, it’s constructed using premium-grade materials to enable it last. The top is made of spruce while the back and sides are made of maple. Lastly, this instrument includes several accessories to help you get started as a beginner.