Some beginner violin students prefer to rent a violin before they commit to purchasing one. After all, it’s not easy to know what’s the best violin for beginners, and you want to be sure you actually enjoy playing the instrument prior to making the investment.
However, if you are eager to purchase a student violin, then allow us to help. Choosing the right violin brand can be difficult, as there are many options available. It’s important to know what to look for and where to begin your search. While you want to stay within a certain budget, you also don’t want to compromise on quality. What’s more, you want a violin that’s going to last and retain its value. And should you purchase it online or go to the store to try it out first?
To help guide you through this complicated process of finding good violin brands, we’ve rounded up the top five violin brands for beginner and intermediate students along with some tips and tricks on how to successfully purchase a violin. Follow our guide to find the perfect violin for you.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Student Violin?
From price to quality, there are a few important things one must consider before purchasing a student violin for beginners. Below is a short list of things to keep in mind while you search.
- Price range: Before you start searching for a violin, it’s a good idea to set a budget. Quality violins usually start at around $500, then go up from there depending on the violin brand you choose. Remember, you will most likely have to buy a violin bow and case separately, so be sure to factor that into your budget, as well. By setting a budget, you’ll be able to narrow down your search by weeding out instruments that are not within your price range.
- Quality: In addition to setting a budget, it’s important that you know what to look for in terms of quality. After all, you don’t want to get coaxed into purchasing a low-quality violin at a high price. Make sure that you check the instrument’s construction and structure. A high-quality violin shouldn’t look warped or creak when you apply pressure.
- New or used: When purchasing a violin, you have two options: You can either purchase a brand-new violin or a used violin. If you’re on a tight budget, buying a used violin may be in your best interest. Just make sure that you do your research to ensure that the instrument is in good working condition and that you’re getting the most value. Remember, you can always start on a used student violin and upgrade as you become more familiar with different good violin brands. Remember, you can always start on a used student violin and upgrade as you become more familiar with different good violin brands.
- Size: Violins come in different sizes. For children, there are sizes 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32 violins. There are two ways to properly measure a child for a violin. With the student’s left arm fully extended away from his or her body, measure from the base of the neck to either the wrist or the center of the palm. The neck-to-wrist measurement will indicate the most comfortable size for the student.
Of course, if you’re just acquiring a student violin, it’s important to learn the finger positions. Find out how in this video:
You may also like: A Beginner’s Guide to Proper Violin Fingering
What’s the Best Violin for Beginners?
As previously mentioned, violins vary by type. Some are designed for beginner and intermediate students, while others are customized for professional violinists. Most of the major violin brands carry a variety of different styles, each designed to best suit a customer’s specific playing needs.
So, what are some good violin brands? While the question is slightly subjective, we’ve rounded up the top five violin brands based on peer reviews and recommendations.
When you decide on your new violin, remember to tune the strings. Here’s how:
1. Stentor
If you’re looking for one of the best violins for beginners, turn to Stentor. Stentor violins are at the top of the list for good reason. Ranging anywhere from $150 to $180, these violins are not only reliable and well-built, but affordable, too. For true beginner students, the Stentor Student I Violin is the most popular option and features a quality fingerboard and pegs. For intermediate students, the Stentor Student II Violin is a great option, as it offers better quality and tone due to its ebony pegs and fingerboard.
Stentor Violins actually offer 6 models that are considered beginner or entry-level violins as well as another 6 for more advanced students. In addition to the Student I and Student II models, the Standard is also very much worth considering, particularly if you are on a budget. It is hand carved from good solid tonewoods, has genuine inlaid purfling, but the fingerboard and pegs are made of a blackened hardwood rather than ebony that you get with the Student II model. The tailpiece incorporates four integrated fine tuners but is made from plastic. Nevertheless, a decent quality violin for those on a budget and comes in all sizes from 1/16th to full size. This outfit comes with a lightweight case and wooden bow.
For those willing to go an extra step, you may want to look at the Conservatoire model. This model offers a little more quality but still at an affordable price. It is built using a mould which gives particular accuracy to it’s construction. The woods used are spruce for the front and flamed maple for the back and ribs.This model uses ebony for the fingerboard and pegs and also has a genuine inlaid purfling. Stentor have developed their own Shellax varnish which gives a beautiful finish, although there are reports that it can sometimes be a little uneven. This outfit includes a slightly better case with a carrying strap and music pocket. Accessories include a hygrometer and dust cover.
The Conservatoire II model is very similar but is fitted with a Wittner Ultra tailpiece and better quality strings. This outfit includes a more deluxe case and a high quality brazilwood bow.
The last violin in Stentor’s student range is the Graduate. This is also hand carved using quality spruce and maple, has ebony fingerboard and pegs and is finished in a warm, shaded satin varnish. The synthetic gut strings that are fitted on this violin helps give an even better quality of sound that is produced. The lightweight case is two-tone with carrying straps and safety reflectors. Accessories include a good wooden bow, hygrometer, and dust cover.
Pros:
- Made from top quality materials
- Hand carved spruce front
- Hand carved maple back
- Hand carved maple ribs
- Stentor Shellax varnish
- Some models have high quality ebony fittings
- Some models have better quality synthetic gut strings
- Good quality wooden bow often with ebony frog
- Affordable
- Produces good sound
- Lightweight case with carrying straps and safety reflectors
Cons:
- Some models have lower quality hardwood on fingerboard and pegs
- Uneven finish on the varnish
- Produces occasional wolf notes
- Not all models come in all sizes
Where to find them: https://www.stentor-music.com/
2. Knilling
Knilling violins are well known among violin teachers and students. In addition to it’s high-quality craftsmanship, the company’s student violins have unique pegs for optimal tuning. Unlike regular friction pegs, Knilling violins feature Perfection Pegs, a 4:1 gear reduction inside the peg that makes for quick and precise tuning. Beginner Knilling violins are priced at around $500. Knilling violins may not be the cheapest brand on this list, but you will receive superior quality with this choice and plenty of bang for your buck.
Knilling have been making violins since 1922 although the brand was redesigned as recently as 2018. They produce four different models for students at various levels. The Bucharest, Anton Emenescu and Nicolo Gabrieli models are all considered high performing instruments for more advanced students. Beginner violinists are more likely to consider the Sebastian, an entry-level violin model producing a decent sound at an affordable price.
They are factory made in China and constructed from spruce and maple with ebony fittings such as the fingerboard and pegs. The bridge is also made from maple. They are quite attractive violins although they are finished in a nitrocellulose lacquer rather than the more traditional varnish. They use a composite tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners.This model is based on a Stradivarius and comes in sizes from 1/10th to full size. Knilling violins are quite unique in their use of Perfection Pegs on some models. These tuning pegs are made of a synthetic material and use a gear system. This aids in tuning, as it has a smooth action and will not slip or stick like traditional wooden friction pegs. You can also have the violin adjusted by the Knilling String Shop rather than the factory adjustment in China. This may offer some upgrades such as a different bridge.The outfit includes a deluxe shaped case, brazilwood bow, rosin and pitch pipes.
Pros:
- Quality materials; spruce top and maple back
- Perfection pegs for ease of tuning
- Produces nice tone quality
- Inlaid purfling
- Hand crafted bridge for exact height
- Although made in China, they can be adjusted at the shop here in the US.
Cons:
- A little more expensive that many other beginner violins
- Does not come in all sizes
- Questionable consistency in production
Where to find them: https://www.knilling.com/
3. Cremona
Cremona is another great and affordable violin brand. Cremona violins are designed to meet the specific needs of both beginner and intermediate students. Besides using the highest-quality woods, the company takes quality very seriously and has 22 staff members in charge of quality control. The company’s student violin, the Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin, starts at around $300.
The Cremona violin is part of a family of instruments made by Saga. They have been a well known maker for over 40 years and have a number of other models including Anton Breton, Appalachian and Cervini. Even within the Cremona range, there are other models such as the SV 50, SV 75, SV 100, SV 130, SV 175 and SV 180. Some of these come in “sparkling” colors such as black, blue, red, purple, and rose.
It is the SV 175, however, that has been considered to be their top student violin for the last thirty years or so. They are handcrafted in the USA from top quality maple and spruce and their specifications either meet or even exceed the guidelines set down by the National Association for Music Education. The set-up includes Swiss-style ebony pegs, an ebony fingerboard and a composite tailpiece with four adjusters. The outfit includes a deluxe, ultra-lightweight case, built in hygrometer and a J. La Salle brazilwood bow.
Pros:
- Well known brand, easy for resale
- Quality workmanship
- Top quality wood and expert assembly
- Ultra-lightweight case
- US made D’Addario Prelude strings
- Have received many honors
Cons:
- Does not come in all sizes
- No customization options
- A little more expensive that some other beginner violins
Where to find them: http://www.cremonaviolins.com.cn/
4. Cecilio
Cecilio is another teacher-approved violin brand. The instrument comes strung with the bridge attached so students won’t have to assemble it on their own. Also, you’ll be happy to know that the company puts their violins through rigorous tests to ensure they are fit for purpose. They also pride themselves on using quality wood, mainly maple and spruce, and top notch ebony. Cecilio student violins come in at a low cost of $200.
Cecilio violins come in various models such as CVN 200, CVN 500, CVN 600, CVN 700, some electric violins and even a white violin. They are all reliable instruments but each model has its own characteristics. It is the CVN 300 model that is most popular for beginners. It is constructed using spruce for the top and maple for the back, neck and ribs. The fittings such as the fingerboard, pegs, tailpiece, and even the chinrest are all made from ebony. It has four adjusters on the tailpiece which are detachable and plated in nickel. It is set up using D’Addario Prelude string and the outfit includes a lightweight case, two brazilwood bows, quality rosin, electronic tuner, and a shoulder rest.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Top quality wood; maple and spruce
- High quality ebony pegs
- Nickel plated adjusters
- Comes with two bows
- Electronic tuner
Cons:
- Tone quality not so good on some models
- Badly fitted pegs which can stick or slip
- Shoulder rest is not adjustable so may not be a good fit for the student
5. Mendini
Mendini is another brand offering some of the best violins for beginners and also for intermediate students. If you are on a tight budget, this is a prime option. Almost all factory made, the instruments offer good value at the low price of $199. Additionally, although the violins are low in price, they are durable. However, you’ll most likely have to replace the strings at some point, as the quality is not as great when compared to other brands.
Mendini produces a number of models such as the MV 200 and MV 300. However, it is the MV 500 which is one of the more popular for beginners although slightly more expensive than other models. It produces a good sound and is constructed from one piece of maple. This model comes with two brazilwood bows and a tuner with a metronome. The MV200 is handcrafted from spruce and maple. The fingerboard and pegs are also made from maple. The whole package for this model may include a lightweight case, two bridges, a brazilwood bow, rosin, shoulder rest, tuner, and first lesson book all for around $100. The MV300 is similar in its specifications but the fingerboard is stained to give the appearance of ebony, which it is not. The sound quality is not the best but decent enough for the price.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Adequate for beginners
- Decent sound
- Light varnish makes for very attractive appearance
- Two brazilwood bows included in some outfits
Cons:
- Need to replace strings
- Some reports of bow warping
- Pegs can stick or slip
6. Yamaha
Yamaha violins are commercially produced in Japan. The company is a highly recognized brand who make many other instruments, too. Yamaha produces many models but it is the V3 series that is the cheapest and most suitable for beginning students. It is considered to be reliable and durable and the wood has been dried under environmentally friendly conditions. Top quality ebony is used for the pegs and fingerboard. Other models such as the AV7 are made of higher quality materials but come at a significantly higher price.
Pros:
- A variety of models to suit all levels
- Entry level violin is very affordable
- Recognizable brand name
- Produce satisfactory tone quality
- Louder than many at this level
Cons:
- Advanced players may need to upgrade quickly
- Some reports of low quality bows in the kit
Where to find them: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/strings/ac_strings/index.html
7. Eastman
Eastman violins are often a favorite with beginners and more advanced players. Interestingly, although they have models named Samuel Eastman and Andreas Estman, there is no actual Eastman family. In fact, the company is the brainchild of Qian Ni, a flute player who graduated from the University of Boston and became a violin broker to support himself. He went on to set up his own workshop outside of Beijing. These violins are well constructed and have top quality materials including ebony fingerboards and pegs as well as inlaid purfling. All violins are varnished by hand and often given an antique look reminiscent of Stradivarius or Guarneri.
The VL 80 model is made from Chinese spruce and maple with a genuine hand inlaid purfling. It comes in all sizes from 1/32 to full size. The VL 100 model is very similar but with an amber-brown varnish. Both are modeled on a Stradivarius.
The Giuseppe Gagliano VL1G model is constructed from Romanian maple and spruce. The fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest are made from ebony. Like the other models it also has inlaid purfling and is finished with a satin varnish.
The Ivan Donov VL 140 model is considered to be sturdy but yet easily playable, attractive to look at, with a distinctive sound and quite affordable. This model is also made from Romanian spruce and maple with ebony fingerboard and pegs as well as inlaid purfling.
Eastman kits may include a shaped case with canvas cover, fiberglass bow, rosin, and shoulder rest.
Pros:
- Top quality materials
- Ebony fittings such as the fingerboard and pegs
- Expert craftsmanship
- Excellent sound projection with mellow tone
Cons:
- A more pricey than some
- Occasional buzz on some models
- Does not come in all sizes
Where to find them: https://www.eastmanstrings.com/violin
8. Franz Hoffman
Hoffman violins have a reputation for being good, well constructed instruments exhibiting excellent craftsmanship. They come in at the lower end of the price scale but produce a nice tone and look good too. You may want to consider changing the strings and also note that not all models come as a kit. Therefore, although the initial outlay is quite modest, you will have to buy a bow and case as well as other extras like a shoulder rest and rosin.
The Prelude model, however, does come as an outfit and may be the best option for beginners. It comes in a variety of sizes and produces a warm sound that projects well. It is fitted with Overture strings which are adequate for a young beginner. The outfit includes a soft case, wooden bow, and some rosin.
The Amadeus model is a ¾ size violin for smaller children perhaps aged around 6-8. It is worth remembering that children should never play on a violin that is too large as this can cause physical problems. It is constructed from spruce and maple with ebony fingerboard and pegs and has a carbon fiber tailpiece. This model does not come as an outfit so a bow and case will need to be purchased separately.
The Maestro is next in line and is available in all sizes from 1/6th to full size. This is also made from spruce, maple and ebony. Like all Hoffman violins, it is made in China but quality tested in Ann Arbor before being sent to dealers. This model does not come as an outfit either so extra expense will be necessary for the bow and case.
Another model in their range is the Concert Violin. The top is made of spruce and the back is maple. Ebony is used for all the usual fittings and it is finished with a top quality varnish which helps enhance the sound. This model comes as an outfit including a soft case, brazilwood bow and some rosin.
Hoffman also offers an Etude model which is of higher quality and perhaps more suited to an intermediate level player rather than a complete beginner. The same woods are used and it is fitted with Ultra Overture violin strings.
More recently Hoffman has introduced a European range called Danube and Vienna. The Vienna is made in Romania from spruce and flamed maple and is fitted with Overture Ultra strings. Only available in ½, ¾, and full sizes. The Daube is very similar but is finished in an oil varnish and is fitted with a Wittner tailpiece and Overture Premium strings.
Pros:
- Cheap initial outlay
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Solid and well constructed
- Looks beautiful
- Warm tone
- Sound projects well
Cons:
- Not all models come as a kit so extra money is needed to purchase a bow, case, etc.
- Overture strings are adequate for a young beginner but will soon need to be replaced.
9. Carlo Lamberti
These are good quality Chinese violins that have been set-up in an Ann Arbor workshop. They have a clear and bright sound that projects well. They are made from top quality maple and spruce and the fingerboard and pegs are made from ebony. The composite tailpiece has four adjusters for ease of tuning. They are beautifully finished and represent good value for money.
The Lamberti Sonata violin is a good quality Chinese violin. It is well constructed from maple and spruce and has an ebony fingerboard. The chinrest is also made from ebony in the style of Guarneri. It has a composite tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners and is fitted with Thomastik Vision strings. It comes in sizes ranging from 1/8th to full size. This model can be purchased as a violin outfit with accessories which will include a Toshira Deluxe case and pernambuco bow.
The Lamberti Guarneri model is also made mainly from spruce, maple and ebony. However, the chinrest, and pegs are made of boxwood. This is an attractive violin that is finished with a spirit varnish giving it that old, antique appearance. Sizes range from ¼ to full size.
Lamberti also has a Birdseye model made of similar materials but only in full size and no kit. It is fitted with an Aubert Mirecourt bridge and good quality Dominant strings giving it a nice warm sound.
The Lambert Symphony model is also made from spruce and maple with ebony fingerboard and pegs and the Guarneri style chinrest. It is available in all sizes from ¼ to full size but no kit.
Top of the range is the Lamberti Classic. This is perhaps a little more expensive than other violins at this level but, nevertheless, is one of the most popular models. It is based on a 1715 Stradivarius and constructed from European spruce, aged flame maple for the scroll, neck and back along with ebony for the fingerboard and pegs. The French bridge is hand crafted and the four layers of varnish give it great beauty and help bring out the warm and powerful tone.
Pros:
- High quality maple and spruce
- Ebony fingerboard
- Hill-style ebony pegs
- Powerful tone
- Beautiful finish
- Four layers of varnish, Italian style
- Good value for money
- Modeled on a 1715 Stradivarius
Cons:
- Some models do not come as a kit. You will need to purchase a case, bow, etc.
10. Primavera
Primavera has a number of models in its range but one of the most popular is the award winning Primavera 200, sometimes referred to as Prima 200. This is a good quality violin, beautifully finished with a satin varnish. It produces a nice sound and is hand carved from maple and spruce with inlaid purfling. The pegs and fingerboard are made from ebony and the tailpiece is a new design made from a metal alloy. The fitted bridge is also made from a quality maple. It is available in all sizes from 1/16 to full size. The outfit comes with an oblong case with backpack straps, reflective material for safety, a music pocket as well as another smaller pocket for incidentals. A bow is also included as well as some rosin. This model has won, on more than one occasion, the award for being “Best Bowed Instrument” by the Music Industries Association.
The Primavera 90 series is very much the entry level violin in their range. Nevertheless, it is stylish and features rosewood pegs and chinrest. The hardwood fingerboard is a little disappointing but it is still a good, affordable entry-level violin.
The 100 and 150 series are also good beginner violins but it is their Loreato series that is top of the range. It is constructed from hand carved spruce and maple with a fitted maple bridge. The pegs, fingerboard, and chinrest are of a high quality ebony giving it a very stylish appearance. The outfit includes a case, bow with natural horsehair, and some rosin. They also offer an accessory pack which includes a tuition book and CD, a chromatic tuner, a music stand, and spare set of strings. Primavera have been making instruments since the 90s specifically for elementary school students.
Pros:
- Lower end of the price range
- Produces a good sound
- Top quality materials
- Ebony chinrest, pegs and fingerboard
- Beautiful satin varnish giving antique appearance
- Come as a kit including decent bow and rosin
- Rugged case with back straps and safety reflectors
Cons:
- Factory fitted steel strings will need to be upgraded.
11. Windsor
The Windsor have a couple of models which are ideal for beginners with a limited budget. The MI 1013 model is really aimed at small children aged about 5 years old or so. It has a spruce top but the fingerboard is only colored to look like ebony. It is a ¼ size violin and the outfit comes with a case, bow and rosin.
The MI 1006 is a slight upgrade for older children. Again, it has a spruce top but the fingerboard is not ebony, simply hardwood painted black.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- The top is made from spruce
- Ideal beginners violin at the low end of the price range
Cons:
- Lacks good tone quality
- Not real ebony fittings
- You will need to upgrade on the string quality
12. Klaus Mueller
These German sounding violins are actually made in China. They are hand crafted from top quality spruce and maple with ebony fingerboards and pegs. Their Bucharest outfit is one of the more popular models. It is made from spruce on the top, maple for the back, neck, and scroll and the end button, pegs and fingerboard are all ebony as is the Guarneri-style chinrest. The tailpiece is a composite and includes four integrated fine tuners. It produces a clear sound with a warm tone. It may be a little more expensive than some other beginner violins but is still good value for money.
The Prelude model is well constructed using spruce for the top and maple for the back, ribs and scroll. The fingerboard, pags, and end button are all made from ebony as is the Guarneri style chinrest. It is beautifully varnished in a golden brown color which helps aesthetically as well as producing a warm, open sound. They are fitted with D’Addario Prelude strings.These violins can be purchased on their own or as an outfit. The outfit may include a case and bow but there are also options to upgrade both the case and bow.
The Etude model is also made from top quality spruce, maple, and ebony. They project a good sound with an even tone and are easy to play. They are fitted with either D’Addario Prelude strings, Thomastik Dominant strings, or D’Addario Zyex strings.
Pros:
- Clear sound with warm tone
- Good quality spruce, maple, and ebony
- Outfit includes good case and bow
Cons:
- A little more pricey
- Only comes in one color, amber-brown
- Won’t quite make it to professional level
13. Merano
Merano violins are definitely amongst the cheapest violins on the market. They make violins in various shapes, sizes, colors, and even a silent electric violin. Since 2000, they have become very popular due to their affordability. The Merano MV10 is one of the most popular models and comes in a variety of funky colors. The company boasts that they wouldn’t sell an instrument they wouldn’t play themselves so they have used good quality spruce and maple with a hardwood fingerboard. Although this is a very cheap violin, the tone is surprisingly not too bad. It is only available in brown and is made from good quality spruce and maple. The outfit includes a light weight case with strap and a wooden bow, some rosin, and a spare E string.
For students looking for a little color in their practice routine, you might consider the MV 100. This comes in a variety of fun colors such as pink, red, white, purple, grey, green, black, and blue. It is available in several different sizes ranging from 1/8th to full size. Definitely an entry-level violin but the sound quality is adequate.
Another violin in their range is the MV 40. Again, this is crafted from spruce and maple with ebony fittings and produces an adequate tone. It is available as an outfit which includes a wooden bow with genuine horse hair, pitch pipes, rosin and a spare set of strings. The lightweight case has a pocket for music and adjustable straps for ease in carrying.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Good quality materials
- Outfit includes case, bow, and rosin
Cons:
- Lacks respect in some quarters due to its commercial feel and look
- Tone quality only suitable for total beginners – will soon need to upgrade
- Only hardwood and not genuine ebony for fingerboard
14. Scott Cao
Scott Cao is widely regarded as one of the best contemporary violin makers. His designs are based on the old Italian masters such as Guarneri and Stradivarius. His violins are quite expensive though and tend to be at the top of the price range. However, if you start on the model STV 850 you will have a violin of exceptional quality, based on a Stradivarius that was once played by Itzhak Perlman. The highest quality materials are used and the violin produces a wonderful tone in all registers. This is a top quality instrument that may well last you a lifetime.
At a more entry level, Scott Cao has a 500 model. This violin is hand crafted from European spruce for the top and a two piece maple back. The fingerboard and pegs are made of ebony and it is finished in a beautiful varnish which not only looks good but sounds wonderful too.
The 750 model is a step up and may not be truly a beginners violin. It is constructed from high quality Italian maple and spruce with ebony fittings. This is actually custom made so you may have to wait a while to get it but it may be worth the wait. This model has won awards for tone quality from the Violin Society of America.
The 900 and 1500 models are the top of the range. Again, may not be a true beginners violin as they are quite pricey but are constructed from top quality materials with excellent craftsmanship.
All violins in this series are fitted with Dominant strings. They are top quality strings used by many professional violinists. These instruments are a good investment and come with a lifetime quality guarantee.
Pros:
- Excellent tone
- Great investment
- Top quality materials
- Highly respected around the world
- Multiple award winner
- Dominant strings
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only comes in full size
- Doesn’t come as an outfit. Will need to purchase bow and case
- Waiting list for some models
Where to find them: http://www.scottcaoviolins.com/
15. Kinglos
The intention of this company is to make contemporary violins, often beautifully painted and sometimes engraved. They have been made in China since 2009. They are usually painted with floral, custom designs or drawings. They can also have floral designs engraved into the body. As their focus is on producing these fun looking violins, the tone quality invariably suffers.
Pros:
- Fun designs
- Affordable
- Popular with younger violin students
Cons:
- Lacks good quality sound
- Paint and engravings tend to chip and fall off.
Where to find them: https://www.kinglos.com/
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What’s the Difference Between Student, Intermediate, and Professional Violin Brands?
Student Violins
In general, a student violin is made from lower-quality wood and involves less hand work. These violins usually have some parts made of plastic, such as the pegs and chin rest. Student violins are great for children who are interested in learning music, but are not yet sure if they will play for very long. Prices for student violins can vary from about $100–$400. While they are certainly not top of the line, these are a great, affordable option for new violin students.
Intermediate Violins
Violins classified as intermediate are a good compromise between student and professional instruments. Not too fancy and not too expensive, these violins can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000. Intermediate violins are great for musicians who want something better than a beginner instrument, but are not quite ready to invest thousands of dollars in a professional violin.
Professional Violins
Professional violins are usually constructed from highly-quality wood, hand-built and assembled by a luthier, and finished with high-quality components, such as an ebony fingerboard. These instruments, which are only appropriate for professional and advanced musicians, can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. Though they are an investment, these superior instruments produce a sound that’s well worth their price tag.
Buying a Violin Online vs. In-Store
If you’re debating whether you should purchase a violin online or in-store, below are some pros and cons to help you make your decision.
In-store
Pros:
- You can try it out: One of the great things about buying a violin in-store is that you can try it before you buy it! It’s common for buyers to request to try out a violin brand at the shop. In fact, many shops have practice rooms for that exact purpose. Also, most violin shops are open to letting students borrow a violin for up to two weeks. This allows you to see if the violin feels comfortable to you, and if you are happy with its sound and quality. Some violins will feel and sound better than others, so it’s worth taking advantage of the opportunity to give it a test run.
- Knowledgeable staff members: If you’re a first-time buyer and don’t feel comfortable purchasing online, then you might want to opt for buying in-store. Most music shops have knowledgeable staff members on the floor who can match you up with the best violin brand. Ask plenty of questions and give yourself time to consider the options. Don’t feel rushed or pressured into making a purchasing decision on the spot.
Cons:
- Limited inventory: Do you have a specific violin brand in mind? Music stores usually only carry a limited number of violin brands in-store. The last thing that you want to do is drive around town searching for a specific instrument that isn’t in stock. If you are still interested in heading to the store, call ahead and inquire about their violin stock in advance. If you are still interested in heading to the store, call ahead and inquire about their violin stock in advance.
- High prices: Because they have less inventory, violin shops tend to have higher prices and less frequent sales. If you’re on a budget, you may want to shop around online for the best price.
Online
Pros:
- You can shop independently: When shopping online, you aren’t bombarded by pushy salespeople trying to sell you the most expensive violin in the store. You can gather recommendations, read reviews, and shop peacefully and independently at your own pace.
- Larger inventory: Typically, online violin stores will have a larger inventory of violin brands to choose from. If one site doesn’t have what you want, chances are you can find another site that does. Browse around and don’t necessarily settle on the first violin you find.
Cons:
- Higher risk: When purchasing goods online, there’s always a certain amount of risk involved. Some websites will try to coax unknowing buyers into purchasing a violin that they think is of a much better quality than what it actually is. If you decide to go the online route, make sure you purchase from a certified violin dealer. Also, be sure to look into each brand’s return policy in case the violin does not meet your expectations.
- Uncertainty: If you’re stuck deciding between two violin brands, there’s no way that you can “try them out” online without having to purchase both and then return the one you don’t want. When in doubt, always take the time to read reviews to learn what other violinists have to say about a specific brand or instrument.
Whether you decide to buy an entry-level violin in-store or online, it’s important to know how to get the most out of your practice time. Follow along with this tutorial:
Is It Time to Purchase Your Student Violin?
Purchasing a beginner violin is a very exciting and personal experience. What one person may see as a must-have feature, others are not so keen. And a student violin that feels exceptionally comfortable for you to play, may not do the trick for someone else. Every violinist is unique with different preferences and priorities. Therefore, it’s important that you take into consideration the tips above.
Keep in mind that you may want to get advice from a violin teacher or somebody who is experienced in buying musical instruments before you make a purchase. When you sign up for online violin lessons, you can connect with your private teacher on our virtual platform. Using your smartphone, laptop, or computer and webcam, ask your instructor all the questions you have about the best violin for beginners and begin working toward all your violin-playing goals. You’ll not only be one step closer to finding your dream violin, but you’ll also be way on your way to mastering this wonderful stringed instrument.