Best
Beginner Violin for Adults
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Overall: Hand-Carved Maple And Spruce Body
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Best Feature: Durable Ebony Pegs And Ebonised Fingerboard
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Beginner Violin for Kids
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Overall: One Of The Most Bought And Recommended Violins For Kids, Schools And Teachers
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Best Feature: Includes Hard Case And Bow
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Violin
Accessory
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Overall: Stylish and practical
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Best Feature: Designed in Germany with a sturdy and robust polycarbonate shell
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TedScore™: 9/10
Selecting the perfect violin for a 5-year-old feels like wandering through a bustling market of little instruments, all vying for your gaze. Discover which violins make the best companions for young beginners, helping your youngster begin their musical adventure on a harmonious note.
When looking for a violin for child beginner, size and playability are key factors. We’ll highlight some of the top options that are specifically designed for small hands and budding musicians.
If you’re excited to start this musical journey with your child, keep reading to discover the perfect violin to ignite their enthusiasm!
Top 11 Best Violins For Young Children
Here are some of the best beginner violins that are perfectly fit for kids!
DESIGNED FOR: 4-5 years old beginners
FEATURES: Hand Carved Spruce Top and Selected Maple Back and Sides
OTHER INFO: Ebony Tailpiece, Tuning Pegs and Chinrest
Student 1/10 Violin by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Hand Finished Oil Varnish
- Includes hardwood bow and lightweight violin hard case
- Shaped for comfort and ideal for practice
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Young beginners
FEATURES: Durable ebony pegs and ebonised fingerboard
OTHER INFO: Hand-carved maple and spruce body
Primavera 100 Violin, 1/10
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Includes a case, bow, and rosin
- Affordable and better quality violin
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Young beginner student
FEATURES: One of the most bought and recommended violins for kids, schools and teachers
OTHER INFO: Includes hard case and bow
Stentor Student 1 Violin, 1/10
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Solid tonewoods provide the best possible start
- Inexpensive violin, perfect for beginners
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners aged 4-5
FEATURES: Attractive glossy look thanks to a beautiful oil finish
OTHER INFO: Ideal playing surface with an Ebony fingerboard
Yamaha V5SC Student Acoustic Violin, 1/10
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- You're ready to play with a hard foam case, Bulletwood bow, and rosin
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- Higher price range compared to other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: 5-7 years old beginners
FEATURES: Hand Carved Spruce Top and Selected Maple Back and Sides
OTHER INFO: Ebony Tailpiece, Tuning Pegs and Chinrest
Archer 14V-500 1/4 size violin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Includes Strings, Shoulder Rest, Rosin & Music Stand
- Includes Hardwood Bow and Lightweight Hard Case
- Size is ideal for kids slightly bigger than average 5-year-olds
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner violinists
FEATURES: The Spruce top and Maple back produce lovely clear tones
OTHER INFO: Includes shaped case, bow, and rosin
Stagg Violin Outfit, 1/8
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Student violin which offers a fantastic starting point
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Young beginner students
FEATURES: The violin is made of maple and solid spruce woods which provide smooth sounds
OTHER INFO: The bow is made of leather grip for comfortable playing
Kennedy Violins Pupil Violin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with accessories, including a hygrometer
- Some customers found cosmetic flaws in the violin's body upon purchase
- Higher price range compared to other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners ages 5-7
FEATURES: Constructed from high-quality tonewoods
OTHER INFO: Easily change hand positions thanks to smooth fingerboard
Student 1/4 Violin + Accessory Pack by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Fine tuners allow for fast and stable tuning
- Includes music stand, rosin, adjustable shoulder rest, bow, and more!
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners and advancing violinists
FEATURES: Ebony fittings and fingerboard
OTHER INFO: The violin is made of solid spruce and a solid maple wood body
Cremona SV-175
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Hand-crafted to produce bright, rich tones
- Offers different sizes to choose from: 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4
- Some customers claim the violin was harder to tune with the slipping pegs
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner violin students
FEATURES: Made with a spruce top with maple back and sides, maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest
OTHER INFO: Violin comes in different sizes: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4
Mendini by Cecilio Satin Antique 1/2 Size
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Mendini brand offers other different colours
- Lightweight hard case
- Slipping pegs may cause difficulty when tuning
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Young and small kids
FEATURES: Made maple top and ebony fingerboard
OTHER INFO: Comes with brazilwood bow with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
Sky VN202 Green
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Includes lightweight triangular violin case, and bow with double pearl eyes
- SKY Children's Violin is one of the most exquisite violin brands for kids
- It can be difficult to keep in tune
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How to Choose a Violin for Kids Around 5 years old
Before purchasing the best violin for kids, there are many important factors to consider.
Using quality materials, beginner violins designed for young children offer the perfect balance of comfort and sound. Once you find the right size, look for an instrument with good strings and an easy-to-use bow.
Considering these factors, you can be confident that your child will start playing the violin at its best soon!
Violin size
If you’re looking for a violin, you’ll want to consider the available sizes. The most common sizes are full-size (4/4), 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32.
A full-size violin is typically 59 centimetres (or 23 inches) long from violin scroll to endpin. A full-size violin is the most common size for adults and children aged 11 or older.
For younger children or those with small hands, the 1/2 size is generally recommended. Other sizes such as 1/4, 1/8, 1/10 and 1/16 are also available and are typically used by younger or smaller students.
The smallest size is the 1/32 size, typically used by very young children or those with very small hands. Whichever size you choose, make sure it feels comfortable when playing!
How To Measure
Measuring a violin’s size is simple:
1. Stand the violin upright and measure from the neck button to the purfling edge of the end button using a measuring tape or ruler. This gives you the size in millimeters or inches.
2. For best results, use millimeter measurements, as some standard inch measurements have been rounded.
3. Refer to a size chart to determine your violin’s size based on the measurements.
When sizing a student violin, measure from their neck to the middle of their palm using a yardstick for an exact size. With these measurements, shopping for the best violin will be much easier!
If in doubt, check out our dedicated Violin Sizing Guide here.
Materials
A violin is a beautiful instrument made from simple, quality materials.
The body and parts are made of wood and held together with glue. The strings are usually metal or synthetic, while the top is often quarter-sawn spruce or rosewood.
The internal parts, like corner and end blocks and linings, are typically spruce or solid maple wood for the best sound. The fittings include a neck, fingerboard, bridge, soundpost, and four strings. All these materials work together to create beautiful music!
Shoulder and chin rest
A shoulder and chin rest is crucial for comfort and performance when playing the violin.
A well-fitted shoulder rest provides a secure base, holding the violin at the correct height for the neck and shoulders. This allows the young player to focus on playing rather than worrying about the instrument slipping.
The chin rest works together with the shoulder rest to create the most comfortable playing posture. When finding the perfect fit, consider the child’s neck length and shoulder width.
With a moveable or dynamic balance, the young violinist can have maximum freedom while playing and avoid tension or strain. Using both shoulder and chin rests allows them to perform with confidence and ease!
Weight
Violins usually weigh between 350 and 700 grams. Lighter violins are harder to make.
Picking the right size violin for your child can be tricky. When choosing the best kids’ violin, ensure the weight suits your child’s age, size, and skill level.
The violin shouldn’t be too heavy. Most violins weigh between 300 and 450 grams (0.66 – 1.00 lb).
If you know any violin teachers, ask them for help. They can help you choose the right size and ensure your child is comfortable playing with it.
Bow
Consider a few things when picking the perfect starter violin bow for your kid.
First, choose the bow size based on your child’s age so they can hold and use it comfortably. The material matters, too. Better bows are often made from Pernambuco or carbon composite, which last longer and sound better.
Also, consider the bow’s weight. A heavy bow can be hard for young players to handle, so get one right.
Lastly, having your child’s violin teacher help them hold the bow correctly with their right hand is always good. This will help them develop a proper bow hold without straining their hand or wrist.
VIOLINS FOR 5-YEAR OLDS
Summary
The world of violins for kids is quite fascinating. When choosing a violin for child beginner, it’s important to consider factors such as size, playability, and quality.
- Always think about the size. A 1/16 or 1/10 size violin is usually best for young children. Measure their arm length to find the perfect fit.
- Quality is essential. Choose violins made from solid woods like maple and spruce. They sound better and will last longer.
- Accessories can make a big difference. A comfy shoulder rest and a sturdy case are just as important as the violin.
Remember the fun factor! Pick a violin that your child loves playing. The right instrument can make them love music forever.
This article is a goldmine for parents looking to introduce their children to music! I’ve seen so many young students struggle with improperly sized violins, leading to frustration and lack of progress. The segment on how to measure for the right size is crucial. Thank you, Kate Telfer, for shedding light on the importance of weight and shoulder/chin rests as well; comfort is key to developing love and passion for the instrument.
Not convinced about the electric violin for kids. Isn’t it better to start them on acoustic to grasp the basics?
Actually, electric violins can be a great option, especially for keeping practice volume down in busy homes!
love how you laid out everything about choosing the right violin, especially the bit about acoustic vs electric. never knew kids violins could be electric, sounds cool.
Hey Kate Telfer, thanks for the insightful article. I’m trying to pick the first violin for my daughter who’s turning 5. Can you explain a bit more about the different materials and their impact on sound quality and durability? I wanna make sure I’m getting something that lasts but still sounds nice. Also, curious if there’s a big weight difference between different types?