Best
Budget Beginner Violin
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Overall: The composite tailpiece has four integrated adjusters
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Best Feature: The top is made from carved, solid spruce top
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall Student
Violin
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Overall: Hand-carved, solid spruce and maple tonewoods
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Best Feature: Professional quality hand-wound strings
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
High-End Beginner Violin
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Overall: It comes complete with a case, bow and rosin
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Best Feature: Superior durability Woods
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TedScore™: 9/10
Finding the perfect violin that suits your skill level and budget can be overwhelming.
There are 1000’s of option to choose from.
But don’t worry, and I’ve got your back!
In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the history of violins and explore what makes a great violin brand.
If you’re looking for a quick answer, the two brands I love the most for beginners who are looking to play the violin are Yamaha and Stentor.
They are both excellent brands, and make excellent instruments.
Although I now perform on stages worldwide, and my instrument is worth $1 million, I didn’t start that way!
I actually started with a brilliant little Yamaha violin.
There are other options though, so do read on to find out why I love Yamaha and Stentor, and what other options I like as well.
But that’s not all – I’ll also recommend some must-have accessories that every beginner violinist should invest in. From rosin to shoulder rests, I’ve got you covered.
What Makes the "Best" Violin Brand?
Craftsmanship
The best violin brands exhibit meticulous craftsmanship, with skilled luthiers dedicating hours of work to create instruments of exceptional quality.
Every detail, from the selection of wood to the delicate varnish and precise carving of the body, contributes to the overall excellence of the instrument. Fine attention to detail ensures optimal playability, tonal response, and aesthetic beauty.
Materials
Premium violin brands carefully choose materials of the highest calibre to construct their instruments. The top and back plates are typically crafted from well-aged, high-quality tonewoods such as spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides.
These tonewoods are selected for their acoustic properties, allowing the violin to produce a rich, resonant, and balanced sound.
Tonal Qualities
The best violin brands produce instruments that possess exceptional tonal qualities. These instruments can project with clarity, depth, and richness across the entire range of notes.
They offer a broad dynamic range, enabling the player to express a wide range of emotions through their playing. The tone of a violin should be nuanced, allowing for variations in color and timbre.
Historical Reputation
Violin brands with a long-standing and respected history often carry a legacy of excellence. Brands crafting exceptional violins for generations have honed their techniques and refined their designs.
The instruments produced by these top violin brands have been played by renowned violinists, carrying with them a reputation for excellence and musicality.
Playability and Responsiveness
The best violin brands prioritize playability, ensuring their instruments are responsive to the player’s touch. A well-constructed violin should offer ease of playing, facilitating technical passages and expressive playing.
The neck shape, fingerboard, bridge, and instrument setup should allow for the comfortable and precise execution of musical ideas.
The Best Violin Size for Beginners
Getting a violin that fits comfortably is crucial so you can practice without straining your arms or shoulders. Testing different violin sizes is also crucial, as it can help you determine the most comfortable to play. It can also help beginners practice longer and play better.
The appropriate size of the violin for beginners frequently ranges from full size to 1/16 to 1/2 size. If you’re unsure which size you need, read my dedicated article on Violin Sizes here.
Top Best Acoustic Violin Brands for Beginners
Fiddlerman
It provides top-notch equipment and sets the violin up so that they’re ready to perform. You’d be amazed at how many online stores sell instruments that are hardly playable or can be adjusted.
Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit
Fiddlerman Concert violin amazes with its expansive, clear, and loud tone. Players will immediately enjoy the deeper tones compared to the Apprentice Violin. It’s the best-selling student violin. Each instrument is built with aged tonewood carefully chosen with authentic ebony fittings.
The hand-applied lacquer highlights the wood’s inherent beauty. Fiddlerman synthetic core strings offer a diverse sonic palette, and the violin is evenly balanced across all string instruments.
Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit
FEATURES: Hand-carved, solid spruce and maple tonewoods
OTHER INFO: Professional quality hand-wound strings
- Professional quality hand-wound strings
- Setup by Fiddlerman
- Quality of the tonewoods and craftsmanship provides a good foundation for sound production and playability
- Some players may prefer to upgrade the strings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Tower Strings Violins
Aside from the mute, the kit includes a violin, bow, case, shoulder rest, rosin, digital tuner, and cleaning cloth, making it comprehensive. This violin has good playability and tuning stability. They run a unique online store where skilled luthiers adjust all the instruments that leave their door.
Tower Strings Rockstar Violin Outfit
Compared to other beginner violins in this pricing range, this one is a pure Rockstar. Everything about the setup, the extras, and the craftsmanship is better than anything we’ve tested in this price range! The violin will come equipped and ready to play.
Tower Strings Rockstar Violin Outfit
FEATURES: Carbon composite tailpiece with built-in fine tuners
OTHER INFO: Sturdy lightweight shaped violin case
- Well-rounded bridge - easy and comfortable playability
- Good quality strings
- Bit expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Glarry
You’ll spend your entire life with a suitable violin as your companion. A GLARRY violin can help you realize your musical goals. You can play it readily and more comfortably.
Glarry GV200 Solid Wood Violin
The hard case is lightweight and offers the violin the best possible protection. It comes complete with the bow, rosin, strings, shoulder rest, and electronic tuner you’ll need to start playing immediately.
Glarry GV200 Solid Wood Violin
FEATURES: The solid spruce panel, back and sides with a beautiful antique matte finish
OTHER INFO: The Ebony fingerboard has the right amount of stiffness and flexibility
- Aluminium alloy tailpiece with four fine tuners
- Cost-effective
- Comfortable to play
- Complete accessories
- Not the excellent quality of strings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Stentor
Stentor is a highly recommended brand by violin teacher as it offers high-quality violins. It has been around since the late 1800s, but it was in the 1960s that they began making their student violins rather than importing them.
This indicates that their instruments are now of higher quality, and since then, they have established excellent output.
Stentor 1500 Violin
The Stentor violins are well-recognized by teachers for their dependability and quality. This Stentor model is guaranteed to have a high-performance ability and create a pleasant tone and responsive sound, and it’s made from high-quality tonewoods.
Stentor 1500 Violin
FEATURES: The composite tailpiece has four integrated adjusters
OTHER INFO: The top is made from carved, solid spruce top
- The violin is finished in gold-brown varnish
- Cost-effective investment
- Good sound quality
- It uses premium quality materials
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Mendini
This is one of the most well-known brands of economical violins. Mendini violins produce the instruments but are less costly.
The benefit of this arrangement is that you receive the high quality you’ve come to expect from Mendini at a fantastic price.
Mendini MV300
The Mendini MV300 solid wood violin ensemble offers excellent value for the money. This makes the MV300 a good option for anyone looking to try the violin for the first time or for students just starting. That looks basic but gorgeous.
Mendini MV300
FEATURES: Solid and hand-carved with maple on the back and sides
OTHER INFO: The chin rest has an alloy tailpiece
- Mellow tone
- Produce warm and clear sound
- Cost-effective
- The choice of woods isn’t perfect
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Other Top Violin Brands for Beginners
Cecilio
Cecilio is a famous violin manufacturer with a solid reputation for producing high-quality instruments at a reasonable cost. It has built quality, materials, and audio output.
Cecilio CVN-300 Violin
If you’re on a tight budget and need a good sound and reasonable quality violin, the Cecilio CVN-300 is an excellent option. It’s also a versatile violin you can use when you first start learning the instrument and as you advance.
Cecilio CVN-300
FEATURES: Features 4 fine tuners that are removable and nickel plated
OTHER INFO: Include volume control
- Offers 1-year warranty for manufacturer’s defects
- Complete accessories
- The hard case provided ensures that the violin is easy to transport and also safe when carried around
- Some had their strings easily snap
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Bunnel
Kennedy supplied Bunnel. It’s a relatively new name on the market, headquartered in Washington. Even so, they had great success when they started to open. They frequently garner glowing reviews. This is hardly surprising with the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship put into each model.
The Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit
You might be curious why the price of this brand is so affordable because Kennedy Violins claims to have the best instruments available. This entails that they can eliminate the middleman, maintain low expenses, and pass savings through to you, the customer.
The Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit
FEATURES: Pure ebony fittings with an oil finish
OTHER INFO: Equipped with D’Addario Prelude Strings
- Easy to tune and play
- Extra strings, tuner, and other accessories included
- Lifetime warranty
- Heavy, so not the best for younger children
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Yamaha
Violins made by Yamaha are noted for their dependability and durability. Violins are available for players at various skill levels.
They also have higher quality or more professional violins, which even more seasoned players will appreciate. Some of their violins are modelled after renowned handcrafted instruments made by renowned luthiers in the past.
Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit
This entry-level violin offers new players a violin that plays with a pleasant, tone quality and exhibits exceptional longevity. Each instrument is made by hand using the same age-old techniques for making fine violins.
The V3SKA comes fully equipped with a case, bow, and rosin, so you can start playing immediately.
Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit
FEATURES: It comes complete with a case, bow and rosin
OTHER INFO: Superior durability Woods
- With high-quality fittings, Chin rest, pegs and fingerboard
- Great sound and playability
- Solid reputation and support
- Complete kit
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Cremona
It offers violins suitable for beginners, and they have a good reputation in the industry. They are known for producing affordable instruments that provide decent quality and playability for novice players.
Cremona violins often receive positive feedback for their value for money.
Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin
It’s a popular choice among beginner violinists. It is designed to be the best violin for students and is known for its high-quality wood and craftsmanship.
Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin Outfit
FEATURES: Available in four sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4
OTHER INFO: Solid spruce top with maple back and sides
- Ebony fingerboard and fittings
- Upgraded strings (Prelude Strings by D'Addario)
- High-quality wood and craftsmanship
- Outclasses other student violins in terms of sound, styling, and build quality
- Provides good value for the price
- Does not offer customizations or come in all sizes
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Barcus Berry
It’s a popular violin brand in the musical instrument industry, known for its expertise in acoustic-electric instruments and transducer technology.
While Barcus Berry produces a range of instruments, including acoustic guitars, mandolins, and pianos, they are particularly recognized for their electric violin offerings
Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE Series
Designed to provide violinists with a high-quality sound and versatile performance capabilities. It combines traditional violin craftsmanship with modern electronics to deliver a balanced and amplified sound.
Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE Series
FEATURES: Piezo Pickup System
OTHER INFO: Comes with built-in fine tuners
- It offers both a 1/4" output jack for direct connection to amplifiers
- It accurately captures the instrument's natural tone, producing a rich and authentic sound
- Allow violinists to explore a wide range of sound possibilities
- Known for producing reliable electronics, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing the ris
- Heavier
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Violin Brands to Avoid
It’s important to do your research and avoid purchasing low-quality violins. When looking for a violin, check reviews, ask professionals for recommendations, and buy from reliable brands.
Avoid purchasing instruments or models that falsely claim to be handmade or custom-made when mass-produced. Be aware of brands that are not well-known or have not been in business for long.
Remember that the quality of the string instrument you purchase will affect the student’s learning and enjoyment of playing the violin. It’s important to invest in a reliable brand that will provide a comfortable and efficient learning experience.
Beginner Violinist
Practice Tips
As a beginner, practising can be challenging, but with the right tips and techniques, you can master the art of playing the violin in no time. Here are some friendly tips that will help you practice like a pro:
1. Keep your violin strings instrument tightened.
2. Use online resources to help you learn to play the violin, such as beginner violin tips and video violin lessons.
3. Learn how to adjust your strings.
4. Learn the different parts of your violin, including the neck, tone adjuster, and bow.
5. To avoid confusion, focus on playing one string at a time. Once you’re comfortable with one string, you can start adding more.
6. If you’re struggling, for example, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a private tutor or a friend who plays the violin.
7. Master the basics first.
8. Regular practice is key to mastering the violin.
9. Make sure to have fun while you practice, and don’t get discouraged if you make mistakes.
Recommended Violin Accessories for Beginners
Korg TM60BK Tuner and Metronome Combo with Clip-on Microphone
Has been updated to allow for the simultaneous use of a tuner and metronome. The most recent model, the TM-60, has a larger display that can concurrently show the tuner and metronome. Also, the battery life has changed significantly.
With the brand-new TM-60, you won’t need to switch between functions or worry about battery life to enjoy rhythm and pitch training.
Korg TM60BK Tuner and Metronome Combo
FEATURES: Memory backup, auto shut off and long battery life
OTHER INFO: Large, backlit LCD, adjustable calibration and marked third intervals
- CM-200 clip-on microphone ensures accurate tuning every time
- Convenient and easy to use
- Excellent response meter
- Wide detection range
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Pirastro Goldflex Rosin For Violin
Inside Pirastro Goldflex Rosin are small gold particles. The addition of gold flecks makes for a grip even smoother.
Many types of strings benefit from their warm and lively tone. Goldflex Rosin is packaged as a round cake covered in a satin-like material for protection.
Pirastro Goldflex Rosin
DESIGNED FOR: tudents and professional
FEATURES: With tiny flecks of gold inside the rosin
OTHER INFO: Ideal for all types of strings
Pirastro Goldflex Rosin
- It gives a warm and bright tone
- Heavy
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
StewMac Build Your Fiddle Kit
Along the way, you’ll have much fun learning about instrument making. This kit is a great place to start for beginners and a time-saving alternative to building from scratch.
StewMac Build Your Fiddle Kit
FEATURES: A detailed instructional booklet is included
OTHER INFO: Tailpiece with adjustable fastener
- Top, back and side assembly
- Convenient to use
- Complete accessories
- Bit expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Peak Music Stands Violin Stand
The ST-22 is a stand, especially for the incredibly lightweight and robust violin. It has an aluminium body, a neck rest, and a bow holder. This stand can accommodate any size violin, even violas, thanks to its adjustable arms.
The top neck holder will be gently positioned atop the violin’s body. This stand weighs less than two pounds and can be stored away by folding the frame.
Peak Music Stands ST-22 Adjustable Violin Stand
FEATURES: Lightweight Aluminum frame
OTHER INFO: Bow hanger
- Includes carrying bag
- Adjustable
- Complete accessories
- Cost-effective
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
A Brief History of Violins
The first version of the violin was believed to have been built in the Brescia area of Northern Italy. This region was home to the Amati family, who became famous for their exceptional creations.
However, the ancestor of the advanced violins was the rebab, originally from the Middle East and spread throughout Europe during the medieval period.
The modern four-string violin as we know it today was born in northern Italy around 1550 and innovated by Gasparo da Salò.
Today, we have different types of violins, such as electric violins and acoustic violins. This musical instrument has also played a significant role in various cultures, with famous violin makers like Antonio Stradivari, who has influenced popular culture.
Best Violin Brands For Beginners
Summary
Choosing the right violin for beginners is challenging, but investing in a good-quality instrument is important to make the learning process smoother.
The best violin brands for beginners are the ones that offer a perfect blend of brand reputation, sound quality, and build quality. And I’m personally happy to recommend any of the above, as I short listed them all from what my pupils have.
To further enhance your learning experience, invest in must-have accessories like a tuner, rosin, maintenance kit, and music stand.
I hope this guide helps you choose the best brand for your violin. Please feel free just to drop your thoughts in the comment section.
Just before you go…
Check out our Top 7 Beginner Violin for Adults!
While this is a comprehensive list for beginners considering the introduction to the violin, it’s essential to understand that the magic of a violin truly comes alive in the hands of its player. Instruments like Yamaha and Stentor have a reputation for durability and quality. However, personal playability and the instrument’s tonal qualities should guide the final decision. It’s fascinating to see how brands evolve and how their historical reputation influences current perceptions. Thank you for the insights, Anna Downes, but let’s never forget the subjective experience of the musician plays a pivotal role in selecting the right instrument.
gotta say, surprised to see Glarry making the list. heard mixed things about them, especially about how long they last. anyone else thinking there’s better value out there or is it just me?
It’s about the right setup and maintenance. Even a budget violin can exceed expectations with care.
i got a glarry as my first violin and its been good to me so far!
I’m so delighted to see Mendini on the list! We got the MV300 for my son last month, and it’s been brilliant for him. Perfect start for his musical journey. Great recommendation, Anna!
hey, saw you mentioned Fiddlerman violins. anyone got experience with how they hold up for total beginners? My niece is just starting out. Thanks!