Best
Budget Option Electric Violin
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Overall: Made with quality maple wood body in black metallic varnish
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Best Feature: Include built-in pickups can restore the sound of string vibrations
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TedScore™: 7/10
Best
Student Electric Violin
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Overall: Hand-carved solid maple wood body with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece with mother-of-pearl inlay
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Best Feature: Powered by a 9V Alkaline battery
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Performance Electric Violin
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Overall: Wood Violins 5-String Classic Viper Electric Violin
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Best Feature: Custom Viper violin gigbag
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TedScore™: 9/10
Electric violins have made it a breeze to start playing this beautiful instrument. You can practise quietly or turn up the volume and add exciting effects to your tunes.
In this article, I’ll journey through the brief history of electric violins and help you choose the best electric violin for beginners.
So, let’s start with the story of how this amazing instrument came to be…
A Brief History of
Electric Violins
Its Noel Pointer, jazz musician, who is credited with being the first to play an electric violin on stage. Over the years, electric violins have evolved to incorporate new technology and design features, making them more accessible to musicians of all levels.
Some electric violins have even been designed to look and play like traditional acoustic violins.
They have also become a standard instrument in various genres of music, from classical to rock, and can be seen on stage with famous artists such as Lindsey Stirling and David Garrett.
Electric violins have come a long way and have become an exciting addition to the music world.
Comparing Electric and Acoustic Violins
Electric violins have solid bodies and can be amplified to produce a wide range of sounds.
They offer many benefits over traditional violin, including better sound in the extreme registers and the ability to create unique effects through the use of pedals and other sound equipment.
On the other hand, acoustic violins have a timeless sound that’s rich and difficult to replicate. Musicians recommend it to use first because it’s easy to learn. They have unique natural tones and hollow bodies that amplify the strings’ vibrations.
Ultimately, an acoustic-electric violin can offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to switch between amplified and natural sound as needed.
Reason to Play an
Electric Violin
Playing an electric violin offers a versatile playing option that comes with a range of features and capabilities. It has inaudible practice, effects, and distortion, making them a favorite among many musicians.
Beginners are encouraged to consider electric violins because of their wide range of capabilities and potentially lower cost. It’s not easier to learn than an acoustic violin, but it provides modern technology that enables violinists to explore more potential setups, stunts, and modern music needs.
In today’s digital age, electric violins have become a viable option for musicians who want to add a touch of innovation to their performances.
Excellent Sound Playability
Electric violin offers excellent sound playability, which good quality pickups and pre-amps can enhance. It has adjustable volume and can produce a beautiful sound that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
Option to Play in Silence
You can enjoy the same sound quality even without the need of an amplifier. This means that you can practice without disturbing your neighbors or family members.
It offers more versatility when it comes to playing styles and genres. They can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from classical music to modern rock and pop. Electric violin is also easier to transport due to their compact size, making them a great option for those who are constantly on the go.
Ultimately, an electric violin is a great investment for beginners who want to explore the world of music and take their skills to the next level.
Add Effects to Your Music
One of the reasons to play an electric violin is that it allows you to add effects to your music.
Digital and analogue multi-effects processors can add a variety of unique sounds to your electric violin music, making it stand out from traditional acoustic music.
Buyer's Guide to Choosing an Electric Violin
A buyer’s guide to choosing an electric violin can help you navigate the different price ranges, features, and brands available on the market. Research is critical when starting this venture.
When selecting an electric violin, it’s imperative to consider factors like the size of the instrument, the number of strings, and the purchase inclusions (like a bow, case, and accessories).
Beginners can find quality electric violin at reasonable prices but should ensure that they purchase a violin that meets their needs to ensure their playing experience is enjoyable.
The first thing to consider is matching your playing style to the features of the electric violin. Electric violin offers a range of options for different playing styles and genres of music.
By doing adequate research and considering your own playing style and preferences, you can find the best electric violin for your needs.
The next thing to consider is the size and weight of the instrument. Electric violins are generally heavier than acoustic violins due to the added electronic components.
It comes in different sizes, including 4/4, 3/4, and smaller sizes for children. It’s important to choose the right size not only for comfort but for proper technique and sound quality.
Violins can range in weight from 1.4 lbs for ultra-lightweight options to 9 lbs for heavier models. It’s important to try different models and weights to find the best fit for each individual musician.
When it comes to choosing a brand, you can opt for those that offer rich, warm tones or those that sound more acoustic. Consider the design and bow as well, as they can greatly affect sound quality.
Some recommended beginner electric violins come from brands like Yamaha, Wood, and Zeta, and can easily be ordered online.
Remember, while there may be vast differences between makers and brands, there may not be as much of a difference within a brand.
When choosing an electric violin, one factor to consider is tone quality.
While it may require additional equipment like batteries or amplifiers, it also can alter tone through effects. Having a good base tone is essential for achieving quality sound.
If you’re a beginner looking to start playing the electric violin, it’s important to consider the electronics when making your purchase. Unlike acoustic violins, electric violins require a connection to an amp for sound, as they have full bodies without hollow sound boxes.
This allows for adjustable volume for different venues and produces beautiful sound at one-third the cost of a piano.
In addition, amplification enables effects and computer recording for output through speakers. When choosing the best electric violin for beginners, it’s important to consider the electronics and how they will affect your playing experience.
11 Electric Violins for Beginners
As a beginner, selecting the best electric violin requires a delicate balance between affordability and quality.
Electric violins can be played by violinists of every skill level. They require a power source and amplifier to produce quality sound, making them a bit more expensive.
So, if you’re a beginner violinist looking for the best electric violin, consider purchasing one of the 11 electric violins on our list.
Silent Violins
Silent violins are the perfect solution for beginner violinists who must practice quietly. These electric violins are designed to produce minimal sound without an amplifier and are ideal for practicing anytime, anywhere – even at odd hours or in crowded homes.
If you’re looking for a silent violin with great performance potential, your best bet will be a solid-body silent violin that can be plugged into amplifiers for shows or performances. The best silent violins are made for great practice companions while ensuring quality performances.
So, invest in a silent violin that not only caters to your practice needs but also levels up your performance.
Cecilio Electric Violin
The Cecilio electric violin outfit provides exceptional function and style for all playing situations, including practicing, recording in a studio, and performing live. It enables violinists of all skill levels to practice with assurance and without disrupting others.
Cecilio CEVN-1BK Solid Wood Electric Silent Violin
FEATURES: Hand-carved solid maple wood body with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece with mother-of-pearl inlay
OTHER INFO: Powered by a 9V Alkaline battery
- 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects
- Complete accessories
- Good quality strings
- 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™.
AW Electric Violin Full Size
4/4 Right Hand Full Size Electric Violin features headphone connection to allow you to practice without bothering neighbors and can connect most guitar amps with aux cable for amplification.
AW Electric Violin Full Size
FEATURES: Solid Bow with Horsehair
OTHER INFO: Full Size Electric Violin
- Hollow Design & Stylish Appearance
- Easy volume adjusting
- Easy carrying and protection
- Comfortable
- 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™.
Vangoa Electric Violin
Violinists of all levels can practice with confidence and without disturbing because of the great functionality of the Vangoa electronic violin.
It’s suitable and affordable instrument for musicians of all ages, with maple fingerboard and fittings, a trendy varnish finish with powdered sequins, and great volume and tone.
Vangoa Electric Silent Violin Full Set
FEATURES: Made with quality maple wood body in black metallic varnish
OTHER INFO: Include built-in pickups can restore the sound of string vibrations
- Comfortable Design for Beginners
- Precise tunning
- Cost-effective
- Some parts are not good quality
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™.
Diorrin Full Size Electric Violin Set
It’s appropriate for someone learning to play the violin. For any learner who aspires to play music, it’s the perfect stringed musical instrument. If you want to avoid disturbing others, use earphones to play this electric violin whenever you have time.
Diorrin Full Size Electric Violin Set
FEATURES: Includes 1/8 output jack that allows you to connect to most guitar amps or PA systems
OTHER INFO: With volume control that allow you to choose the ambience you want
- Headphone jack for practice and a line-in jack for practice with a background track
- Produce good sounds
- Quality Material
- Hard to find replacement
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™.
Acoustic-Electric Violins
Acoustic-Electric violins would be an excellent choice for you! These violins offer the best of both worlds for musicians. You can get an acoustic violin’s deep and warm tones and add effects like reverb and distortion.
Different types of acoustic-electric violins are available in the market, with varying body and wood quality, pickups, and other features such as integrated output jacks and tone controls.
Acoustic-electric violins are recommended for musicians who want the richness of an acoustic tone but require amplification. On the other hand, solid-body electric violins are better for loud settings like gigs and concerts.
Take your pick from among the best acoustic-electric violins, and get ready to rock the stage!
Leeche Handmade Women/Gril Acoustic & Electric Violin
Leeche Acoustic/Electric Violin can more than satisfy the needs of those violinists. Like a standard violin, it has a hollow body, and amplification electronics are incorporated right in.
As a result, it can generate an acoustic violin-like tone and can be amplified loudly. Another well-liked aspect of it is that it has an attractive appearance similar to our other violins.
Leeche Handmade Women/Gril Acoustic & Electric Violin
FEATURES: Made of solid spruce top, solid maple back side, ebony fittings, aluminum-magnesium alloy string
OTHER INFO: With patented coloring technology
- Complete Accessories
- Good Quality of strings
- 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™.
LAGRIMA Beginner Electric Violin
This full-size electronic violin generates fine tones and excellent amplification. For the amplifier, an output jack is provided.
It has exceptional features and styles that are perfect for practicing, rehearsing in a studio, and giving performances on stage.
LAGRIMA Beginner Electric Violin
FEATURES: Made of spruce wood panel, maple back board and side plate with inlaid in antique varnish
OTHER INFO: Digital display tuner
- Fine Adjustment Knob
- Convenient to use
- Cost effective
- Strings are not good quality
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 Vibrato-AE Series
The Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE Series violin offers a unique blend of acoustic tradition and electric innovation, providing a versatile instrument that appeals to both classical purists and modern experimentalists.
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™.
Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic/Electric Violin
The Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic/Electric Violin delivers an affordable, entry-level option for beginners looking to explore both acoustic and amplified performance with its decent sound quality and versatile features.
Cecilio CVNAE-330 Acoustic/Electric Violin
FEATURES: Hand-carved solid spruce top and maple back and sides with a natural finish
OTHER INFO: Ebony fittings and tailpiece
- Features a lightweight design and comfortable shoulder rest
- With built-in piezo pickup system with volume and tone control
- Produces a rich and warm acoustic sound, as well as a clear and powerful electric sound
- Play acoustically or plug in for versatility
- Includes a complete kit including a bow, case, rosin, and more
- May require some setup and adjustments out of the box
- Limited color options may be a drawback for some users
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™.
Fretted Electric Violins
These types of electric violins have specific frets on the neck of the violin, which help in muscle memory development. The frets on electric violins offer a visual guide and simplify left-hand chord shapes, making it easier to play with absolute pitch.
Custom Vipers offer two fretting options – finger position locators or visual locators – which can be useful for beginner to intermediate players to develop a firm grasp of over the instrument.
NS Design NXTa 4-string Fretted Electric Violin
It exhibits stunning tone, incredible playability, and physical grace. Also, the NXTa is compatible with NS Design’s ground-breaking Balanced Shoulder Rest, which effortlessly locks it in the ideal playing posture.
With remarkable pitch stability, the unique tuning system integrated into the body’s bottom enables rapid, simple, and exact adjustment.
NS Design NXTa Fretted Electric Violin
FEATURES: NS electric strings are standard, and compatible with standard violin strings
OTHER INFO: Include electronics & controls
- Automatic string clamping allows for quick, easy string changes
- Dual Mode Output
- Battery-free
- Convenient to use
- 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™.
Wood Violins 5-String Viper Classic Electric Violin
Players can enjoy a natural sense of physical and musical freedom while pushing the limits of musical tone and stage presence with the Viper violin. The Viper’s allure extends beyond just its spectacular appearance.
The other half is how natural, adaptable, and enjoyable an electronic violin can sound and feel.
Wood Violins Viper, 5-string fretted
FEATURES: Wood Violins 5-String Classic Viper Electric Violin
OTHER INFO: Custom Viper violin gigbag
- Equipped with the Barbera transducer bridge, for a strong, clear signal
- Gives you the freedom to move around on stage
- 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™.
Cantini Earphonic 5-string Fretted Electric Violin
The Cantini Earphonic electric violin features a modern appearance with a narrow-shouldered single cutaway design and a lower bout form that can accommodate the majority of standard shoulder rests.
It is a fantastic dual-purpose electric violin with a MIDI output made to operate with the Roland GR-55 Synth and has a MIDI output made to operate with the Roland GR-55 Synth in addition to an analogue output that sounds amazing with conventional amps and effects pedals.
Cantini Earphonic Fretted Electric Violin
FEATURES: All steel strings
OTHER INFO: Special aluminum anodized
- Active preamp for each string
- Cost Effective
- Complete accessories
- Good sound quality
- Some strings are breakable
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™.
Bonus: Accessories for Violins
Violin Rosin
Violin Rosin is necessary because it makes it easier for your bow to grip the strings and make sound. The bow will glide over the strings silently if the rosin’s adhesive properties are missing. The player’s skill can affect the sound quality, the rosin can also affect how the violin sounds.
In most cases, the tone and grip of the bow rosin will be used to gauge its quality.
Sound Harbor 2 Pack Rosin
FEATURES: Provide strong adhesion and high viscosity
OTHER INFO: With hard protective case
- Produce a pure tone and clear harmonics
- Helps ensure the sound quality of your music
- Smooth feel on your violin
- Decent quality but maybe lacking for advanced players
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™.
Headphones
A good technique to practice at home is to play the electric violin while wearing headphones. Without headphones, you can’t hear the differences between your violin and other instruments or how it sounds in other settings because all sound reflects off the walls and returns back to you as you play.
The ideal approach to use headphones with an electric violin is to connect one headphone jack to the output of the headphone amp and the other end to the input on the body of the instrument.
You will receive a stereo sound from this, which will assist in simulating an acoustic environment.
Shure SRH840A Professional Headphones
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Driver Size: 40 mm
OTHER INFO: Frequency Range: 5- 25,000 Hz
Shure SRH840A Professional Headphones
- Exceptional sound quality for live mixing, studio recording, and home listening
- Secure detachable locking cable for convenience
- Sleek and durable design withstands daily wear and tear
- Includes additional detachable cable, carrying bag, and gold-plated adapter
- Collapsible for easy storage and portability
- Less ideal for finalizing mixes
- Slightly heavy after extended wear
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™.
Digital Tuner
Electric violins are tuned in the same way as conventional acoustic violins, but using different drawn-out and time-consuming procedures. The fifths of the strings are perfected using a digital tuner.
Snark Chromatic All-Instrument Tuner
FEATURES: With stay put clip, display rotates 360 degrees for easy viewing
OTHER INFO: Extended frequency range for all instruments
- High sensitivity vibration sensor and internal mic
- Precise tuning
- Full color display
- Accurate and Fast
- 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™.
Best Electric Violin for Beginners
Summary
Opting for a good electric violin can enhance your playing experience and add an extra dimension to your music.
They are known to be more comfortable to play, even for long hours, and have stronger reserve power, unlike their acoustic counterparts.
The best electric violins are affordable, and good-quality electric violin options are available for beginners.
If you’re still undecided and you really are a beginner, then I’d advise seriously looking at the Cecilio CEVN-1BK. It’s a good quality instrument, made well, and won’t break the bank…
Good luck in searching for your ideal electric violin – and remember to let me know in the comment below which electric violin you purchased and why!
But wait, there’s more…
Read this next article to know about the best violin strings for your violin!
This might be a newbie question, but can electric violins also be played acoustically, or do they always need an amp? My daughter is interested, and I’m just starting to look into this. Thanks!
I found the comparison between electric and acoustic violins interesting but feel it’s somewhat missing the emotional connect that an acoustic violin tends to have. The warmth and resonance of an acoustic can hardly be matched by an electric, don’t you think? However, I can see the appeal in the versatility and the option for sound effects that electric violins offer. Perhaps it’s about finding the right balance based on what one intends to play.
gotta say, electric violins have their own charm. playing in silence is a game changer, especially in my apartment lol. the options for adding effects can take ur music to another level. anyone else think so?
Hey Anna , I’ve been thinking about starting violin lessons and stumbled upon your article. The section on electric violins for beginners caught my eye. Could you tell me if the Cecilio Electric Violin or the AW Electric Violin Full Size would be more suitable for absolute beginners? Also, are there any particular features I should look out for as a newbie? Thanks a lot!
Thanks, Vinny! Really appreciate the advice. 🙂
Clarissa, both options are good, but Cecilio is pretty beginner-friendly in my opinion. Look for something with a reliable tuner and comfortable grip!