Best
Beginner Electric Violin
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Overall: 5-layer construction featuring maple, mahogany, and spruce with oil-finished walnut frame
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Best Feature: Provides easy switchover from a traditional acoustic violin
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Affordable Silent Violin
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Overall: Solid body electric violin with realistic acoustic tone
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Best Feature: SRT (Studio Response Technology) emulates the tone and resonance of an acoustic violin
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Intermediate Electric Violin
Violin Innovative Electric Violin
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Overall: Great-sounding and highly portable violin designed for the discerning performer
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Best Feature: Compatible with NS Electric strings and standard violin strings
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TedScore™: 9/10
Have you ever checked the electric violin price and felt like it’s a bit of a maze?
Looking through lots of choices, from affordable to fancy, can be confusing. But don’t worry; I’m here to tell you what prices to expect, whether you’re just starting out or getting ready to perform on stage.
As someone who plays the electric violin, I suggest comparing the features and cost to find what’s just right for you.
It’s like Goldilocks searching for the perfect porridge, but instead of ‘too hot’ and ‘too cold,’ you’re thinking about the quality of the instrument, how it sounds, and those extra special touches.
So keep on reading. I’ll help you compare the different electric violin prices so you can choose the one that you like.
Pricing and Purchasing Advice
Budget Considerations
It’s a common belief that all electric violins are relatively expensive, but I’ve found that’s not the case. Prices can start from around $300 for entry-level models, which is perfect for beginners or those on a tight budget.
For those of you who are more experienced or are looking for something with a bit more sophistication, expect to shell out anywhere from $500 to $5,000. It’s essential to shop a quality amplifier or a multi-effects processor to bring out its potential truly.
One major tip from me: always reserve part of your budget for necessary cables and accessories — you’ll thank me later!
Understanding Electric Violin Features
Types of Electric Violins
silent violins
When it comes to types, I’m looking at a range that’s quite intriguing.
There are the silent violins that are perfect for my late-night practice sessions without causing any stir.
Yamaha Silent Series YSV104 Electric Violin
FEATURES: Solid body electric violin with realistic acoustic tone
OTHER INFO: SRT (Studio Response Technology) emulates the tone and resonance of an acoustic violin
- Streamlined control box with aux input makes practice fun
- Players may need time to adjust to the silent violin's unique feel and sound
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
Then there are acoustic-electric violins that feel familiar to traditionalists like me but have the ability to plug in and amplify.
Revelle Touring Pro by Donnie Reis Acoustic-electric Violin Outfit
FEATURES: 4/4-size violin outfit designed in collaboration with Nashville-based violinist Donnie Reis
OTHER INFO: Made in Romania from hand-carved Carpathian tone woods
- Seasoned ebony fingerboard, nut, and saddle for comfortable playability
- Limited availability compared to other violin outfits
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™.
Unique designs
The shapes are just as diverse, with options like the sleek Yamaha YEV series, featuring a minimalist approach, or the NS Design electric violins, which showcase more avant-garde looks.
Yamaha YEV104 Electric Violin
FEATURES: 5-layer construction featuring maple, mahogany, and spruce with oil-finished walnut frame
OTHER INFO: Provides easy switchover from a traditional acoustic violin
- High-output passive bridge pickup delivers gorgeous, natural sound
- The absence of a traditional body shape may impact players' comfort and playing technique
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™.
NS Design CR5 Violin
FEATURES: Great-sounding and highly portable violin designed for the discerning performer
OTHER INFO: Removable body for customized fingerboard access
- Compatible with NS Electric strings and standard violin strings
- Higher price point compared to traditional acoustic violins
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™.
Electric violin price
Main Points
The cost of electric violins can be quite the rabbit hole! They range from budget-friendly starters to pro-level masterpieces.
If you’re starting, you might spend between $300 and $500 for a decent quality that doesn’t break the bank. As for the pros, they often shoot for the stars with instruments topping $5,000.
Clearly, craftsmanship, materials, and brand power fuel the price journey. With electric violins, you do get what you pay for.
So, should you go all in or start modestly? It boils down to what feels suitable for you and your wallet. Happy fiddling!
Don’t go yet, there’s more…
Discover the top 9 best violin shoulder rest for enhanced comfort and support while playing.
While I agree with most of what’s stated regarding the price and features of electric violins, I can’t help but feel that the true essence of violin playing is somewhat diluted in electric versions. They’re great for certain genres and settings, but can they really convey the same depth and emotion as an acoustic? Curious to hear others’ thoughts on this.
Absolutely agree. There’s an irreplaceable rawness to acoustic violin sound that electric just can’t capture.
cool article but does it djent?
Was pleasantly surprised to read about the acoustic-electric violins and how they cater to us traditionalists. It’s a great way to transition into the electric genre without losing the touch of the classics. Great coverage on this, Anna Bringham!
Really appreciate the dive into electric violin features, Anna! Had no clue there were so many types. Silent violins caught my eye cause I practice a lot at night. Do you think they hold up well compared to the real acoustic experience? Just wanna make the right choice before spending the bucks.
Just don’t start playing at midnight, might summon more than applause from the neighbors haha.
Eli, I’ve had students use silent violins for nighttime practice, and they seem pretty satisfied. It’s obviously a bit different from acoustics, but they do a solid job for what they’re designed to do.