Best
AFFORDABLE VIOLIN
Outfit Gets Students Off on the Right Foot!
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Overall: Student-level violin with spruce top and eye-grabbing flamed maple back and sides
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Best Feature: Rugged inlaid purfling is highly resistant to unintentional bumps
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
OVERALL VIOLIN
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Overall: Solid spruce top with flamed maple back and ribs produce a rich, full-bodied sound
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Best Feature: Designed in collaboration with Nashville-based violinist Donnie Reis
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
BEGINNER VIOLIN
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Overall: 4/4-size student violin outfit with ABS plastic case, bow, and rosin
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Best Feature: D'Addario Prelude steel-core strings resist temperature for better tuning stability
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TedScore™: 9/10
Finding the best violin under 2000 is like going on a treasure hunt through craftsmanship and melody.
In my years of playing and performing with violins, I’m going to surprise you by saying that I think the Revelle Touring Pro by Donnie Reis Acoustic-electric Violin was by far the best violin I have played for less than $2000.
The quality and sound it has, despite its price range, was excellent!
However, I know how burdensome it may feel whenever you need to decide on what violin to purchase.
The choice you must make among the hundreds of brands and models can be overwhelming, not to mention the decision on which violin shop to buy from!
The journey to the right instrument is personal and requires patience and a keen ear.
For those not looking to spend a fortune yet eager for quality that sings, there’s a surprising array of violins offering finesse and affordability.
Selecting the Right Violin Under $2000
When looking for a quality violin within a $2000 budget, I prioritize craft, the correct size, and the outfit components that come with it. My mission is to help you find an instrument that resonates with your passion and fits within your financial plan.
Evaluating the Craftsmanship and Materials
I always remind myself that the best violins are often hand-carved, with attention to detail reflected in their tone and durability.
- Tonewoods like spruce tops and maple sides are my go-to materials for quality instruments. They provide the warm, resonant sound I crave.
- The fingerboard and bridge are crucial for violin playability. I look for hardwoods like ebony for the fingerboard, ensuring it can withstand the wear from my practice sessions.
- A well-crafted bridge should efficiently transmit the strings’ vibrations without any buzz or inconsistencies.
Considering the Violin Outfit Components
A violin outfit includes the violin, bow, and rosin—all essentials.
- I pay special attention to the bow, as a good one can uplift my performance. Quality bows are typically made from Brazilwood or Pernambuco for those seeking an intermediate violin.
- Rosin is something I never overlook. Among the items in a violin outfit, rosin might seem minor, but trust me—it’s the engine oil of my violin performance that keeps everything running smoothly.
Violins I Recommend for Students and Advanced Players
So, let’s explore the best-selected violins within your budget. I have tried playing some of these, and some of them have been reviewed by my reliable fellow violinists!
Revelle
The best option for me is this one!
It ‘s the most fun on this list, and really is surprising quality for the amount of money to spend…
After trying out the Revelle Touring Pro by Donnie Reis Acoustic-electric Violin Outfit, I was thoroughly impressed by its versatility and rich acoustic tone, which, when amplified, offers a clear and powerful sound ideal for live performances.
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™.
Eastman
Playing the Eastman Master VL906 Professional Violin, I’ve found its warm, resonant tone and superior craftsmanship exceptional for an intermediate-level instrument, greatly enhancing my practice and performance experience.
Eastman Master VL906 Professional Violin
FEATURES: Handcrafted maple and spruce body.
OTHER INFO: Spirit varnish with antiqued aspect.
- Discrete output disguised as the end button for improved ergonomics.
- Availability and access may be limited in certain regions.
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™.
Another Eastman treasure that is one of the favorites of my fellow violin teachers is the Eastman SWVL100 Student Violin Outfit. It’s a sturdy and reliable instrument, offering a surprisingly pleasant tone and playability, which makes learning the violin enjoyable and rewarding for our students.
Eastman SWVL100 Student Violin Outfit
FEATURES: With a spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, and durable inlaid purfling
OTHER INFO: Genuine ebony fingerboard and fittings
- Comfortable Dresden chinrest
- Includes a Despiau C bridge, Wittner Ultra tailpiece with fine tuners, carbon composite bow, and Thomastik-Infeld Dominant strings
- Higher price tag compared to other entry-level instruments
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
The Yamaha Silent Series YSV104 Electric Violin is undoubtedly one of the best electric violins I’ve played. Its sleek design, natural feel, and outstanding sound clarity make it ideal for violin practice and performance.
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™.
The next one is the violin, which I always recommend to my students!
The Yamaha YVN003 Model 3 Student Violin Outfit has been a delight to play. It offers consistent quality and a rich and encouraging sound for a student model, making it a top choice for early musical endeavors.
Yamaha YVN003 4/4-size Model 3 Student Violin Outfit
FEATURES: 4/4-size student violin outfit with ABS plastic case, bow, and rosin
OTHER INFO: D'Addario Prelude steel-core strings resist temperature and humidity changes for better tuning stability
- High-quality components, including rosewood fingerboard and chin rest
- Built-in fine tuners for fast and easy tuning tweaks
- Expensive compared to other student 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™.
Howard
The Howard Core DR10 Dragon Violin Outfit captivated me with its unique aesthetic and robust build quality, delivering a vibrant and well-balanced sound ideal for students looking to stand out visually and acoustically.
Howard Core DR10 Dragon Violin Outfit
FEATURES: Boasts a lovely, deep medium-dark tone, with a fast response and a clear, even voice throughout its full range
OTHER INFO: Top-quality boxwood fittings, Guarneri model chinrest, and Despiau "C" bridge
- Blue plush-lined interior provides snug fit for keeping your instrument safe
- List Item
- Some users may find the interior storage space to be limited, which could restrict the capacity to store extra accessories or sheet music
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 Violin Under 2000:
Affordable - Yet Worth It!
When searching for the best violin under $2000, I know you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
You’ll be thrilled to discover that options within this budget can offer rich, warm tones comparable to more expensive instruments.
I know this is a slightly unusual article, as it mixes both electric and acoustic instruments – but I didn’t want to create two separate articles. I wanted to just write the list of my six favourite violins around $/£2000.
Each has unique attributes, whether in sound projection, building materials, or playability. Based on my experience, they may not be a Stradivari or a Scott Cao creation, but I would still vouch for these:
- Revelle Touring Pro by Donnie Reis Acoustic-electric Violin Outfit
- Eastman VL401 Ivan Dunov Intermediate Violin Outfit
- Eastman SWVL100 Student Violin Outfit
- Yamaha Silent Series SV-250 Electric Violin
- Yamaha YVN003 4/4-size Model 3 Student Violin Outfit
- Howard Core DR10 Dragon Violin Outfit
When choosing a violin, I encourage you to consider your playing techniques and the music you love. Trust me, the perfect violin within this price range is out there, and it’s got your name on it!
Hold up! There’s more to this…
If you want to know your budget for buying a good violin, read this next. It will give you an idea of how much to spend!
Best violin under 2000, eh? Surely, ‘affordable – yet worth it!’ sounds like a dream. Let’s hope they play as well as they’re praised to be by Nadine. Gonna take more than a good review to convince a skeptic like me.
This is exactly what I was looking for! Finding a good violin that doesn’t break the bank has been so daunting, especially since I’m trying to support my daughter’s newfound passion for violin without knowing much about it myself. The section on what to consider in violin outfit components was super helpful since I had no idea there was so much to think about beyond just the violin itself. I’m leaning towards Yamaha based on what you’ve written—they seem like they offer great value. Also, I appreciate the FAQs, answered a lot of the beginner questions I had in mind. Thanks for making this research a bit less scary for a newbie mom!
got to say, i’m surprised not to see some more traditional makers on your list of recommended violins under 2000. there’s a lot of value in the handcrafted details and history some of the older brands bring to the table. anyone else think there are underrated gems missing from this list?
I do agree to some extent. The lineage of some of these timeless brands really adds something special to the playing experience. However, it’s also important to recognize the extraordinary quality and innovation some of the newer makers are bringing into the scene.
Hey Nadine , I really enjoyed reading your recommendations on violins under $2000. I’m fairly new to the violin, about a year in, and thinking it’s about time to upgrade from my beginner model to something more substantial. I noticed you mentioned Eastman and Yamaha, which I’ve heard great things about, but could you maybe give a bit more insight into how these brands particularly support a growing musician’s needs? Thanks a ton!