The Ultimate Guide to the Best Violin for Beginners

Introduction:

The violin is a classical instrument that is widely popular throughout the world. Ranging in cost from $100 to $10,000 and higher, it can be daunting to decide what brand and style of the violin are most suited to your unique need as a player. There are many factors to consider when you’re shopping for the best violin for beginners, such as the material used in production. For instance, wood shifts naturally as humidity levels change. Depending on your region, you’ll want to be sure that you are buying a violin that can handle the adjustments to the weather.

The decision to buy a good beginner violin is a serious one. Aside from the sheer price, there is a wide range of options to choose from. While a novice violinist may not immediately notice the differences, there are violins of all sizes, makes, and qualities. You’ll want to take the time to prepare for your search to ensure that you make a selection that supports your needs and goals.

If you’re on the search for a quality violin for beginners, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of excellent starter violins that can help you begin. You can explore this handy guide to get a deeper understanding of the different types of violins that you can choose from, as well as answers to some of the most commonly asked questions amongst beginner violinists.

When it comes to selecting the best starter violin, you’ll want to do plenty of research and read through reviews. However, it’s important to look at more than just the positive aspects of the instrument. Get to know what criticisms are more of a deal-breaker for you, as well as the kind of features that you need the most. The table below illustrates the pros and cons of the top three best beginner violins for adults available.

Violin	Pros	Cons
Fiddlerman Artist	Lifetime warranty   Lifetime free adjustments   Hand-finished	A little pricier than other options
Bunnel Pupil Violin	Mellow and warm sound   One-year warranty   Matte finish	Shoulder rest occasionally fragile
Cecilio CVN-300 Violin	Includes everything necessary to play   D’Addario Prelude strings   Hand inlaid purfling with antique varnish	Occasional peg slips can be detrimental to beginners

Let’s take a deeper look into the different instruments that can make a good beginner violin. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 best violin for beginners around.

Top 20 Best Violin for Beginners

1. Fiddlerman Artist Violin

Fiddlerman, otherwise known as Pierre Holstein, has over 40 years of orchestra experience. He now uses his skills to help violinists of all skill levels. Fiddlerman instruments are among the best violins on the market. Fiddlerman tests out each violin under their famed 10-point inspection.

Design and Features

The Fiddlerman Artist Violin is an excellent violin for beginners, offering a rich and bold sound that can be particularly forgiving. Crafted with hand-carved dried maple and spruce tonewoods, this violin features a hand-carved French Despiau bridge, a carbon composite tailpiece with four fine tuners, and European Spruce Soundpost from “Alpine Tone Wood.” It has 100% Ebony fingerboard and pegs, as well as D’Addario Kaplan Amo or Zyex strings to help you get the best sound out of it. The violin is available in sizes 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4.

2. Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil Violin

Kennedy Violins offers high-quality violins and other stringed instruments from top makers. They offer exclusive instruments, as well as academic resources that can appeal to any skill level and instructional videos that break down each violin model. The models sold by Kennedy Violins can’t be bought from any other retailer.

Design and Features

The Bunnel Pupil Violin is a solid carved violin hand-crafted with maple and spruce top woods. It has completely natural ebony fittings, inlaid purfling, and accurately smoothed fingerboards. There is also a beautiful satin oil finish and four professional fine tuners built into the composite tailpiece. The Bunnel Pupil Violin kit supplies everything a beginner needs to start learning to play the violin. It comes with a carbon-fiber-style shoulder rest, though violins under 1/8 receive a contour foam rest, as well as steel-core D’Addario Prelude strings, an extra set of strings, and Giuliana Rosin.

Pros

• Free setup included

• Handmade construction

• Ideal for the first 3-4 years of playing violin

Cons

• Accessories aren’t the highest quality
• Maybe a tad expensive for a beginner

3. Cecilio Antique Ebony CVN-300 Violin

Cecilio is among the most popular violin brands available online. They offer handcrafted violins, high-quality bows, and affordability, earning them love from violinists of any skill level. The Cecilio Antique Ebony CVN-300 is the best violin for beginners. The CVN-300 was even designed specifically for them, allowing it to deal with anything you may need.

Design and Features

The Cecilio Antique Ebony CVN-300 is a good beginner violin due to its durability. The body is crafted using solid maple and a hand-carved spruce top. It is a full-size 4/4 violin crafted from hand-carved solid maple. The top is carved from solid spruce wood. Beginners will appreciate the removable four nickel-plated fine tuners on the tailpiece. This instrument creates a warm and bright yet smooth tone. Also, the kit comes with a lightweight hard-shell case, a Cecilio chromatic string tuner 92D with a metronome, an extra bow, and an extra bridge, among other necessary accessories.

Pros

• Features gorgeous antique varnish

• Strung using D’addario Prelude Strings

• Affordable and high-quality violin

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a spare set of strings
• Some reports express pegs occasionally slip

4. Mendini MV500 Violin

Mendini is part of the Cecilio brand. These affordable violins are designed with students’ needs in mind, allowing you to purchase without stressing about maintenance, replacing strings, or anything else. The violin kit comes with two extra bridges, a rosin cake, spare strings, and an adjustable shoulder rest, among other accessories.

Design and Features

The Mendini MV500 Violin is crafted entirely from a single piece of maple wood by hand, which makes up the back and sides. The front of the violin uses a solid piece of hand-carved spruce. The entire instrument is finished using a gorgeous varnish that gives it an antique feel. It also features inlaid purfling, a Cecilio 92D chromatic string tuner, and four detachable tuners on the tailpiece. In all, the violin reportedly can last through several years of use, which makes it a good beginner violin as you won’t need to upgrade for a while.

Pros

• Produces powerful and rich sound

• Easy to maintain and tune

• Comes with two Brazilwood and unbleached Mongolian horsehair bows

Cons

• Strings are not as durable as other brands
• Reviewers have noted the rosin included is often dry

5. VIF Stradivari 1721 Copy German Style Violin

The violin makers at VIF follow a strict crafting process that was designed by the brand’s Italian violin luthier. Each instrument is carefully inspected, from the height of the nuts to the professional curvature of the violin’s bridge. The VIF Stradivari 1721 Copy German Style Violin was built specifically for students who are just beginning to learn the instrument.

Design and Features

The VIF Violin is one of the best starter violin options available. The full-size 4/4 violin is a replica of the Antonio Stradivari Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1721 violin. This instrument is crafted using high-quality spruce and maple wood to produce a noticeably clear sound that is perfect for learning. You can view growth ring lines on the violin’s grade four-year maple wood, allowing you to visualize the quality. This violin is brushed 12 times with lacquer, providing it a tasteful appearance. The fingerboard, pegs, tailpiece, chinrest, and bridge are crafted from ebony wood. The instrument comes with a Brazil wood-carved bow with horsetail hair.

Pros

• Clear and loud sound

• Affordable and beautiful violin

• High-quality wood

Cons

• Strings are poor quality
• Doesn’t come with spare strings

6. All Days Music (ADM) Acoustic Violin

All Days Music is an online store that supplies a variety of different instruments, including violins and their related accessories. The shop provides customers with online ordering, quick delivery, and affordable prices. These qualities make the ADM Acoustic Violin an excellent choice for the best beginner violin for adults, as well as for violinists who have more advanced skill levels. ADM checks each instrument for defects and quality control.

Design and Features

The ADM Acoustic Violin is a full-size 4/4 instrument that comes with a lightweight, hard case to keep your violin safe. It is hand-crafted using multiple tonewoods. The side and back are carved from maple wood, while the top is crafted from spruce. There is beautiful inlaid purfling that lends the instrument a sleeker appearance. It’s brushed in a beautiful reddish-brown varnish for a smooth and glossy finish. The pegs, tailpiece, chinrest, and other parts use rosewood. There are four integrated allow fine tuners built into the tailpiece.

Further, the ADM Violin comes with a round stick bow that uses unbleached white horsehair and Brazilwood. The instrument can be easily set up by someone new to the violin, allowing you to get started quickly. The ADM Acoustic comes with a variety of accessories, including a polishing cloth, E-tuners, rosin, and a fingerboard sticker. It even comes with a music sheet stand. All-in-all, this violin creates a uniform sound that is rich and deep across all four strings. By upgrading the stock strings, you can optimize the quality of the sound.

Pros

• Low price with a high-quality sound

• Comes with all the most sold accessories

• Includes spare ebony frog brazilwood violin bows, strings, and violin mute

• One-year warranty

Cons

• Can slip out of tune easily
• Intermediate To Advanced Players May Prefer A More Advanced Instrument

7. Eastar EVA-1 Violin

Designed for novice violinists, the Eastar EVA-1 Violin is a full-size 4/4 instrument. The luthier carefully chooses the ideal pieces of wood before naturally drying them for three years. Completely hand-crafted, these violins are an excellent beginner’s choice.

Once completed, the instrument must adhere to strict standards of precision and craftsmanship to provide a comfortable grip, durability, stability, and beautiful sound. Each violin goes through three checks and adjustments before being made available to the public, allowing the brand to guarantee a quality instrument to students of all skill levels.

Design and Features

The EVA-1 Violin is constructed using AAA African Spruce wood on the top, back, and sides. It features beautiful inlaid purfling, as well as AAA African Maple wood pegs, chin rest, and neck. The tailpiece features four alloy metal fine tuners. The whole violin is brushed in handmade paint and naturally colored antique varnish, which provides a nice and classic appearance. This is among the best beginner violin for adults available, allowing you to start playing right away.

The kit contains a variety of handy accessories that can help you play more freely, such as a shoulder rest, a D-1 tuner, a polishing cloth, and a good quality lightweight hard case to keep it safe. The instrument comes with a spare change of strings made from steel wire. The bow uses Brazilwood and unbleached Mongolian horsehair. The EVA-1 Violin produces a nice, rich sound consistently.

Pros

• Very affordable at $100 with good quality sound

• Comes with a spare change of strings

• Easy and consistent tuning using the included tuner

• Comes with everything needed to start playing the violin

Cons

• Players have noted issues with the pegs unwinding
• Reviewers have mentioned issues with wires loosening

8. SKY SKYVN201 Violin

Sky Music is an affordable retailer that offers students and beginners the chance to pick up a good beginner violin without investing more than they may be willing in their first instrument. The shop’s site provides access to a variety of helpful resources that can make it easier to select a violin that suits your unique needs, such as access to video reviews of their violins, size guides to the violin, and a blog devoted to breaking down everything you need to know about playing string instruments.

Design and Features

The SKY SKYVN201 Violin is designed with beginners in mind. The full-sized 4/4 violin is made up of a solid spruce top, while the back, neck, sides, and scroll are crafted from highly flamed maple wood. The instrument is finished with a layer of oil varnish. The maple wood tailpiece has four built-in metal fine tuners.

There is no setup required to start playing, as the instrument is professionally set up for you. Among the best beginner violin for adults, it comes with all the necessities required to start playing the instrument. You’ll receive a high-quality shoulder rest, rubber practice mute, lightweight and rain-proof violin case, and an Austrian rosin cake. The Brazilian wood bow the violin comes with has a double pearl eye and Mongolian horsetail hair.

Pros

• Rosin is of good quality

• The instrument is ready to play without setup

• Includes built-in fine tuners and a sturdy bow

• One-year warranty, excluding accessories and case

Cons

• Lower quality parts, such as bridge, pegs, and strings
• Reviewers have said the bridge is too think and high

9. Stentor 1500 Student II Series Violin

Stentor, based in China, is among the top violin brands out there. It has a reputation for supplying high-quality, durable, and stable instruments for players of all skill levels. This well-known brand offers affordable hand-crafted violins to help students find quality instruments without breaking the bank. Stentor is one of several acoustic violin brands suggested to students by violin instructors and professional violinists. They offer one of the top options for the best violin for beginners through the Stentor 1500 Student II Series Violin.

Design and Features

The Stentor 1500 Student II Series Violin is an affordable, handcrafted instrument constructed using full ebony fittings, solid maple back, and a fine-grained solid spruce top. It features inlaid Purling, a hardwood chin rest, and a nylon tailpiece look. The alloy tailpiece has four string adjusters as well.

This instrument comes in a full set with everything you need to start playing the violin, such as a lightweight canvas-covered case, an exterior shoulder rest pocket, rosin, and red label strings. The student violin includes an octagonal wood horsehair bow with an ebony frog.

Pros

• Very durable instrument

• Includes real wooden bow

• Complete instrument kit

Cons

• Strings are of low-grade material

• Chinese factory-made components can be hit or miss
• Pegs can be challenging to tune, request aid from a professional

10. Lico 4/4 Solid Wood Acoustic Violin

Lico is a brand that offers a variety of excellent musical instruments, including violins. Suited to beginners and students over the age of 12, this violin is ideal for up to the grade 5 standard. It supplies comfort, elegance, and high quality simultaneously. The brand follows 128 strict procedures, including material selection and scraper, as well as a 90-day production cycle.

Design and Features

The Lico 4/4 Solid Wood Acoustic Violin is carved by hand from quality maple sides, backs, and necks, as well as a solid spruce top. The sides feature beautifully inlaid purfling with an antique varnish, offering a warm and deep tone. The instrument is elegant and classic in appearance and color.

Once your instrument arrives, all you need to do is set up the bridge, tune the strings, and apply rosin to the bow. The strings are durable and long-lasting with the amplitude to produce a broad range of sounds. The instrument includes a carrying case, rosin, and a traditional horsehair bow.

Pros

• Set up is simple and easy

• An affordable and good-quality instrument

• Clear and stable sound

Cons

• Pegs can slip, but the issue is fixable
• No extra strings or shoulder rest

11. Vangoa Acoustic Violin

Established in 2017, Vangoa offers a broad range of quality musical instruments, such as those created by qualified Chinese brands as well as their in-house brand. These instruments offer excellent value for a beginner violinist to find a solid violin.

Design and Features

The Vangoa Acoustic Violin is among the best beginner violin for adults. This full-size instrument uses high-quality materials, such as spruce for the top and maple wood for the backs, sides, and neck, all brushed with antique varnish. The bridge will need to be assembled before it can be played, which may give new players pause.

However, you can request aid from a professional or follow along with an informational video. There are several accessories included, such as a lightweight hard case, a mobile app-compatible tuner, and a self-adhesive pickup. This lightweight instrument produces a clear sound when played. The violin’s bow is crafted from Brazilwood and uses unbleached horsehair.

Pros

• Produces excellent quality sound for such a low price

• Comes with a spare set of strings

• Easy tuning with an electric tuner

Cons

• Bridge needs to be set up before playing
• Violin case is softshell, offering limited protection

12. ADM VLP11 Series Violin

Another violin produced by All Days Music, the ADM VLP11 Series is a beginner and intermediate instrument. The online store is renowned for its affordable prices and high-quality string instruments. Expert luthiers hand-carve this beautiful violin.

Design and Features

The VLP11 Series Violin is a full-sized instrument crafted from solid spruce and maple woods. These are hand-carved for maximum quality and stability. It is brushed over with natural oil finishing for a more professional and classical appearance.

Besides, the finishing is dust-proof. Tuning is an easy process due to the ebony Inia pegs, which are designed to avoid slippage. Also, the violin comes with a Brazilwood bow with white horsehair. It produces a warm sound that projects quite well.

Pros

• Good for beginners and certain advanced stages

• Affordable price

• Sturdy but lightweight violin case

Cons

• No shoulder rest included
• Stock strings are low quality

13. Cecilio CVN Acoustic-Electric Violin

The Cecilio CVNAE Violin is an electric violin modeled after the Cecilio CVN-300, which is also on this list. This instrument was specifically designed to cater to completely new violinists. Whether you’d like to play in your room or on a stage, this violin offers versatility and functionality that can’t be easily matched.

Design and Features

The CVNAE is crafted with ebony fingerboard and fittings, a solid spruce top, and solid maple wood back and sides. The materials used to create the body produce an exceptional tone when played, as well as boosts the durability of the instrument. It is finished with a glazed varnish that comes in metallic black, antique varnish, and pearl white.

The CVNAE kit comes with some crucial accessories, such as a Brazilwood bow complete with unbleached Mongolian horsehair, high-quality rosin, an AUX cord, and a deluxe plush-lined hard case. The instrument also comes with a shoulder rest, which features soft rubber feet and foam padding.

Pros

• Produces rich, warm, and vibrant sound

• Unique colors to choose from

• The sound resonates well due to the spruce top

Cons

• Does not come with replacement strings

• Stock string quality is not the greatest
• Some reviewers have had issues with staying in tune

14. Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Violin

Franz Hoffmann violins are expertly crafted in China. The brand is exclusive to SHAR Music, which is a trusted violin dealer in North America. These instruments are exceptional for up to intermediate-level players, though most frequently they are used by beginners. One of the things that people love the most about Franz Hoffmann’s violins is the affordability.

Design and Features

The Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Violin is made with ebony fittings, a spruce top, and a maple back. Its tailpiece is constructed of carbon fiber, which serves to boost durability. It also features an ebony fingerboard, ebony wood Guarneri-style chinrest and pegs, and built-in fine tuners.

The Amadeus Violin by Franz Hoffmann supplies everything you could need to start playing right away, such as a Toshiba-shaped case and an A. Schmidt workshop bow. It is a 3/4 size violin, which is typically ideal for children from 9-12 years old with arms up to 21.5 to 22 inches in length. Smaller adults may use this instrument as well.

Pros

• Comes with Overture premium strings

• One-year warranty with a 30-day no-hassle return policy

• Includes SHAR mini rosin

Cons

• Not available in various cool colors
• Some shops may sell without accessories or case

15. Costzon Sonart Beginner Violin

The Smart Beginner Violin by Costzon strives to provide an affordable and high-quality instrument for students as young as 12 years old, as long as their arms are 23 inches or longer. While the instrument is primarily marketed to children who are just beginning to play the violin, it is among the best beginner violin for adults as well!

Design and Features

The Smart Violin is made entirely from hardwood, which is built through several processes to produce bright and shiny wood. Carved by hand, the instrument has a smooth surface with a visible wooden texture that boosts the violin’s strength. The top is crafted from spruce wood while the back and sides are of maple wood, which lends durability and sturdiness to the violin. It is finished with a high gloss varnish. It produces a loud and stable sound when played.

Pros

• High-quality rosin

• Durable and sturdy materials

• Superior acoustical properties

Cons

• No extra strings
• Does not include shoulder rest

16. Paititi Artist-100 Violin Starter Kit

Paititi MUSIC offers quality instruments at affordable prices. It is related to the Sky Music brand violins discussed previously on this list. While Sky focuses more on Western musical instruments, Paititi incorporates minor instruments and accessories.

Design and Features

This full-size instrument is made using solid maple wood for the body, fingerboard, and other components with a smooth chestnut brown finish. The tailpiece has four built-in alloy fine tuners. The stock strings are Paititi Violin strings, which feature a solid steel core to create a warm and vibrant sound. The starter kit comes with a variety of accessories, such as a round stick Brazil-wood bow, lightweight case, and ultra-accurate clip-on tuner.

Pros

• Comes with Paititi Clip-on Tuner, which makes tuning a breeze

• Thick foam shoulder rest

• High-quality materials

Cons

• The case is poor quality
• No spare strings

17. Aileen VG103 Solidwood Ebony Violin

Aileen Music brings over 25 years of experience to the table. With this one-stop shop, you can peruse a variety of high-quality violins that are suited to any skill level. The brand is among the world’s top 225 musical products suppliers, ranked by Music Trade Magazine. Founded by Ms. Aileen Gu in 1993, Aileen Music offers a plethora of musical supplies, including the Aileen VG103 Ebony Violin, which is an excellent starter violin.

Design and Features

Hand-carved from Sapele and spruce wood, the Aileen VG103 Solidwood Ebony Violin is a full-sized 4/4 instrument that is ideal for beginners and students who aren’t certain how long they’ll continue to play the violin. The backs and sides are made from Maplewood with a beautifully carved scroll and top inlay. The instrument has a glossy varnish for a classy, antique look.

The instrument has durable and humidity-resistant strings, as well as Parisian eye pegs crafted from ebony wood. Using D’Addario strings, the Aileen VG103 produces a warm and bright tone that can extend throughout the room.

Pros

• Comes with D’addario strings

• Hard-shell and waterproof violin case

• Adjustable shoulder rest with soft foam padding

Cons

• Does not include spare strings
• Can be challenging to tune at first

18. Carlo Lamberti Sonata Violin

It is one of the several brands that are promoted by SHAR Music. Carlo Lamberti is considered one of the topmost trustworthy and reliable violin brands. While the brand can be a tad more expensive for a novice violinist, the instruments are ideal for anyone with beginner to advanced beginner skills. Many violin instructors consider Carlo Lamberti’s violins to be among the best for learning to play. This instrument is ideal for students who are more serious and committed to building their violin skills.

Design and Features

The Carlo Lamberti Sonata Violin is constructed from maple, spruce, and ebony woods and features a gorgeous spirit varnish. The chinrest is ebony Guarneri style, while the tailpiece contains four built-in fine tuners. The instrument produces a beautifully rich tone that can help students better understand tone development.

While this violin isn’t often recommended for beginners, it can help them build their skills more readily, such as tone consistency and fast passage. There are five size options to choose from, including full-size 4/4, 3/4 size, and 1/8 size, so anyone can play.

Pros

• Affordable advanced violin

• Excellent sound projection

• Uses premium fittings and Thomastik Vision strings

Cons

• Pricier for beginners, but allows students to advance more readily

• Not a locally produced instrument
• Does not include accessories

19. Mendini MV300 Violin

Mendini is among the most affordable violin brands out there. It is ideal for lower-grade violinists and beginners, allowing them to find a good quality instrument without breaking the bank. Mendini violins were crafted explicitly to supply budding musicians with access to good, but cheap string instruments. The violins are machine-made, but that doesn’t reduce their quality.

Design and Features

The Mendini MV300 is possibly the best violin for beginners who are on a budget. It is ideal for encouraging younger children to learn an instrument. The full-size instrument is made with spruce and maple woods. It is strung using steel-core Cecilio brand Violin A-strings, which are of decent quality for a new player. The tailpiece contains four built-in fine tuners. The instrument may need some additional fine-tuning and adjustments upon arrival.

Pros

• Antique satin appearance

• Comes with accessories like a spare violin bridge, Brazilwood bow, and a hard case

• The solid maple back and spruce top are hand-carved

Cons

• Not much in the way of quality control
• Extra layers of paint and varnish from non-standard colors can muffle sound quality

20. Explore Music New Violin Starter Kit

The Explore Music brand provides beginner violinists access to affordable full-size violin starter kits that can provide a stable instrument to practice with. The violin is handmade and hand-carved by professionals who follow strict production procedures. It is one of the best options available to beginning students.

Design and Features

The New Violin Starter Kit comes with a handcrafted 4/4 violin made from natural hardwood. There are multiple processes used to create the violin to ensure that it is sturdy and free of deformities. The top is made of maple wood, while the back, neck, and sides are crafted from basswood. The instrument has a smooth, clear surface thanks to the fine polish and glossy varnish. It is strung using a basic set of violin strings and comes with a standard-length Arbor bow with white horsetail hair. It produces a loud and stable sound.

Pros

• Tuner makes tuning violin easy

• Decent quality instrument

• Affordable price

Cons

• Does not include extra change of strings

• Rosin is of low quality

• Loose pegs and wires

Best Beginner Violin for Adults

Among the instruments covered in the above list, there are several that are ideal for adults who are just beginning to play the violin. For example, the Bunnel Pupil Violin is ranked among the top best starter violins for adults, as it provides a beautiful sound, high-quality strings, and a full-size instrument. You can take your time to explore your options before coming to a decision.

Keep your auditory preferences in mind while you shop around for the best beginner violin for adults. Whether you opt to shop online or in person, you’ll have opportunities to compare the sounds produced by the violins that appeal to you the most. You can play the instrument at the store or search online for videos. Consider reaching out to friends or mentors who have experience with buying or playing instruments to learn more about how you can find the best violin for beginners.

Best Violin for Beginners: F.A.Q.’s

Q: What is the best starter violin for beginner students?

Any of the violins listed above are well-suited to beginner students, as well as those who have mastered novice techniques. It may seem daunting to select an instrument, especially if you’ve never engaged with violins much in the past. Luckily, this guide provides an excellent starting point to give you a leg up as you search for the best starter violin for beginners.

Q: What kind of accessories should I buy alongside a violin for beginners?

When you’re learning a new instrument, it’s important to have the right accessories and tools to prepare yourself for progress and success in your lessons. There’s a variety of extras that every beginner needs to put their best foot forward with a good beginner violin.

Shoulder Rest

A key necessity is the shoulder rest, which is kept tucked between your shoulder and chin while you play the violin. This accessory helps keep your violin in place without sleeping and without harming your shoulders. An adjustable shoulder rest allows you to achieve your best results by accommodating your preferences.

Tuner

A tuner is invaluable to your collection of violin accessories, as it helps you to determine whether your instrument is in tune. You can get a physical tuner, which is electric and lights up different colors depending on the string’s tune, or an app. Consider investing in a metronome, as this can help you with tempo.

Rosin

You can’t play even the best violin for beginners without rosin. To create the beautiful sounds produced by violins, you need friction and to achieve friction, you need rosin. Rosin is a form of resin extracted from pines and other coniferous trees.

This resin is particularly hard and sticky, allowing it to grip the strings of your violin and create the clear vibrations necessary to play music on your instrument. As time moves on, the rosin can build up into messy, dusty residue on your fingerboard and strings, resulting in unpleasant screeching when played. A soft cloth is just the thing to save your instrument from the horror of rosin build-up.

Violin Humidifier

Humidity and dryness are no joke. If the air is too dry, a good beginner violin can become damaged, such as cracked or otherwise harmed. Likewise, too much humidity can cause your strings to stretch out, leaving them constantly out of tune. Luckily, there is a solution. You can use a violin humidifier like the Dampit to keep the humidity levels right for your instrument. If your strings are taking the brunt of the humidity, you can invest in a peg compound or peg dope. A peg compound lubricates your pegs, which prevents them from slipping by increasing the friction levels.

Spare Strings

An extra set of violin strings can be a lifesaver. Everything faces wear and tear. Your strings can even snap in the middle of using them. A spare set of strings will help you readily navigate this issue as it arises.

Violin Case

Finally, a violin case is indispensable in helping you protect and care for the best violin for beginners. You can choose between soft and hard violin cases, which are each beneficial for different purposes. For instance, if you plan on traveling with your instrument frequently, you may prefer to purchase a soft case. However, a hard case can offer more protection against objects that may fall on top of the case.

Q: How can I be sure to choose a good beginner violin?

Selecting the best starter violin for you or your student can take time. Thorough research is an invaluable component of weeding through a wide range of different violins that you can choose from. However, there are some key things that you can keep in mind to help you be certain that you’re choosing the right violin.

The most important aspect of the best violin for beginners is the craftsmanship and quality of the instrument. The chosen materials influence the kind of sounds that a violin can produce. There are many different kinds of wood used to craft fine violins, such as boxwood, rosewood, maple, and ebony. Old-growth trees from high altitudes offer harder and denser wood, which produces a stronger and more durable body. Aim to buy an instrument that is made with solid woods like spruce and maple.

Other crucial factors to keep in mind are the strings and other accessories that come with your chosen violin. Beginners should aim for perlon or synthetic core strings, which can stay in tune longer for longer practice sessions. A good bow can help you get the best sounds from your instrument. The ideal bows for beginners use carbon composite and carbon fiber, which offer a combination of strength and agility.

Q: What size violin should I get?

Just as people come in all shapes and sizes, violins are crafted in a range of sizes to ensure that anyone can play the violin that suits their body proportions properly. There are nine different sizes, ranging from 1/32 to 4/4. These sizes align with different ages and measurements. Let’s briefly look at each size.

1/32 Violin:

The 1/32 violin is the smallest size available. It is 13.5 inches in length, allowing students with arms up to 14 inches long to play comfortably. It is suited to players from the ages of 1 to 3 years of age.

1/16 Violin:

1/16 is the next size up, measuring a total of 14.5 inches for arm lengths of 14 inches. This violin size is primarily for students from 3-5 years old.

1/10 Violin:

From there, we move on to the 1/10 violins, which are 16 inches long and built for students from 4-5 with arm lengths of 15 inches.

1/8 Size Violin:

The next size up is the 1/8 size violin. This one is 17 inches and played mostly by students from 4-6 years old. It suits arm lengths up to 18 to 18.5 inches.

1/4 Violin:

Players from 5 to 7 play the 1/4 size violin most often, which is 18.5-19 inches in length. It is ideal for arm lengths of 18-18.5 inches.

1/2 Size Violin:

The 1/2 violins are for ages 7-9 and arm lengths up to 20 inches. These size instruments measure 20.5 inches.

3/4 Violin:

Next are the 3/4 size violins, which are primarily for students from ages 9 to 12. It is 21 inches in length making it suitable for arm lengths of 21.5 to 22 inches.

7/8 size Violin:

While the 7/8 size violins are not as commonly played, they are well-suited to anyone who has smaller than average hands. They measure up to 22.5 inches for arms up to 22 inches in length. It can be more challenging to find the best violin for beginners in this size, but most shops may be willing to keep an eye out for you.

4/4 Violin:

Finally, the 4/4 size violin is known as the full-size violin. They measure 23 to 23.5 inches to accommodate arm lengths of 23 inches or longer.

When selecting a violin size, keep in mind that you’ll need to consider many physical traits to choose the correct size. For instance, you’ll want to factor in the length and size of your left hand’s fingers, the length of your neck, the shape of your jaw, and the width of your left palm. If you can, consider going to a local instrument shop and holding different violin sizes to find the one that feels the most comfortable.

Typically, as long as you are five feet, you’ll be able to play using the full-size violin. However, some people have smaller hands or arms, which may require a smaller size instrument. The right size violin will allow your wrist to curve upward to wrap around the scroll while you play. Using a violin that is too large for your size can make it challenging to learn and uncomfortable to attempt to play, so be sure that you take the time to find your measurements while you search for your starter violin. As a bonus tip, if you or your student are between sizes, you should always go for a smaller size and upgrade to a larger on when ready.

Q: What should I keep in mind when selecting the best starter violin for beginners?

When you shop for a violin, be sure that you don’t fall into the trap of buying an instrument for the brand name. It’s common for a popular brand name to prompt a mark-up in the price, despite the low-quality craftsmanship and materials. One thing to consider is to get opinions from people you know or look up to who are familiar with the process of buying an instrument. They can offer insight that you may not be able to find anywhere else.

Q: What is the difference between beginner, intermediate, and advanced violins?

While there is no universal standard for these three categories, luthiers and manufacturers have their standards for each level of the violin. Some general guidelines can help you with your search for the best starter violin.

Beginner Violins

Typically, starter or student violins use lower-quality woods, less handcrafting techniques, and plastic components, such as the chinrest or tuning pegs. These are built to be more affordable, making them the best violin for beginners who would like to learn but aren’t sure how long they’ll play. These often range from $100 to $800.

Intermediate Violins

A slightly more advanced student may be more interested in finding a slightly more professional violin without forking over the cash necessary for a truly advanced instrument. While some shops don’t offer this category, it can be beneficial to someone who is advancing their skills and interested in playing long-term.

Advanced Violins

Advanced violins are professional-level instruments. They are hand-crafted from cold-grown and slow-dried woods by an expert luthier. These violins will be finished with features like a wooden tailpiece, detachable tuners, and an ebony fingerboard.

Q: How much should I spend on my first violin?

Overall, the amount that you should spend on the best starter violin for you will depend entirely on your budget, the intent you have behind buying the instrument, and some other factors. There are many brands and makes that can appeal to any budget, ranging from as low as $35 for a beginner violin, $200-$500 for an intermediate one, and upwards of $8,000 for a professional-grade instrument.

It’s common to feel compelled to try to buy the best-sounding or most interesting-looking violin and call it a day. However, fight that urge and take the time to think about the reality of your situation. Compare the violin that you’re interested in with your budget and how often you plan to play it. For instance, if you’re experimenting with playing the violin, you may want to stick to a $100-200 budget. If you plan to play more seriously, you may be more willing to invest in the best violin for beginners.

Q: Should I buy a violin in a store or online?

Many benefits come with either way of shopping for the best violin for beginners. Here, we will take a quick look at the pros and cons of each option to help you determine which one would work best for you.

Online

Online shopping can be a particularly convenient way to find a great starter violin. You can peruse a broader selection of violins, which can help you find the best fit for you. Ultimately, you’ll want to be sure that the site you are purchasing through is reputable and authorized for violin sales. Before buying anything, check reviews of the retailer and look at the Better Business Bureau for more information about the retailer. When you shop online, you can easily compare prices, and features, and read reviews on instruments.

There are some challenges associated with online shopping. For instance, you can’t pick up and play the violin to get an idea of how it sounds or feels in your hands. Some online stores supply video sound samples upon request or include a variety of videos that detail the features and qualities of the instrument. Also, some shops offer trials and refunds. When shopping online, exercise caution and be sure that you do your research first.

In-Person

If you choose to go to a physical store for a good beginner violin, you can enjoy the first-hand experience. You can walk through the door and experiment with the different violins that are on display, allowing you to find the most comfortable size for you. Again you can play around on the instrument to get an idea of the sound quality as well, which can make a difference in your choice of the violin. You may fall in love at the first note you hear. While shopping at a physical location, don’t forget to look at the instrument’s finish, as well as the rosin, strings, bow, and case.

Q: Should I know anything about caring for a violin before I buy one?

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensuring that you can get the most out of your new violin for beginners. Forgetting to support and care for your violin can cause many issues, so it’s important to be sure that you’re taking the time to keep it in optimal playing condition.

For instance, a sturdy and high-quality violin case can keep your instrument safe as you travel, whether you’re simply taking it down the hallway or gearing up for a performance. Look for a case that has plenty of padding to cushion the violin without rubbing against it.

Rosin Care:

Every time you play your instrument, your rosin will leave behind rosin dust, which is a white powder that can cause stickiness and dirt to build up. Eventually, this can damage your varnish, leaving your instrument lackluster and dull.

When you’re done playing, clean, and wipe the strings and body using a lint-free, soft cloth. You can cut down on the amount of cleaning required by making sure that you don’t put too much rosin on your bow, which can create a harsher, scratchy sound due to the friction created by the bow and string. Using more rosin than necessary can reduce the lifespan of your bow’s hair, which can be an expensive replacement.

Bow Care:

Of course, every so often, you’ll need to get your violin’s bow re-haired. The frequency at which you will need to do this will depend on how often you play your instrument. For example, a violinist who practices for about four hours daily will need to re-hair their bow at least twice a year. You’ll know your bow is reading to be re-haired when you begin losing a lot of bow hair while you play.

String Care:

Maintaining the strings on the best beginner violin for adults can help your strings last. To clean your strings, you’ll need to loosen them slightly before using a soft cloth to remove dust. Carefully wind the strings, as any irregularities can damage your pegbox.

Never ignore or avoid problems in your violin. By neglecting to fix early signs of wear and tear, these issues can become more complicated and pronounced. By maintaining your instrument, you can keep it producing the beautiful tones you’ve come to expect while retaining its market value. If you ever are uncertain about an issue with your violin, seek out assistance from an expert in violins, such as luthiers, to avoid causing further damage to your instrument.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the best starter violin for yourself, it ultimately will come down to your unique requirements and preferences. This experience is a personal one and plays out differently from individual to individual. While this list serves as a great starting point, I can’t tell you which of these is the ideal instrument for you. And your options for the best violin for beginners are certainly not limited to this list.

Shopping for the best violin for beginners can be a challenge, especially with the overwhelming amount of information you need to know to make an informed decision. For instance, you’ll want to consider the different materials used for the strings, how the wood can impact the sound quality and depth, and whether you’d prefer name-brand or hand-carved instruments. It’s important that the violin that you buy suits your or your student’s style.

While you search for the violin for the beginners of your dreams, keep your budget and purpose in mind. If you’re not certain that you’ll continue playing violin for the long term, keep your sights set on more affordable instruments. However, if you feel committed to building your skills as a violinist, you may be more willing to shell out more for a higher-end violin.

Armed with the information covered in this guide to finding the best violin for beginners, you can feel confident as you compare instruments and brands. Trust your gut instincts about a manufacturer and be sure to look through plenty of reviews about brands or retailers that you aren’t certain of. Your violin purchase is important. Whether you’re buying a good beginner violin for yourself or a younger student, you don’t need to rush your decision.