Best Violin For Beginners And Intermediate Students

Violins are one of the most beautiful and the most difficult stringed instruments to master. However, the learning experience can be very nurturing and rewarding once you see yourself getting better at playing it. This instrument dates back to the 16th century and has played a pivotal role in western classical music.

best violin for beginners

The violin's sound is dynamic and can invoke a wide range of emotions within the musical piece. From Rimsky Korsakov's upbeat and energetic 'Flight of the Bumblebee' to Tchaikovsky's soulful yet heartbreaking 'Violin Concerto Op.35: the second movement', the violin can portray human vulnerability excellently.

Best violin for beginners is one of the instruments that you should be buying online. It is safer this way since most violins come with warranties and it would be easier to return in case of defects. Make sure to double check on the violin size that fits you because there are a lot of options to choose from online. To reduce confusion, I am going to list some of the best violin for beginners.

10 BEST VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS REVIEW

1. MENDINI MV300 - BEST FULL-SIZE VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS

 Mendini - best violin for beginners

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Hand-carved Solid Spruce Top.
  • Maple Back and Sides.
  • Maple Fingerboard, Chin rest and Pegs.
  • Aluminum Alloy Tailpiece with four integrated tuners.
  • Brazilwood bow with Mongolian horsehair.

The Mendini MV300 is a full-size violin kit for beginners and practicing violinists. It is a 4/4 size elegant beauty with a traditional design and comes with a hard case, two bridges, an extra set of strings, adjustable shoulder rest and some rosin.

The top is made of solid hand-carved spruce and the chin-rest has an alloy tailpiece with four tuners. The pegs are also made of maple.

This violin is not a cheaply made toy; the sound quality is pretty impressive. It has a bright and vibrant sound, which is pleasant to the ear. It might not be comparable to high-end professional violins but it is perfect for people who are just starting to learn. I feel that not many violins can deliver this kind of sound at such a low price.

The MV300's adjustable shoulder rest is well-padded with foam so that you can practice for extended periods with less cramping. The bridge is at a normal height so that you do not have to apply excessive pressure to touch the strings to the fretboard.

The bows are made of brazilwood with unbleached Mongolian horsehair. The rosin has a light glaze on it so that it does not get powdered. MV300 receives a lot of hate, which is unfair. This is a best violin for beginners, so if you expect too much, you would be disappointed.

Pros

  • Sleek color and design.
  • Beautiful tone for its price.
  • Standard size.
  • Case is sturdy.

Cons

  • Build quality is not up to the mark.


2. CECILIO CVN-300 - BEST 4/4 SIZE VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS

 Cecilio CVN-300 - best violin for beginners

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Solid Spruce wood Top.
  • Aged Maple Back, Neck and Sides.
  • Maple Fingerboard, Chin rest and Pegs.
  • Tailpiece with 4 detachable nickel plated fine Tuners.
  • String: D'Addario Prelude Strings.
  • Brazilwood Bow with Mongolian Horsehair.

If you are on a budget, this best violin for beginners is your best choice. Cecilio has been producing affordable yet quality instruments over the years. They care about their customers and tailor instruments, keeping their satisfaction in mind before anything else.

The Cecilio CVN-300 comes with a hard case, two brazilwood bows lined with Mongolian horsehair, a shoulder rest, a chromatic tuner and a lesson book. Imagine all of that in one package! a real steal, am I right?

The violin has a traditional build made of spruce and maple wood. The tuners are durable and easily removable so don't worry if you turn it a bit too hard. The ebony fittings complement the antique shade of the violin, making it look classy and elegant.

The subtle yet rich antique varnish completes the beauty of this violin. The strings are of good quality and provide the right amount of tension.

The tone produced by Cecilio CVN-300 is warm and soothing to the ears. So even if you are a beginner trying to play amazing Grace, you would sound pretty neat. The case is brilliant and, surprisingly, you can get this for free with the violin.

The hardshell case comes with storage compartments, a matching blanket and bow holsters. It offers a good amount of protection to endure bumps and bangs. It is a good violin and provides a well-packaged outfit that other brands of this range would fail to provide. 

Pros

  • Cost-effective.
  • Aged wood ensures durability and reliable sound quality.
  • No need to buy a separate chromatic tuner.

Cons

  • The strings can easily snap.



3. Bunnel Pupil Violin - BEST 1/2 SIZE VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS

 Bunnel Pupil - best violin for beginners

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 1/2 (Half Size).
  • Solid Spruce Top.
  • Solid carved Maple Back and Sides.
  • 100% natural Ebony Fingerboard, Chin rest and Pegs.
  • Tailpiece with 4 detachable Nickel plated fine Tuners.
  • String: D'Addario Prelude Strings.
  • Ebony Bow with high-grade Mongolian Horsehair.

Usually, you will not have high expectations from a student level violin. It typically elicits an assumption of a below-average construction and mediocre sound quality. However, the Kennedy Pupil violin has a pleasant surprise waiting for you inside the box. It is a well-crafted violin, meeting all the MENC recommended specifications.

The solid maple back, neck and side and a spruce front make it look classy. Most manufacturers will claim that they have used pure ebony fittings. But most of the time, they are usually 2nd or 3rd-grade ebony. Kennedy's Bunnel Pupil violin does not scam its customers.

They make the fittings with 1st-grade ebony, giving it a premium touch. The entire body of the violin is varnished with hand-rubbed oil stain, giving it a satin finish. The violin is fitted with steel strings for better durability. The bow is carved out of pure brazilwood and horsehair.

As for the sound, I am at awe. It has a beautiful, deep and resonating sound with almost no distortion. Kennedy does not even compromise on the quality of the violin case! Inside the hard-shelled case, you will find a plush velour lining, a spacious compartment for accessories and strong velcro straps to secure the violin.

Additionally, you will receive a full set of Portland Violin strings, Giuliani Rosin and a soft string cloth. Can you ever find all of these features in other student-level violins? I guess not! So grab this best violin for beginners.

Pros

  • All-in-one outfit.
  • Warm and resonating sound.
  • Meets MNEC suggested specifications.
  • Holds the tune well.

Cons

  • Slightly expensive than other beginner violins.




4. VANGOA Full Size - BEST ELECTRIC VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS

Vangoa - best violin for beginners

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Maple Wood Body.
  • Mahogany Fretboard.
  • Solid Maple Head, Pegs and Chin Rest
  • Carbon fiber Tailpiece with 4 detachable fine Tuners.
  • String: Steel Strings.
  • Brazilwood Bow with unbleached natural Horsehair.

Here's something different for you in this best violin for beginners list, if you want to switch over to electric from acoustic. Vangoa is one of the most affordable entry-level electric violins in the market. It is made of quality material with a mahogany fretboard, solid maple head and a carbon fiber tailpiece.

The chin rest and tailpiece includes pearl inlays. It is fitted with steel strings to make it durable and provide a powerful sound. The Vangoa kit provides great functionality for violinists of all experience levels to practice efficiently.

The violin is in a stylish black color with a glossy finish. It has an output jack to connect to PA systems and amps to allow you to perform on-stage. You can connect headphones to the headphone jack for practicing. It is easy to tune this violin if you use a mobile app.

This is especially useful if you live in a small apartment and want to play the violin without disturbing your neighbors. Additionally, it comes with volume control and a microphone input. It is unusual to find electric violins providing batteries.

But with the Vangoa electric violin, you will receive a 9V battery to save some money on purchasing one separately. Additionally, upon purchase, you will receive accessories like headphones, audio cable, extra strings and a padded case.

Pros

  • Elegant and sleek design.
  • Beautiful pearl inlays.
  • Easy to tune.
  • Perfect starter kit for novices.

Cons

  • The bow hair is irregular.



5. SKY VN201 - BEST MAPLE WOOD VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS

 SKY - best violin for beginners

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Maple wood body.
  • Maple Wood Fretboard.
  • Solid Maple Purfling, Pegs and Chin Rest.
  • Aluminum Alloy Tailpiece with 4 built in fine tuners.
  • String: Steel Strings.
  • Brazilwood bow with unbleached Mongolian Horsehair.

The SKYVN201 is a full-size violin coming at a price tag of less than $100. It is black, which adds a gothic feel to it. This best violin for beginners has a handcrafted solid spruce top and highly flamed maple sides, back and neck. The pegs, chinrest and fingerboard are made of maple, while the tailpiece is made of aluminum alloy with four fine tuners.

The bow has a unique double pearl eye with unbleached Mongolian horsehair. It also comes with high-quality strings and a lightweight rubber mute.

This rubber mute will allow you to practice without creating too much sound. So practice away into the dead of the night! The sound of the violin gives off a bright and pleasant tone and is decent for a beginner. However, it does come with several shortfalls. One of them is that it is not ready-to-play out of the box.

You have to set things up correctly and tweak some parts before you start playing. The most frustrating part is that the bow is fragile and can easily fall apart. Also, the rosin is of cheap quality and feels dry and barely applicable. All-in-all, it is a decent violin kit if you are not too nitpicky.

Pros

  • Good price.
  • Decent sound.
  • Rubber mute makes it easy to practice.
  • Strings are nice and durable.

Cons

  • Needs a lot of setup before playing.



6. ARTALL 4/4 GLOSSY PINK VIOLIN

 ARTALL - best violin for beginners

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Handcrafted Basswood Top, Side and Back.
  • Maple Wood Fretboard.
  • Mono Maple Neck.
  • Whitewood Chin Rest.
  • Tailpiece with 4 built in fine tuners.
  • String: Alloy Steel Strings.
  • Sandalwood Bow with genuine Horsehair.

The ARTALL 4/4 violin has a handcrafted basswood back, sides and top. The neck and headstock are made of maple. The chin rest is made of whitewood and finally, the bow is carved out of sandalwood and horsehair. Additionally, the outfit includes extra strings, a bridge, rosin, a tuner and a cleaning cloth.

This best violin for beginners needs to be set up before playing so do not expect to jump into practicing right after buying it. The bridge needs to be set as it comes unattached. The pink color is cute and the children would probably love it. It sounds decent. It looks pretty and is inexpensive. It is a good option if you can't spend too much money.

Pros

  • Looks pretty.
  • The glossy finish gives it a nice shine.
  • Very inexpensive.
  • The case is sturdy.

Cons

  • Setting it up is painstaking.




7. EASTAR EVA-330

 Eastar EVA-330

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Spruce Wood Top. 
  • Maple Wood Side and Back. 
  • Maple Neck.
  • Date-wood Tailpiece with 4 Wood-Tuning Knobs.
  • String: Aluminum Strings.
  • Brasilia wood Bow with unbleached Mongolian Horsehair.

Violins often come at a high-price and investing so much on an expensive instrument when you are playing the violin as a hobby is not smart. EVA-330 is a good budget violin.

The sides and the back are constructed of solid maple with a spruce top. The EVA-300 has an inlaid copper wire which protects the wooden body. Moreover, it looks better than the painted lines.

I love the traditional aged look of this violin. The fine adjustment knob and bridge is a bonus. The outfit comes with an extra set of strings, an extra bridge, two bows with Mongolian horsehair, a Donner DT-2 tuner and finally, a hard case. It sounds good, compared to other violins of this price.

Tuning is difficult but you can watch online tutorials for that. It is a suitable violin for those trying to buy their first instrument and are just testing the water.

Pros

  • The tuner is helpful.
  • Solid wood construction.
  • Inexpensive.

Cons

  • Rosin is not good.



8. AMAZON BASICS AZMV005 - BEST BUDGET VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS

 AMAZON BASICS AZMV005

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Solid Spruce Top. 
  • Solid Maple Side, Neck and Back. 
  • Ebony Fingerboard, Chin rest, and Pegs.
  • Metal Tailpiece with 4 Metal Knobs.
  • String: Aluminum Strings.
  • Solid-Wood Bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian Horsehair.

Amazon Basics has a reputation for selling everything from stationery to household items. However, Amazon Basics is now selling violins? How cool is that? They launched this full-size solid wood student violin ideal for beginner players aged 11 years and above.

The back, sides and neck are made of maple and the top is composed of solid spruce. It is value for money with few shortfalls.

The rosin is unusable, the bow is not of good quality and the strings are not durable. It is a good pocket pinch deal and will suit beginners and students. Overall, it has good features in it and has managed to get into this best violin for beginners list.

Pros

  • Pocket-pinch deal.
  • Suitable for older children and adults.
  • Finish is beautiful.
  • Decent sound.

Cons

  • Strings are not durable.




9. KINGLOS YWA1005V - BEST HANDCRAFTED VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS

 Kinglos YWA1005

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Solid Spruce Top. 
  • Solid Maple Side, Back and Scroll.. 
  • Ebony Fingerboard, Chin rest, and Pegs.
  • Ebony Tailpiece with Four integrated Fine Tuners.
  • String: Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy String.
  • Brazilwood Bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian Horsehair.

The Kinglos YWA1005 starter kit offers a decent violin setup for beginners. It has a solid spruce top with maple back, sides and scroll. add strength, stability and offer sound-enhancing properties. 

You can get this violin with a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, Ebony fingerboard, and jujube pegs, chin rest and adjustable 1/2 - 1/8 size alloy tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners to keep your violin always tuned. If you don't mind replacing parts, then this is a decent violin, considering the standard.

Pros

  • Soft foam padded shoulder rest.
  • Extra strings.
  • Good for adults and children.

Cons

  • Price.



10. JM FINGER FULL SIZE VIOLIN

 JMFinger

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Size: 4/4 (Full Size).
  • Basswood Top. 
  • Solid Maple Side and Back. 
  • Redwood Fingerboard and Bridge.
  • Ebonized Chin rest, and Pegs.
  • Metal Tailpiece with Four integrated Fine Tuners.
  • High-Quality Wood Tuning Knob.
  • String: Aluminum Alloy String.
  • Brazilwood Ebony Frog Bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian Horsehair.

The JM Finger's 4/4 size violin is made of plywood with flame veneer. The hardwood fingerboard, ebony pegs, metal tailpiece, and maple bridge form the violin's standardized structure. The finish is done with natural oil, which is different from the thick lacquer gloss finish.

It looks more natural and professional that way. It's a good entry-level violin and is fairly easy to set up and tune, thanks to the electric tune. The sound is mediocre at best but will do well for a learner. The price is cheap and the violin is decent, so why not try it out?

Pros

  • Oil finish is natural.
  • Tuning is easy.
  • Rosin is of good quality.
  • Cheap.

Cons

  • Not good for serious practice.




CONCLUSION

Playing the violin is a rejuvenating experience. But you can't just buy the first violin you lay your eyes on, just because it is cheap. You need to balance out the cost and the features. Keep in mind the material, the size and the bow quality. The violin that you are buying should be compatible with your skills and level of experience.

Moreover, take care of your instrument. A concert violin will sound as bad as a toy violin if you don't maintain it. Last of all, enjoy your musical journey with the best violin for beginners.

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