If you’ve been searching high and low for the perfect violin for your child, I’m happy to say you’ve found the right place!
There are plenty of violins available online these days, but the variety doesn’t make choosing one any easier.
Maybe you’re a seasoned violinist, hoping to encourage your kids to play as well, or maybe you’ve never touched a violin in your life!
Either way, I’m here to help you narrow things down and choose the perfect fiddle for your little one.
Here are the best violins for kids I could find!
Snapshot: 7 Best Violins for Kids
- Bunnel Pupil Violin
- Louis Carpini G3 – Most Expensive
- Stentor 1400
- Eastar EVA-2 Kids Violin – Least Expensive
- Eastar EVA-3 Kids Violin
- Antonio Giuliani Etude
- Antonio Giuliani Primo
Shopping for a Great Violin for Kids
So, you’ve just had the “mommy, I want to play the violin” conversation, right?
The only thing is, you don’t know the first thing about violins… Well, maybe you do but it’s been a good few years since you were a beginner yourself and things have changed since then!
The online violin world has definitely changed since I was a kid, that’s for sure. On one hand, you don’t want to spend too much money in case they lose interest but, on the other hand, you know cheap violins probably aren’t the best quality.
This is where I come in.
When buying a new violin online, I always recommend buying from well-known brands with quality craftsmanship. However, I know not all of us have the budget for the high-end models. So, I’ve thrown a few cheaper options in there too (some are even under $100 – bargain!).
By the time you’ve read this blog, you’ll know exactly what violin to buy your little one! Oh, but remember to get the right sized violin.
You can figure out which size you need by measuring your little one’s arm!
The Best Violin for Kids in 2024
1. Bunnel Pupil Violin Review
- [HIGH QUALITY] Our customer service team is on hand to answer ANY question and to help with your stringed instrument! Kennedy Violins is proud to offer the highly rated Bunnel Pupil violin in an...
Here’s an example of an amazing brand that offers some great beginner models. The Bunnel Pupil Violin from Kennedy Violins is a personal favorite of mine. It’s really well crafted, it sounds great and it’s not going to break the bank!
Body & Neck
If you’re completely new to violins, you probably have no idea what makes a good one. They’re complicated little instruments, I’ll tell you that much! Basically, we’re looking for some good quality, seasoned tonal wood and a nicely carved body and neck.
This one is made from solid spruce and maple which is a great sign from the outset. That does, however, mean you’ll need to look after it properly. Tonal woods can warp from too much humidity or heat. I’d recommend leaving your violin out of sunlight. Maybe in a cupboard to make sure it’s extra safe.
Bow & Hardware
The Bunnel Pupil Violin comes with a nice brazilwood bow. It’s not the best one in the world, but it will certainly do the job for your kid. When kids are first starting out, they are usually taught how to pluck the strings first, so they probably won’t even need the bow for a while.
If they’re really young, I’d maybe put the bow away somewhere so they’re not tempted to play around with it. They’re pretty delicate things! I used to throw mine around like a Frisby when no one was looking…
Sound
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why buy a violin that sounds great when they’re just learning? It seems like a bit of a waste, right? The thing is, kids who learn to play on a high-quality instrument will probably progress sooner. I’ve taught quite a few kids in my time, so I’ve seen first hand what a great sounding violin can do for their learning experience.
If the violin itself doesn’t sound good, when they do something right they aren’t getting any positive reinforcement.
Does that make sense?
I hope so… Anyway, this lovely little violin has a beautiful warm, mellow tone. It has the potential to sound really great when your kid progresses.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fretboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude Strings, ebony tuning pegs, and fixed fine tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood bow strung with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Custom made by Kennedy Violins
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
Final Thoughts on the Bunnel Pupil Violin
The Bunnel Pupil Violin is a pretty safe bet. It’s durable, well-crafted and it sounds great. I think it would be suitable for both young and older kids. Also, Kennedy Violins offer a money-back guarantee. So, even if you decide it’s not the one for you, you can always send it back.
2. Louis Carpini G3 Violin Review
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The Louis Carpini G3 is another brilliant option from Kennedy Violins. It’s a little bit pricier, so it’s the perfect violin for devoted kids who will definitely stick at their new hobby.
Body & Neck
So, you can probably tell that this violin looks a bit more expensive. That’s what I like to see! The Louis Carpini G3 has a gorgeous antique coloring thanks to the oil varnish. I know it’s tempting to go for one of those really glossy models. However, the thick lacquer actually makes the violin sound a bit “tinny”.
It takes away from the woods’ natural tone. So, when you see “oil varnish” that’s always a great sign. The difference between the Carpini G3 and the Bunnel Pupil Violin (aside from its looks) is that it offers better playability. I’d say it’s slightly easier to move between the strings due to the way the neck has been carved.
Bow & Hardware
This violin comes with independent-style fine-tuners. That basically just means they’re removable. If you’re wondering whether to go for a violin with fixed or removable fine-tuners, I usually recommend going for the removable ones. However, if your child is really young, maybe stick with a fixed tailpiece. You know what kids are like, they’ll fiddle with them until they fall out!
Sound
The Louis Carpini G3 has such a lovely, rich tone. It has amazing resonance and really great volume too. I know it’s maybe a little too soon to tell, but if your kid’s quite competitive, buying a model like this is probably a good idea. Competitions are great for motivating your child to practice more! Plus, the quicker your child progresses, the sooner you’ll have to upgrade.
So, if you already know they’re going to be dedicated, you’ll cut costs in the long run by getting a better quality violin to begin with.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fretboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude Strings, ebony tuning pegs, and independent-style fine tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood bow strung with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Custom made by Kennedy Violins
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
Final Thoughts on the Louis Carpini G3
I think the Louis Carpini G3 is definitely worth the money if you know your kid will be dedicated to learning. Maybe they’ve already had a few lessons, or maybe you already bought a cheap violin to test the waters. Either way, if you’re pretty certain they’re not going to quit any time soon, the G3 is your best bet.
3. Stentor 1400 Violin Review
- Featuring carved solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides
Here’s another more affordable option. Although it isn’t quite on par with the options from Kennedy violins, the Stentor 1400 is still a great starter violin.
Body & Neck
In case you’re confused, this violin is also known as the Stentor 1. It’s still made from lovely spruce and maple tonal woods, they just haven’t been aged for quite as long. The aging process is what gives your violin its tone. Usually, more expensive violins have been aged for 30+ years, so you can see why the price is so steep.
A lot goes into making a great fiddle! So, although the Stentor 1400 hasn’t been aged for so long, it’s still hand-crafted, which makes all the difference. The purflings (those little lines around the outside of the body) have been inlaid as well, which is great.
Bow & Hardware
When you’re buying a more affordable violin, you have to be willing to compromise in some areas. However, it’s good to know when it’s okay to compromise! Usually, violins are fitted with ebony (for the fingerboard, chinrest, and pegs) but the Stentor 1400 has rosewood fittings instead. That’s OK, it just means an upgrade may be needed sooner than expected.
Rosewood isn’t quite as strong as ebony, so the tuning pegs might slip a little more as well. At least they look pretty! The Stentor 1400 doesn’t come with very good strings. So, it might be a good idea to spend an extra $10 or so on some good quality ones from D’Addario.
Sound
The main difference between this model and the more expensive violins for kids is that it’s not quite so smooth. It still has quite a nice, warm tone, but moving between notes and strings can sound a little disjointed. I’d say this is a great model for learning technique, though. It still has great playability and offers lovely vibrations, so your kid will still be able to get to grips with how things should feel.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with a rosewood fretboard
- Strings & Tuners: Red label strings, rosewood tuning pegs, and independent fine-tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood bow strung with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Nylon tailpiece with a rosewood chinrest
Final Thoughts on the Stentor 1400
I think the Stentor 1400 has everything you’d need for a first violin but it is just that – a first violin. Your kid would probably need an upgrade pretty soon, depending on how quickly they progress. However, if you’re shopping for a young child, then I’d say this is the best option. You’ll be surprised how quickly they grow out of their first violin! So I wouldn’t spend too much until they’re at least 10/11 years old.
4. Eastar EVA-2 Kids Violin Review
- The Eastar EVA-2 4/4 quarter violin is made of spruce wood panel, maple back board and side plate with inlaid in antique varnish. This is primary practitioner friendly product, the fingerboard is...
Speaking of kids growing out of things way too quickly… I know the thought of spending over $100 on a violin that your kid may or may not like is a bit daunting. So, I thought I should probably add in a few “burner” options. Okay, I’m joking, they’re not that bad! In fact, they’re quite good.
Body & Neck
I know what you’re thinking… “You said no gloss!” Don’t worry, I’m not a hypocrite. This fiddle may be glossy but it doesn’t actually sound that tinny. You definitely couldn’t tell it was under $100 from looking at it, anyway. It has a really nice antique varnish and inlaid purflings. Not bad, ay? I mean, it’s not the best-crafted violin I’ve ever seen, but it will definitely do the job.
Bow & Hardware
Okay, so there is a downside. Unfortunately, the fittings on cheap violins are always a bit hit-or-miss. The Eastar EVA-2 has blackened rosewood tuning pegs, which slip quite a bit. Although, It’s important to note that it takes time for the strings to be broken in on any new violin.
Also, unlike the models from Kennedy Violins, you will have to set the bridge up yourself. This is pretty tricky, so make sure you follow along with some detailed instructions. Don’t worry, you’ll be a pro when it comes to all things violin related soon enough! I know my parents were…
Sound
This violin’s sound quality definitely isn’t amazing. However, it’s probably one of the best I’ve heard that’s under $100. It sounds quite sweet and pretty but it’s a little bit muffled (but muffled isn’t exactly a bad thing when your kid’s learning to play the violin… trust me). All in all, it’s not quite as rich or as smooth as the more expensive models, but it does the job for practicing positions.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top, laminate maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, pearwood fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Eastar violin strings, pearwood tuning pegs, fixed-in fine tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood bow with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Pearwood
- Bridge: Eastar
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Aluminium tailpiece, pearwood chinrest
Final Thoughts on the Eastar EVA-2
The Eastar EVA-2 isn’t not going to win awards any time soon, but it does the job for the early stages of learning. When your kid starts their lessons, the first few are all about learning how to hold the violin and getting to grips with the right posture. Therefore, the EVA-2 is a great starter violin. Plus, it doesn’t sound half bad.
5. Eastar EVA-3 Kids Violin Review
- The Eastar EVA-3 3/4 violin is made of spruce wood panel, maple back board and side plate with inlaid in antique varnish. This is primary practitioner friendly product, the fingerboard is inlaid with...
If you like the sound of the Eastar EVA-2 but want something that might last your kid a bit longer, try this one. The EVA-3 is pretty gorgeous considering its price. Plus, it has the potential to sound pretty great.
Body & Neck
Unlike the EVA-2, this one has a lovely matte varnish. I think that’s what gives it a bit more of a mellow tone. These Eastar violins have laminate backs and sides but that’s not really the worst thing in the world. Laminate wood is much easier to maintain because it’s virtually unbreakable.
Neither temperature nor humidity will be getting in your way anytime soon! This one might be a good option if you’re a little worried about the maintenance. Plus, it will look darn good hung up on the wall if your kid gives up. I know we should have faith in them, but there’s nothing wrong with having a plan B!
Bow & Hardware
I love that these Eastar violins have the finger positioning all mapped out. If you don’t have the budget for private lessons they’ll come in really handy! Learning scales is a lot easier when you know where to put your fingers! Why not buy a few online lessons, or find a good violin teacher on YouTube and see how your kid gets on with that first? That way, it’s not so much of an investment.
Then, if they really enjoy themselves and improve, you could reward them with a better quality model! Positive reinforcement is the way to go. I’d be lying if I said I don’t still reward myself with chocolate every time I learn a new composition…
Sound
The EVA-3 sounds much the same as the EVA-2 but it’s quite a bit smoother. It still has that bright, playful tone but I think it’s just a little more pleasing to the ear. At the end of the day, your kid probably won’t know the difference between a really good sounding violin and a cheaper one if they’re still pretty young.
They’ll just be happy to have something new to play with! In fact, disguising learning as play is a great way to keep them interested. The great thing about this violin is that it does have the potential to sound quite lovely, so your child will still feel that sense of achievement when they hit the right note!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top, laminate maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, pearwood fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Eastar violin strings, pearwood tuning pegs, independent-style fine tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood bow with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Pearwood
- Bridge: Eastar
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Aluminium tailpiece, pearwood chinrest
Final Thoughts on the Eastar EVA-3
I’d say the EVA-3 is a bit of a step up from the EVA-2. Let’s just say it has a little bit more potential in the sound department. Both of the Eastar violins are great for learning finger positions, but if you’re after something a little more durable I’d go for this violin.
6. Antonio Giuliani Etude
- [HIGH-QUALITY] Our customer service team is on hand to answer ANY question and to help with your stringed instrument! Kennedy Violins is proud to offer this highly rated Antonio Giuliani violin in an...
Back to my beloved Kennedy Violins. This Antonio Giuliani Etude beginner violin would make the perfect gift for your kid. It will definitely last, so if they’ve already had their growth spurt, this violin is for you.
Body & Neck
Look, no laminate wood in sight! What a relief… I’m just kidding but the difference between a violin made from good quality tonal wood and one made from laminate is pretty severe. It’s definitely a good idea to go for a cheaper violin if you’re not sure how committed your kid will be. However, they will have a much better learning experience with something like the Antonio Giuliani Etude violin. I mean, it just sounds fancy, doesn’t it?
This violin has such a beautiful oil varnish that’s just shiny enough to catch your eye, but not so glossy it looks plastic (man, I’m picky). Plus, its flamed two-piece back would make any kid happy. I remember when I got my first upgrade, it was a gorgeous flamed little fiddle and my teacher told me it had “tiger stripes”. Boy did I love that violin!
Bow & Hardware
Don’t worry, you won’t have to set this one up yourself. The Antonio Giuliani Etude violin comes professionally set up with everything optimized for a student player. Now, this violin could be either a beginner violin or an intermediate instrument. I’d recommend it for any kid who maybe already has musical knowledge, so you know they’ll pick a new instrument up pretty quickly. It’s set up to the National Musical Education Standards, so there will be no nasty surprises when it arrives!
Sound
This is where you see the real difference between a beautiful, hand-carved violin and a cheap starter one. This one has such a smooth, sophisticated tone, it’s really quite beautiful. Unfortunately, the violin is one of the hardest instruments to learn. So, your kid could easily get frustrated when things don’t sound quite right.
It’s a great idea to buy them a violin with a gorgeous tone. That way, they won’t just learn to hear when the notes are right, but they’ll feel the vibrations as well.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fretboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude Strings, ebony tuning pegs, and fixed fine tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood bow strung with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Custom made by Kennedy Violins
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
Final Thoughts on the Antonio Giuliani Etude
I think it’s worth buying your kid a good-quality violin like the Antonio Giuliani Etude if it’s within your budget. They’ll have a much better learning experience and it will help to keep them motivated. When hitting the right note sounds really good, they’ll want to do it again and again!
7. Antonio Giuliani Primo
- High-quality—Kennedy Violins is proud to offer this highly rated violin in an outfit with bonus accessories. Our customer service team is on hand to answer ANY question and to help with your...
I had to add the Antonio Giuliani Primo model to this list of violins for kids because it is absolutely one of the best. So, let’s end these reviews on a good note with one of my favorite beginner fiddles!
Body & Neck
One of the reasons I love this violin so much is because it’s incredibly light. Holding up a violin is harder than it looks. Combine that with using a bow and you’ve got a full-blown workout! Although kids’ violins are pretty tiny, they can still be really heavy. A lightweight fiddle makes learning wrist and finger positioning that bit easier. The Antonio Giuliani Primo violin has a pretty slim neck, making the playability even better. I know it doesn’t seem like these little things will add up to much but the key is in the details, my friends!
Bow & Hardware
We’ve got 100% ebony fittings – yay! The Antonio Giuliani Primo also comes with some D’Addario prelude strings which are absolutely fantastic. It’s good to know you won’t have to change them up straight away. This model is incredibly durable and that’s partly why I always recommend it to parents. As long as your kid doesn’t have a growth spurt, they won’t need an upgrade any time soon!
Sound
This violin sounds just as warm as it looks. It’s really pretty, I love how rich and mellow it is. I think Kennedy Violins is the best for scouting out some amazing violins for beginners. In terms of sound, you’re better off buying you kid a violin that’s more on the mellow sound.
They’re just a bit more forgiving (if a violin could ever actually be described as forgiving). Screeches and squeaks are completely normal sounds to be made by a beginner, but mistakes won’t sound quite so shrill when they’re playing this violin. Sometimes, that’s all you can ask for when you’re buying a violin for your kid!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top with maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck with an ebony fretboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude Strings, ebony tuning pegs, and fixed fine tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood bow strung with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Custom made by Kennedy Violins
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
Final Thoughts on the Antonio Giuliani Primo
As I said, this is one of my favorite violins for kids. It makes such a difference if you learn to play with a really nice, mellow sounding violin like this one. Plus, it’s super lightweight, so your kid will have to think of another excuse other than “my arms are sore” to stop practicing…
Your Kid Will be a Pro Violinist in No Time!
Whether you’ve got a massive sum of cash or a small budget to spend on your kid’s new violin, I hope I’ve helped you find the perfect one.
Thanks to the internet, money isn’t so much of an issue when it comes to learning an instrument. There are affordable violins for everyone!
I know what you’re thinking though… Where are the bright colors?
You probably thought the perfect violin for your kid would be something that looks more like a toy.
Well, I think that’s a common mistake. It’s the thick colorful paint that often makes violins sound shrill and metallic so I’d stay away from the bright ones at all costs. You’ll thank me when it doesn’t sound like a cat is dying in your kid’s bedroom!
They’re going to be a pro violinist in no time.
Further Reading:
- 9 Best Violins Under $5000 (Premium Quality)
- 8 Best Violin Cases In 2024 (Beginners to Pro’s & All Budgets)
- Best Violin for Professionals In 2024 (7 Instruments in a Range of Budgets)
- 6 Best Intermediate Violins In 2024 (Across Multiple Budget Ranges)
- 7 Best Violin Mutes In 2024 (All Under $20)
Fiona is a musician and writer. When she’s not working, she’s either playing the ukulele or finding another instrument to add to her collection.