Have you been hustling online for the perfect violins for beginners? Look no further because you’ve found the right place to help you.
Whether you’re a parent shopping for your child or an adult looking to learn a new skill, my comprehensive list of the 8 best violins for beginners has got you covered.
With thousands of beginner violin models on the market, searching for the perfect one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
But fear not! I’ve scoured the market and compiled a list of the top violins for beginners in 2023, covering all price ranges.
As a result, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and start playing in no time.
So let’s get started!
Snapshot: 8 Best Violins for Beginners
- Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin – Most Popular
- Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin
- Cremona SV-1260 First Violin – Best High End
- Pyle 3/4 Size Beginner Violin Starter Kit – Best Budget
- D Z Strad Model 509
- Paititi 4/4 Full Size Artist – Violin Starter Kit
- Mathias Thoma, 4-String Model Beginner Violin Review
- D Z Strad 101
Buying a Great Violin for Beginners
As I mentioned earlier, so many violins for beginners are available online.
Back in my day (lol, I was channeling my grandad there), you’d go to the music shop and rely on a salesperson to guide you in selecting the perfect violin. However, shopping online can provide more options and better value for your money. The only catch is that you need to know what to look for!
Don’t worry. That’s where I come in.
Luckily, I’ve been in the violin-buying game for a while now, so I know exactly what makes a brilliant fiddle.
Here’s my checklist: the violin has to be well crafted, it’s got to be made of excellent materials, and, most importantly, it’s got to be made by a brand I know and trust.
Also, don’t worry if you end up purchasing an “intermediate” violin. Sometimes the lines between what suits an intermediate player and a beginner can be a little blurred.
Now that you know what to keep in mind, let’s dive deeper and discover the best violins for beginners.
Best Violin for Beginners in 2022
1. Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin Review
- Music Inc. Magazine reviews SV-175 as "designed to meet the needs of beginning and advancing students."
Cremona makes some excellent violins for beginners. They’re a little pricier, but I always say they’re worth the investment. It’s essential to learn to play a good quality violin. That way, you can tell the difference between your mistakes and the instruments!
Body & Neck
I love Cremona violins so much because they’re incredibly well-crafted instruments. When it comes to violins, they should be made of solid spruce (for the top) and solid maple (for the back and sides). Many of the too-cheap instruments you see on the market are made of a horrible laminate material. They seem plastic or “tinny” and aren’t worth the pennies they cost.
So, although choosing an affordable option for your first violin may be tempting, I’d suggest looking into a slightly more reliable model like this one. A good violin will make all the difference to your learning experience. The last thing you want to lose confidence in is your first session!
Bow & Hardware
The Cremona SV-175 has all ebony fittings, which is great. Ebony is the most durable material for fingerboards, pegs, and so on (I won’t bore you with the details!). Given that, it’s unsurprising that this violin is a favorite among beginners.
It has amazing playability and is MENC (National Association for Musical Education) certified. So, it’s definitely a winner in my books. It also comes with a lovely J. La Salle LB-13 Brazilwood bow which is more than you need as a beginner!
Sound
The Cremona SV-175 has such a beautiful tone. For a beginner’s violin, it sounds incredibly sophisticated. It’s really vibrant yet pretty mellow too. I think it’s essential to find a violin with a casual tone when you’re starting. Anything with too much edge could easily sound dodgy as you get to grips with your intonation.
The violin can make some very screechy sounds, especially when you’re in the first stages of learning. So, I think an instrument with a violin can (sometimes) counteract those squealy noises!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top, maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude strings, ebony tuning pegs, and independent fine tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
A beautiful violin with an even better tone, perfect for an adult learner
Is the Cremona SV-175 a good violin for beginners?
This is a great choice for a beginner violinist. If you’re serious about learning the instrument, I’d say it’s ok to spend a little extra, especially if you’re an adult (your arms aren’t getting longer any time soon). Plus, you’ll love hearing its tone change as you progress!
2. Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin Review
- Cremona's top selling novice violin for more than 10 years; check out the new video
If you have your heart set on a Cremona violin but can’t quite afford the SV-175, don’t worry, there’s another option. The Cremona SV-130 is a great alternative that won’t break the bank. While I typically recommend this model to players upgrading from their first dodgy “burner” violin, it’s also an excellent choice for beginners who want a quality instrument.
Body & Neck
You have to admit. This is a beautiful violin. I love its light-colored varnish! Although I have been known to buy violins purely because they look good, the light varnish is pretty functional, too (not just a pretty face). Scratches and dents don’t show up as boldly on lighter violins. Yeah, before you freak out, it happens… You may, at some point, nick the finish of your violin. They’re pesky little things sometimes! Your bow might go haywire and scratch the surface. So, if you’re a little clumsy like me, you may want to go for a more forgiving model.
Bow & Hardware
Nothing wrong to report here! We’ve got all ebony fittings and independent-style fine-tuners – my two must-haves! Hang on, I’ll explain myself. You’re probably wondering what the heck independent-style fine-tuners are, right? Those little metal things on the tailpiece make tuning up much more manageable.
A slight nudge on one of the pegs could send your string an octave too low (genuinely, I’m not exaggerating for once). Your best bet as a beginner is to tune your string as close to its note as possible, then use the fine-tuners to get right on point!
Sound
Like the SV-175, this violin from Cremona has a gorgeous, rich tone. It’s resonant and has enough volume for playing in groups. The only downside is it’s not relatively as smooth sounding as some other models. However, your playing isn’t exactly going to be silky at the start, so this isn’t an issue when it comes to violins for beginners.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top, maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude strings, ebony tuning pegs, and independent fine-tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: French-made Aubert
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
A gorgeous Cremona violin, perfect for beginners with a tighter budget.
Final Thoughts on the Cremona SV-130
For those seeking affordable violins for beginners without sacrificing quality, the Cremona SV-130 is definitely a good option. It boasts the iconic, mellow “Cremona” sound that makes playing a joy while still fitting within a tighter budget. Its only flaw is its variable sound when moving between the strings, but for the price, it’s great for those just starting their journey with the violin.
3. Cremona SV-1260 First Review – Best High End
- Clarity and volume come with a handcarved, properly graduated, select solid spruce top
We’re upping the price tag a bit here, but bear with me. I know some of you reading this will be looking to invest more. Plus, spending extra on a new hobby will motivate you to practice.
Body & Neck
Wow, just take a look at the Cremona SV-1260. It’s easy to see why this violin comes with a higher price tag. Its beautiful design and high-quality finish give it an air of elegance and sophistication that’s hard to resist. It’s like when you want to start running, so you spend a fortune on new running shoes. Then, you feel guilty if you’re not out jogging every morning. Believe me, splashing the cash is sometimes a necessary evil.
Anyway, let’s talk about craftsmanship. The Cremona SV-1260 has the best playability!
Its neck is perfectly shaped for optimal movement in hand, and when you learn to play in the second position, you will thank me. Regarding its body, I’m pretty speechless (which is not like me). I love how you can see the grain of the wood through its varnish. That’s a Cremona trademark if you’ve ever seen one!
Bow & Hardware
I know I’m a bit of a hypocrite here because the SV-1260 has boxwood fittings rather than ebony. However, boxwood is the one exception to my rule. Some say boxwood fittings aren’t as durable as ebony ones. Maybe they’re right, but I’ve never seen one break. Plus, I prefer how they look (don’t tell anyone I said that!).
This violin only has one fine-tuner on the E string, which might concern beginners. But don’t worry; it’s easy enough to tune the others with your pegs. The E string is the only one that will test your patience!
Sound
The resonance this violin has is unreal. Seriously. While you’re getting the hang of using your bow, you probably won’t be able to create much volume. So, it’s always good to know that the sound you do make will ring out nicely. It honestly sounds just as beautiful as it looks, in my opinion. It’s so mellow and rich, with just a touch of brightness.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Solid maple sides and back, spruce top
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Solid maple neck with an ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Anton Breton VNS-150 Perlon strings, VP-14 fine-tuners, ebony tuning pegs
- Bow: LB-17 J. LaSalle Brazilwood bow
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Cremona
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Sacconi-style tailpiece
The most beautiful violin for beginners with a rich and incredibly resonant sound
Final Thoughts on the Cremona SV-1260
I think it’s pretty apparent how much I love this violin. Learning to play such a beautiful instrument will make your experience that much better. I know it’s a little investment, but it’s still in the “affordable” bracket as violins go.
4. Pyle 3/4 Size Beginner Violin Starter Kit Review
- 3/4 STANDARD SIZE: This plywood violin acoustic fiddle stringed musical instrument is ideal for players kids ages 5-7 years old. It also features high quality piano code, double F control uniform...
This Pyle violin is undoubtedly one of my favorites, especially since it is obviously made of high-quality materials and comes with a complete starter kit! It includes everything a beginner needs to start playing the violin, like an extra set of strings, a bow, a clip-on digital tuner, a shoulder rest, a premium travel case, and a cleaning cloth. It also comes with a unique promo code that you can use to redeem two-month free online lessons.
It’s an excellent choice, whether for a beginner, a kid just starting their journey, or an advanced fiddlist.
Body & Neck
The Pyle Beginner Violin has a plywood body with visually pleasing flame veneer on the top, back, and sides. Its neck is an elegant illustration of dyed hardwood, featuring a carbon fiber tailpiece, ebonized pegs, and nut. Aside from its looks, my favorite thing about this violin is how light it is, weighing only about 1.5 pounds. It has a smooth finish, with an overall of 90% glossy and 10% matte.
Trust me when I say learning to play the violin will give you some toned biceps. Holding an instrument up with one hand for hours isn’t always a piece of cake. However, if anything, you’ll probably struggle to put this gorgeous, feather-light, flamed violin down.
Bow & Hardware
Ebony is a durable and dense type of wood that resists wear and tear. Luckily, this violin’s bow frog included in the kit is made of ebony. The pull string material is metal; also durable!
The panel material is splint, while the side panel and headstock material are maple. The pegs and nut are ebonized; typically made of hardwood but treated with a black dye to resemble ebony. The carbon fiber tailpiece also serves two functions: enhancing the violin’s durability and keeping its weight to a minimum.
Sound
Although the violin’s sound depends majorly on the skills and techniques of the player, it still can be affected by the violin’s hardware and material. Fortunately, the Pyle Beginner Violin’s components are professionally set up, ready to play in a rich tone and a beautiful resonance!
Honestly, I bought this violin purely because it looked amazing and was an absolute bargain. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I heard how beautiful it sounded.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Plywood body with flame veneer on the top, back & sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Dyed hardwood neck, Maple Wood fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Pyle PLVNV44 violin Stainless Steel strings, clip-on digital tuner with a tuning range of A0 – C8 (27.5 – 4186 Hz)
- Bow: Ebony
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebonized hardwood
- Bridge: Maple bridge with metal pull plate
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Carbon fiber tailpiece and ebonized chinrest
A wonderful, feather-light, highly flamed violin that could motivate anyone to start learning
Final Thoughts on the Pyle Beginner Violin
I think this could easily be a professional violin. I play it now, and I’ve been playing the fiddle for 15-odd years. You’re probably wondering why I’d recommend it to beginners, right? Well, it’s just as affordable as most beginner violins, it sounds great, and if you learn to play with a violin aimed at more advanced players, you’ll probably advance much quicker.
5. D Z Strad Model 509 Violin Review
- Set up by our luthiers with a Rock Maple bridge and Dominant strings
I had to add this D Z Strad violin to the list because every violin teacher I know raves about it. It’s obviously pricey, but it must be worth it if even the pros won’t stop going about it, right? Let’s find out…
Body & Neck
You know it’s good when made from Italian spruce, right? I mean, it’s not just any old tonal wood. Honestly, I always thought the whole “European wood” thing was a bit of a gimmick, but, I have to admit, it does sound better. It has a gorgeous two-piece, lightly flamed maple back, as well.
Remember when I said to pay attention to details so you can see how well-crafted your violin is? Well, how the two pieces have been perfectly book-matched is a great example. I also love that the neck has been lightly flamed. So it blends nicely with the body. It’s just lovely!
Bow & Hardware
I’d say D Z Strad is “the brand” in the violin world. I always recommend their violins because I genuinely trust their craftsmanship and know how durable the instrument will be. Again, this violin only has one fine-tuner on its E string, so you might have difficulty tuning initially. However, if you’d prefer to have the security, you could always fire them over an email when you order and ask them to fit all four.
They’d do it. They’re good like that! Considering its price, I’m disappointed it only comes with one standard Brazilwood bow. It will do the job for a beginner, but we all like getting our money’s worth, right? On the other hand, at least you know every penny is being spent on the violin itself. Other than that, this one’s got the whole package.
Sound
The D Z Strad 509 has a gorgeous, warm, rounded tone. Also, it’s incredibly powerful and refined. You can tell they put much effort into ensuring their models, even the beginner ones, sound perfect. After all, it is much more inspiring to learn to play a beautiful violin like this one.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Aged spruce top and maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck and ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Dominant strings with ebony tuning pegs and one fine-tuner on the E string
- Bow: Brazilwood, Mongolian horsehair bow
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
An exquisite, powerful and beautifully rounded violin, perfect for adult or teenage learners
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad Model 509
The D Z Strad 509 is perfect for adult or teenage learners. There’s not much point in spending a lot of money on a violin for a young beginner. They’d grow out of it and need to upgrade in a matter of months. The D Z Strad 509 is an exceptional violin, though. It would make the perfect gift for a prospective violinist.
6. Paititi 4/4 Full Size Artist – Violin Starter Kit Review
- This is a very beautiful 4/4 size PTTVN101 student violin starter kit that comes complete with one (1) Brazilwood bow, a high quality lightweight violin case and accessories.
Most violin beginners aren’t sure what style of music they’ll enjoy playing yet. They can also feel confused about what essential products to buy first. However, this starter kit has got you covered! It’s perfectly made for beginner Violin players and orchestra students.
The best thing about this violin is that although it’s affordable for beginners, it is constructed with high-quality material! It’s made of natural wood with a stylish smooth, satin finish. The kit includes almost everything a beginner needs: a bow, a case, an extra set of strings, a rosin, and a shoulder rest.
Body & Neck
First of all, I love the antique finish. If there’s one thing Paititi does really well, it’s a beautiful satin finish. It makes a change from the thick lacquer you tend to find on cheap beginner violins. Not only does antique varnish make your violin look a lot more expensive, but it also does wonders for its sound.
The Paititi Artist-100 Student Violin has a solid wood body with beautiful purfling, and I love how the varnish has also been blended seamlessly onto its neck. I know these aesthetic embellishes seem like they wouldn’t make a difference, and a lot of the time, they don’t. However, they are a clear sign of good craftsmanship; sometimes, that’s all you need to know you’re getting a brilliant instrument.
Bow & Hardware
The Paititi Beginner Violin kit includes a high-quality Brazilwood bow designed in a well-balanced way that is easy to handle for beginners. It features a double pearl eye and genuine unbleached Mongolian horsehair, known for durability and resilience.
The hardware on the violin is made of maple wood and includes the fingerboard, chinrest, and fittings. The alloy tailpiece has four built-in fine tuners. So, you can easily adjust your tunes without purchasing additional tools. Its design also enhances the overall sound quality!
Sound
You know it’s not a fair game to compare a beginner violin with an expensive professional-grade one. However, the Paititi Violin produces a decent sound to practice and learn on. It’s much smoother to play than other models.
You probably wonder what I mean by “smooth” in violin terms (I should have explained earlier). A violin with a smoother tone makes transitioning between notes and strings virtually seamless. Your playing may sound a little disjointed when you start, but you’ll know what I mean in a couple of months!
All in all, this violin will surprise you for maintaining a balance between affordability and efficiency!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: The body is made of solid wood with a smooth and satin finish
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple wood; the fingerboard is topped with ebony wood
- Strings & Tuners: Four strings made of steel; the fine tuners are built into the alloy tailpiece
- Bow: A Brazilwood bow strung with unbleached Mongolian horsehair and a double pearl eye
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony wood
- Bridge: Maple Wood
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Alloy
Incredibly mellow and smooth sounding violin
Final Thoughts on the Paititi Beginner Violin
The Paititi Violin is ideal if you love classical music or fancy joining an orchestra. Its sound is incredibly mellow and smooth, so if you like a more serious violin, you’ll love it.
7. Mathias Thoma, 4-String Model Beginner Violin Review
- Fully carved solid spruce top
This violin is a solid choice for beginners looking for an affordable instrument that also doesn’t sacrifice quality, sound, and playability. Its unique strings produce a clear and bright tone that makes it a decent product to try!
Body & Neck
The Mathias Thoma Violin has a fully carved solid spruce top and fully carved solid maple back and sides, which are high-quality materials that provide a warm and resonant sound. The neck is also made of solid maple and is finished with an ebony fingerboard, which is a standard material for professional violins.
Bow & Hardware
The bow’s quality plays a vital role in the output of our practices. So you can feel comfortable whilst using this violin’s Brazilwood bow that offers decent sound quality and durability. The outfit also includes a lightweight German Wittner-style ultra tailpiece, which offers precise tuning. The French Despiau maple bridge is seasoned for better sound quality, and the violin features ebony fittings.
Sound
Whenever you read a ‘violin for beginner’ description, you may directly assume that it’s just an essential product to learn how to play without focusing on the audio output. However, some beginner violins will surprise you with the decent sound quality they offer. Of course, as mentioned, they’re not refined as professional high-grade violins. Still, they are perfect for practice, especially this Mathias Thoma Model with its bright and full tone that is suitable for beginners and intermediate violinists.
The Thomastik Alphayue strings and seasoned French Despiau maple bridge also contribute to its balanced sound.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Strings & Tuners: Thomastik Alphayue strings, German-made Wittner Ultra Tailpiece
- Bow: Fiberglass violin bow
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Seasoned French Despiau maple bridge
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Wittner-style ultra tailpiece, ebony chinrest
A good quality, affordable violin for beginners
Final Thoughts on the Mathias Thoma, 4-String Violin
I don’t think this violin will win an award anytime soon, but it’s definitely the best you’ll get in this price range. It has everything you need as a beginner – a good tone, excellent quality fittings, and a nice bow. The Mathias Thoma Violin is a brilliant option if you’re a beginner or an intermediate dedicated to learning.
8. D Z Strad 101 Violin Review
- Carved top violin made with select tight grain Spruce
Let’s end with a bang, shall we? The D Z Strad 101 is an incredibly popular violin for beginners. It’s one of the company’s more affordable beginner models, but it’s still incredibly well crafted. You can always expect that from good ol’ Strad!
Body & Neck
The thing I love about Strad violins is how wonderfully figured they are. I mean, you’re probably thinking, “a violin’s a violin” but, when you’ve been studying them long enough, you can really see the difference, not to mention hear them. I love how intricately carved the Strad 101 is. You can see just how delicate the F-holes are! I could go on about this fiddle (or any Strad violin) for days. I’ll keep it short and sweet. This is the perfect “middle of the road” violin in price.
Bow & Hardware
Like all Strads, the 101 has a lovely Brazilwood bow strung with genuine, unbleached Mongolian horsehair. Your bow can differ between squealing, quitting, and becoming a pro! Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but a good violin bow makes all the difference when you’re learning. It’s disheartening when your violin starts making crazy noises and you can’t figure out why! Usually, it’s your technique, violin strings, or bow. So, I love that D Z Strad never skimps in that area.
Sound
If there’s one (or another) thing Strad does well, it’s clarity. The 101 has such a beautifully clear tone, it’s to die for. Its tone is really pure, yet still mellow and rounded. You probably have to hear it to believe it!
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
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: D Z Strad
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
A fantastic violin with amazing clarity and a beautifully balanced tone
Final Thoughts on the D Z Strad 101 Violin
Oh, I do love this violin. I genuinely have nothing bad to say about it. It’s not too pricey, not too cheap, and not too mellow or too bright. Did I just become the Goldilocks of violins? I guess so…
Today’s the Day to Learn the Violin!
If you’ve been mulling over picking up a violin for a while, here’s the sign to go for it!
Thanks to companies like Mendini and D Z Strad, purchasing a quality instrument online has never been easier.
Don’t let procrastination hold you back any longer – pick up your violin today and start on the path to musical greatness. I hope this article has given you the motivation to get going.
As a former beginner myself, I can assure you that the journey is rewarding and exciting. Remember to be patient and enjoy the process, and before you know it, you’ll be playing like a pro.
Now that you have chosen the perfect violin for beginners, there’s nothing in your way!
Remember to be patient and enjoy the process; before you know it, you’ll play like a pro. So go ahead and embrace your musical journey – today’s the day to learn the violin!
Happy music-making!
My personal pick for the best violin for beginners
The Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin comes out as the top option after examining the qualities of the ten best violins for beginners.
It boasts a beautifully mellow tone ideal for beginning players, a well-built body composed of solid spruce and maple, and all ebony fittings. The Cremona SV-175 is the perfect attire for starting pupils because it also includes a stunning J. La Salle LB-13 Brazilwood bow.
Even though it might cost a little bit more than some other beginner violins, it is well worth the investment for individuals committed to learning the violin.
Further Reading:
- Best Gifts for Violinists In 2022 – 24 Unique Ideas They Will Love
- Violin Sizes – Find Out What The Perfect Size Violin For You Or Your Child
- Violin Anatomy – What Are The Different Parts Of A Violin?
- Which Wood Is Best For Violin?
- 4 Best Amps For Electric Violins In 2022
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.