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 –Best Overall
- Pyle 3/4 Size Beginner Violin Starter Kit – Most Popular
- Paititi 4/4 Full Size Artist – Violin Starter Kit – Best Budget
- Cremona SV-1260 First Violin – Best High End
- Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Violin
- CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin
- Mathias Thoma, 4-String Model Beginner Violin Review
- D Z Strad 101
Buying Great Violins for Beginners
As I mentioned earlier, 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 Violins for Beginners in 2023
1. Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin Review – Best Overall
- 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 excellent. 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
Final Thoughts on the Cremona SV-175 Violin
This is an excellent choice for a beginner violinist. If you’re serious about learning the instrument, I’d say it’s okay to spend a little extra, especially if you’re an adult (your arms aren’t getting longer soon). Plus, you’ll love hearing its tone change as you progress!
2. Pyle 3/4 Size Beginner Violin Starter Kit Review – Most Popular
- 3/4 VIOLIN STANDARD SIZE: This violin is great for all ages but mostly recommended for ages 5-7 years old for its 3/4 size. It also features high quality piano code, double F control uniform symmetry,...
This Pyle violin is undoubtedly one of my favorites, especially since it is 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 months of free online lessons.
It’s an excellent choice for a beginner, a kid just starting their journey, or an advanced fiddle.
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 nuts. 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!
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 beginners’ violins. It sounds excellent, and if you learn to play with a violin aimed at more advanced players, you’ll probably advance much quicker.
3. Paititi 4/4 Full Size Artist – Violin Starter Kit Review – Best Budget
- 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 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. 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 few 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.
4. 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 has 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. 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’m a bit of a hypocrite 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
One of the most beautiful violins for beginners with a rich and incredibly resonant sound
Final Thoughts on the Cremona SV-1260 Violin
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.
5. 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 reasonably 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 more delicate 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 Violin
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.
6. CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin Review
- Great Violin For Beginners: The beginner violin is an ideal stringed musical instrument for any student who has dreams of playing music. The set includes all the necessities to start learning how to...
With a comprehensive package, it offers everything you need to embark on your musical journey with confidence. This violin is not just an instrument; it’s an invitation to explore the world of music with style and substance.
Body & Neck
The design and construction of the Cecilio CVN-300 violin are true works of art. Its beauty is undeniable, beginning with the shape of its body. The precisely built solid spruce and maple back create a sturdy instrument with rich, powerful tones. It becomes an actual work of art thanks to the varnish finish and the exquisite inlaid purfling, which lend a touch of elegance. The ebony fingerboard pegged chin rest, and tailpiece add to the instrument’s opulent appearance and provide a relaxing and fun playing experience.
Bow & Hardware
You can be sure you won’t miss any violin lessons or performances if your violin equipment includes two bows. These expertly made bows excel at delivering loud, even tones. The adjustable shoulder rest also gives you support and comfort during those extended practice sessions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music. A metronome and chromatic tuner are also essential for beginners since they make maintaining accurate pitch and rhythm simpler.
Sound
Impressive sound quality is one of its most notable characteristics. Its deep, rich, and strong tone exceeds beginner violin expectations due to its solid wood construction. The D’Addario Prelude strings with the violin improve its resonant tone.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top and maple back
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude strings and a chromatic string tuner with metronome
- Bow: 2 bows
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Extra bridge
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Pegged chin rest, and tailpiece
The Cecilio CVN-300 violin: Where artistry meets resonance, and every note becomes a masterpiece.
Final Thoughts on the Cecilio CVN-300 Violin
The Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin is an exceptional choice for beginners and students. Its exquisite craftsmanship, elegant design, and rich sound make it a worthwhile investment for anyone pursuing their musical dreams. It would make the perfect gift for a prospective violinist.
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
- A favorite among Suzuki and other private teachers
Let’s end with a bang, shall we? The D Z Strad 101 is one of the incredibly popular violins 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 one from the best violins 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 from the best violins 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:
- 10 Best Violin Tuners In 2023 -Standard & Clip On
- 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?
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.