Top violins for students – Guide & Comparison
If you don’t have time to do thorough research, but you need to find the best student violin, you’ve come to the right place. After carefully studying several pointers such as customer feedback, expert reviews, and social media activity, we’ve concluded that the Cremona SV-600 is a great choice because it ensures excellent tonality and durability. Designed by one of the best luthiers worldwide, this violin is crafted from fine close-grained spruce and sturdy flame maple. Moreover, the piece is outfitted with a fingerboard and trimmings constructed from Swiss-style ebony. Due to the inlaid purfling, the edges of the instrument are fully protected. Should the Cremona SV-600 be out of stock, make sure you check out the Cecilio CVN-300.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
If you’ve just embarked on the violin journey and you’re looking for a top-notch instrument to allow you to play without any restrictions, this model is worth considering. Designed to deliver excellent tonality, this item is handcrafted with quality materials such as spruce, maple, and ebony to provide a bright and robust tonality. They also offer a rich tone across every string.
At the time of our research, there were no negative reviews regarding this product.
Featuring quality materials and handcrafted exclusively by an expert luthier, this violin is committed to providing a bright tonality and a rich sound.
2nd Best
Handcrafted with quality materials, this full 4/4 size violin is a great choice if you’re a beginner interested in a violin that sounds accurately. Strung with a set of D’Addario Prelude Strings and featuring an ebony fingerboard, a maple back, and a spruce top, this instrument is bound to up your play. Durability is ensured by the materials used. Plus, you get a lesson book for more fun.
The violin does not hold spontaneous cold and heat well as one customer mentions.
Consider this model if you want to level up your experience and get better at mastering this instrument. The materials used ensure durability and sonic accuracy.
Also To Consider
Designed to provide a deep, rich, and powerful tone, this full 4/4 size violin is ideal for beginners interested in exploring the sonic possibilities of this instrument. The unit sports an ebony fingerboard, a spruce top, and a maple back that together will help the player enjoy a powerful sound. With a vintage-like design, the unit promises to last and keep up with extended use.
The product is ideal for beginners and less of an inspired option for more advanced players.
Give this product a try if you are a novice interested in discovering your sonic personality through a violin. The item is said to offer a rich and powerful tone.
11 Best Student Violins (Reviews) in 2021
You can get the best violin for students if you take a look at this list of suggestions we’ve picked out for you based on their reviews and excellent performance.
- 1. Cremona SV-600 Premier Artist Violin Outfit 4/4 Size
- 2. Cecilio CVN 300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings
- 3. Mendini 4/4 MV500 92D Flamed 1 Piece Back Solid Wood Violin
- 4. Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit 4/4 Size
- 5. D’Luca DL 45016 Meister Ebony Fitted Beginner Violin Outfit 1/16
- 6. Anton Breton AB-20 Student Violin Outfit Warm Brown 4/4 Size
- 7. Paititi 3/4 Size Solid Wood Ebony Fitted Violin with Bow Lightweight Case
- 8. Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit Sparkling Red 3/4 Size
- 9. Stentor Student I Violin Outfit 1/8 Size
- 10. Cervini HV-300 Student Violin Outfit 1/4 Size
- Yearly Guide & Report
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Cremona SV-600 Premier Artist Violin Outfit 4/4 Size
A top-notch instrument is the best choice for a violin player because it offers excellent tonality but also the opportunity to develop their skills without any restrictions. This piece is worthy of your attention because it is handcrafted exclusively by an expert luthier.
Also, this violin is manufactured from close-grained solid spruce and features inlaid purfling that protects the edges of the tool. In addition, the instrument comes with a flamed solid maple as well as a varnish finish in an orange shade that was applied by hand.
Every element of this violin is carefully designed to provide a bright and robust tonality.
An essential aspect is that this piece of instrument delivers a rich tone across every string. Moreover, the fingerboard and the trimmings are crafted from durable Swiss-style ebony.
A balanced fiber carbon bow accompanies the product. You can take the violin with you to practice thanks to the oblong case.
Pros
This full-size violin provides excellent tonality and helps you develop your playing skills without restrictions.
Handcrafted by an expert luthier, you will notice the little details and imperfections that make this instrument unique and allow it to sound incredibly clear and accurate. It is made of quality flamed maple wood and features a rich, hand-applied finish for a touch of style and color.
The quality ebony fittings and the fingerboard ensure easy tuning, while the hand-crafted solid spruce and maple body make the violin sturdier and resistant to wear and tear.
The product is delivered with a balanced fiber carbon bow to help you play and pick up the basics.
Cons
Although we appreciate the fact that the violin is delivered with its case, the accessory may not be sturdy enough to provide maximum shock absorption in case of accidents. The handle also feels rather flimsy, so we suggest looking for an additional case.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($499.99)
2. Cecilio CVN 300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings
If you’re a beginner and you don’t know much about violins, you should aim for products that sound accurately. This way, you can improve your music abilities. A tool such as this, crafted by hand, with an ebony fingerboard and fittings might be the ideal instrument for you.
This full 4/4 size violin features a solid top crafted from spruce wood and a back made of maple. Furthermore, the neck and the sides of the tool are outfitted with inlaid purfling and an antique-looking varnish.
Aside from this, the tailpiece of the instrument comes with four detachable nickel plated tuners and a fingerboard crafted from durable ebony. Also, the violin is strung with a set of D’Addario Prelude Strings.
If you want to level up and become a professional violin player, you’ll most likely appreciate the lesson book that is included in the product package. Plus, you can adjust the shoulder rest for a comfortable playing experience.
Pros
Affordable and easy to play, the full-size violin features a solid spruce wood top, while the neck, sides, and back are made of maple and boast an antique varnish for extra style and protection.
The product comes pre-strung with D’Addario Prelude strings, one of the best available on the market currently, so you will never be out of tune.
Crafted by hand by specialists, this violin represents the perfect choice for beginners and those who want to improve their playing technique and skills.
It is delivered with a full set of useful accessories to help you learn more and protect your violin from damage. Amongst the accessories, you will find a quality Cecilio chromatic tuner, two Brazilwood bows, an adjustable shoulder rest, as well as an extra bridge.
Cons
No matter how much you will improve your playing skills, you’ll most likely need a new set of strings every couple of months, so we suggest opting for a set from the same D’Addario manufacturer.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($159.99)
3. Mendini 4/4 MV500 92D Flamed 1 Piece Back Solid Wood Violin
This step-up violin is recommended for all beginners because it comes in a full 4/4 size and features a solid hand-carved 1-piece maple back. Plus, the manual carvings on the top of the spruce are outfitted with a beautiful varnish finish as well as inlaid purfling.
Besides, the violin provides a deep, rich, and powerful tone thanks to its superior tonal quality and exceptional ability to project a powerful sound.
The fingerboard is crafted from ebony. The tailpiece comes with four detachable fine tuners. Also, the fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest are manufactured from ebony.
Moreover, the piece displays an attractive, dark design that looks similar to that of an antique violin. Despite its somewhat vintage looks, the instrument is built to be reliable and long lasting so you can rest assured you will enjoy it numerous years to come.
On top of these features, the violin is equipped with a lightweight hard case to ensure fast and safe transportation.
Pros
Despite its full size, this unique violin is specially crafted for beginners to learn more and improve their playing techniques.
The manual carvings on the top of the spruce feature a beautiful varnish finish, while the overall dark design resembles the one of an antique violin. Therefore, you will be playing an instrument that not only sounds great but also looks classy and elegant.
The product was built to last and is made of reliable and long-lasting wood that resists against wear and tear. Moreover, the violin was specially treated so it will keep its original sound after years.
It is delivered with a full set of accessories, including a useful Cecilio 92D chromatic string tuner and a metronome, the perfect devices for students and beginners who want to always stay in tune.
Cons
Both the strings that are pre-strung on the violin and the extra set are not high-quality, so you may want to exchange them sooner rather than later to enjoy a clear sound.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($179.99)
4. Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit 4/4 Size
When in the market for a student violin, it’s recommended that you get an instrument that meets the necessary educational requirements.
This entry-level violin is preferred by many musicians because it has adequately fitted pegs and a top-notch tailpiece. Plus, the four fine tuners that ensure quick and easy tuning operations are hard to overlook.
You can rest assured that you’ll have an enjoyable and comfortable experience while playing this violin because the low-profile Kaufman type of chinrest along with the oiled neck provide full support for your body.
Also, the bow of this violin is incredibly well balanced so you can play the instrument without exerting too much pressure on the violin strings.
The most notable aspect is that this piece is crafted from a selection of beautiful wood. Because of this, the fittings are made from hardwood, and the spruce is entirely hand-carved. The violin boasts a sparkling color finish.
Pros
Designed for beginners, this violin is easy to play and is made of durable materials that resist tear and wear without changing the original sound in time.
The correct string height, string spacing, and neck relief ensure accurate finger positions and intonation, so you will feel more comfortable when you’re playing.
The hand-carved spruce and maple body, together with the hardwood fittings, provide easy tuning and rich, clear sounds.
The product is delivered with a beautiful hard case with green velvet cushion to absorb shocks and prevent damage in case of accidents. The case also features a sturdy handle and is made of lightweight materials to ensure increased portability.
Cons
If you’re in the market for an affordable item to begin your practice, this violin might be your answer but only in the short term. Although the overall construction of the violin is good and the sound delivery is on-point, the product comes with terrible bows that you will have to replace within weeks.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($139.99)
5. D’Luca DL 45016 Meister Ebony Fitted Beginner Violin Outfit 1/16
Picking out a violin requires a great deal of attention, especially if you’re a beginner. This instrument will help you develop your playing skills in the future so it must meet the specific needs that beginner students have. So, take a look at the features of this ebony fitted violin because you won’t regret it.
The spruce top is carefully hand-carved as well as the solid maple back and sides. Also, the violin presents a beautiful varnish finish with inlaid purfling.
You’ll most likely appreciate the fact that the pegs, the chin rest, and the fingerboard are crafted from quality ebony.
In addition to these, this instrument is outfitted with four fine nickel tuners and a Brazilwood bow that boasts an ebony frog.
You can take this violin everywhere you desire due to the lightweight hard case that features pockets and an adjustable strap. The bow and the rosin are included in the product package.
Pros
Available in various sizes to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their age, this D’Luca violin is perfect for practice.
The ebony-fitted product features a carefully hand-carved spruce top, together with solid sides and back made of maple. These wood choices will make the violin sturdy and resistant to tear and wear.
The chin rest, fingerboard, and the pegs are all made of quality ebony to ensure a unique, clear, and sharp sound every time you play the violin.
The product is delivered in a lightweight hard case that will protect it from shocks, humidity, prolonged sun exposure, dust, dirt, and accidental spills, so you can rest assured it will remain in perfect condition for a long time from now on.
Cons
As with many similar items sold for affordable prices, the problem is not the product itself but the accessories it comes with. This violin features a low-quality bow that will, most likely, require immediate replacement.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($149.95)
6. Anton Breton AB-20 Student Violin Outfit Warm Brown 4/4 Size
If you’re a violin student and you want to continue on this career path and become a great musician, you need to understand the importance of having an instrument that provides rich tones and that has a smooth response, such as this eye-catching violin.
The violin is manufactured using an excellent combination of great types of wood and meticulous artistry. In return, you get a piece that you can use for mastering the violin even if you’re on a low budget.
The fingerboard but also the chinrest and the fittings of the violin are crafted from durable ebony. This translates to plenty of sturdiness so you can make use of this instrument for as long as you need to.
The bridge is made from old maple while the tailpiece comes with four built-in fine tuners. Besides, the top is manufactured from solid spruce and the back and sides from maple wood. The violin comes with a lightweight, semi-shaped foam case.
Pros
The product features a solid spruce top, and maple back, side, and neck for excellent sound quality and increased resistance to wear and tear.
The ebony fingerboard, fittings, and chinrest will add to the violin’s overall quality and rugged design, perfect for practicing.
Unlike many other violins within the same price range, this Antothy Breton AB-112 features a high-quality Brazilwood bow that is easy to handle to pick and always touch the right strings.
The instrument is delivered in a lightweight, semi-shaped foam case with blue plush padding to protect it from shocks, cracks, and harsh weather conditions that might alter the quality of the sound.
Cons
Don’t expect this violin to easily stay in tune because of slippery pegs.
With the right upgrades (including the bridge, the fixed pegs, and a new pair of professional strings), this instrument will sound pretty decent and will help you practice and improve your playing skills.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($114.1)
7. Paititi 3/4 Size Solid Wood Ebony Fitted Violin with Bow Lightweight Case
Being a beginner violin player means that you are willing to devote your time to studying and improving your abilities to play music. With the help of this 3.4 size violin starter kit, you can accomplish everything that you’ve always dreamed of.
Besides the violin itself, the set contains one Brazilwood bow, a great lightweight violin case, and other accessories.
One great feature is that the instrument is made of the finest solid maple wood. After you take it out of the box, you can start playing with violin because it is already set up.
Furthermore, the violin features top-class rosin cake and a lightweight triangular case with rainproof canvas exterior. The pegs, fingerboard, and chinrest are manufactured from ebony wood.
The bow of the violin has double pearl eye, and it is straight and well balanced. Also, the tailpiece is constructed from an alloy and has four high-quality built-in fine tuners. This instrument comes with appealing inlaid purfling.
Pros
The product is available in three different sizes but we recommend the ¾ one if you’ve just picked up playing this instrument.
The violin starter kit includes a wide array of accessories, apart from the instrument itself, which will make your lessons easier. The Brazilwood bow is sturdy and perfectly complements the violin, while the lightweight case will protect the product and prevent scratches and damage.
The bow features double pearl eye and genuine, unbleached Mongolian horsehair that makes it straight and well-balanced.
The body of the violin is made of solid maple wood and is pre-strung, meaning it is ready to play right out of the box.
Cons
The product seems rather difficult to tune, especially if you’re a newbie in the field. We suggest asking for a more experienced musician to guide you through the process and make sure the sound you are hearing is accurate and of good quality.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($82.99)
8. Cremona SV-75 Premier Novice Violin Outfit Sparkling Red 3/4 Size
It’s essential you purchase a violin that offers you the quality you are looking for in terms of sound, as well as a sleek and stylish design. This violin is an excellent option because the manufacturing material is a real proof of performance and high tonality.
Due to the vivid color, this instrument stands out from the crowd, allowing you to look and feel like a professional violin player.
Another important feature worth mentioning is that the tailpiece is built from a lightweight composite material and has four smooth tuners that are extremely useful for accurate tunings.
Also, the pegs are perfectly fitted and crafted from sturdy hardwood. The best part is that the violin is easy to handle so, even if you have to perform on a daily basis, you won’t get tired of holding the instrument.
Because of the low-profile chinrest and the comfortable neck, the tool disables the pressure felt while playing, making the experience a lot more comfortable.
Pros
The ¾ size is perfect for inexperienced violin players who are not comfortable enough holding and playing a full-size instrument yet.
Its beautiful red color stands out from the crowd, making you feel like a professional player. Besides, the lacquer top will protect the instrument from harsh weather conditions and time, making it sound even better after playing it for a while.
The tailpiece is made of lightweight composite materials and features 4 smooth tuners designed to deliver accurate tunings.
Another aspect that we liked about this beginners’ violin is that it is delivered in a beautiful hard case, designed to absorb shocks and protect the instrument from damage.
Cons
Keep in mind that the violin was mainly created as a transitioning model for students who are not yet comfortable playing a full-size instrument. Although more comfortable to handle and play, this product will have to be eventually replaced by a 4/4 one if you want to go pro.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
9. Stentor Student I Violin Outfit 1/8 Size
Considered by many as one of the best teaching violins in the world, this piece is ideal for students that are just starting out to master the violin. The excellent quality outfit and the size make this violin perfect for anyone looking to progress.
This 1/64 size violin for beginners features a carved solid spruce top. The back and the sides of the instrument are crafted from solid maple.
Apart from this, this piece is outfitted with engaging inlaid purfling and a blackened rosewood fingerboard. The pegs and the chin rest are built from rosewood, as well.
Other than that, the tailpiece is made from an alloy and has four string adjusters as well as a nylon loop.
The violin boasts a polish brown lacquer finish that reminds you of an old instrument. Besides the violin, the kit includes a wood horsehair bow and a lightweight canvas covered case.
Pros
Reviewed by thousands of people, this violin model from Stentor is believed to be one of the best for students to practice on and improve their playing skills and techniques.
The product features a carved solid spruce top combined with maple on the sides and the back to deliver increased durability and resistance to tear and wear.
The pegs, the chin rest, and the fingerboard are all made of quality rosewood to enhance the violin’s sound and make it perform even better in time.
Lastly, the polish brown lacquer finish adds a touch of retro to the instrument, while the hard case it is delivered with will protect it from damage caused by direct sunlight exposure, spills, cracks, scratches, water, dust, dirt, and others.
Cons
The product is mainly designed for children and young players so you may want to upgrade to a ¾ version or the full-size option after a few months of practicing.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
10. Cervini HV-300 Student Violin Outfit 1/4 Size
If you’re looking for a violin that will last without having to empty your bank account, you might want to check out this piece. The high-level of quality and the affordability are two key features of this instrument that has been highly praised by various violin students and teachers.
Every element on this violin is an evidence of excellent workmanship. For instance, it features solid spruce and maple materials. This translates to durability and plenty of resilience, along with beautiful looks.
Moreover, this aesthetically pleasing piece has proper string spacing and height that enable a precise finger positioning and powerful intonations. Also, you can handle the violin without putting too much effort because you won’t have to put to apply lots of pressure on the strings.
Thanks to the lightweight composite tailpiece and the Swiss-style ebony pegs, you can tune the violin in a matter of seconds.
The oiled neck and the low-profile Stradivarius style ebony chinrest are responsible for the comfortable position.
Pros
The product is made of quality solid spruce with sides and back made of maple to provide prolonged resistance to tear and wear without compromising the sound quality.
The proper string spacing and string height provide precise finger positions and intonations, making this violin a suitable choice for beginner players, without causing hand fatigue after long hours of practice.
The tailpiece is made of lightweight composite materials, while the Swiss-style ebony pegs deliver easy tuning, even for the inexperienced violin players.
The instrument is delivered in a deluxe shaped foam case with blue velvet cushioning to absorb shocks and protect the violin from damage. It also ensures easy and convenient transportation.
Cons
Although the description of the product says it is ready to play right out of the box, you might want to check it with a luthier first for minor changes and professional tuning. The wood used to manufacture the violin isn’t of top quality but the instrument is good for novices.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
11. Cremona SV-200 Premier Student Violin Outfit 1/4 Size
You can have a violin that has a traditional and stylish look because this model right here has all the things you could possibly need. This violin is suitable for all musicians, from beginners to advanced violinists.
Not only does this violin look excellent but it also sounds bright and powerful. Aside from the flamed maple body with a translucent light red finish, this music tool is outfitted with high-class ebony fittings and four fine tuners. Plus, the ebony pegs come with great fittings that meet the Swiss requirements.
One of the most notable aspects is that the violin is entirely hand-carved meaning that the materials used in the manufacturing process are carefully picked out and that the acoustics of the model raises up to par. The solid spruce and durable maple body are just a few things that could impress you.
Inside the product package, you’ll find an oblong violin case that is equipped with a built-in hygrometer as well as a Brazilwood bow with ebony frog.
Pros
Right out of the box, you will notice the instrument’s body is made of quality flamed maple with an antique finish which adds a touch of elegance, class, and refinement to the product.
The violin is pre-strung with Prelude strings, the US educators’ preferred strings for students that are resistant to wear and tear.
This instrument is 100% hand-carved, meaning all materials used to manufacture it were carefully selected to deliver a high-quality sound.
It is delivered in a full hard case made of sturdy materials to protect the instrument from damage caused by dirt, stains, accidental spills, rain, hits, and others.
Cons
One of the downsides of this budget-friendly violin is that you will have to install the bridge yourself, meaning you will spend some time putting the product together and you won’t be able to play it right outside the box. However, an expert luthier will solve this problem for you.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($329.99)
Yearly Guide & Report
Buying a good student violin can be tricky if you’re on the verge of taking a step forward concerning your musical development. If you want to learn how to distinguish a great violin for sale from the rest, you might find some useful piece of information in the buying guide described below.
Brand
So, you want to upgrade your instrument, or maybe your child wants to give up on small kids’ violins and opt for something with a mature tone. Whatever the case, there are several key factors you need to take into account. One of them concerns the brand of the violin.
Even though you’re not performing on the stage just yet, you should consider a hand-crafted violin because this one provides tremendous benefits that are hard to overlook. The best part is that some of these brands are high-level which means they don’t lack quality. Plus, these violins are quite affordable which is excellent if you’re on a tight budget and you’re in the market for a cheap student violin.
For example, you can always rely on good Cecilio violins if you want a superior tonality and impressive craftsmanship. Also, according to multiple student violin reviews, violin players are extremely pleased with the features of Cremona violins because they are less costly and are outfitted with beautiful varnishes.
Get the right size
The fastest way to like an instrument is to be comfortable with how you’re playing it. Getting the proper size is mandatory if you don’t want to get tired quickly. Otherwise, you’ll end up with the wrong-sized violin that can cause excruciating physical pain. This might even eventually lead to quitting music practice.
When in the market for the best beginner violin, you will notice that instruments are measured using fractions. Common violin sizes are ¾, ¼, and ½. A full-size violin is described as a 4/4. Besides, some tools that are special orders are available in small sizes such as 1/10 or 1/16.
Unfortunately, violins don’t work as clothes do. You can’t buy a bigger violin size and expect it to fit as you get more talented or older. From the very beginning, you opt for the best violin for beginners that suits your body type and size so that you can play music in complete safety and with maximum efficiency.
Features and extras
At first, you don’t need much to learn how to play the violin. However, when you progress to a higher level of violin, you need to start experimenting with violin strings. You must understand that the thickness of the string material plays a big part in the tonality to produce when playing the violin.
Pay attention to this aspect and establish whether you prefer a bright sound or not. Indeed, if you want more resonance and a powerful tone, you can always try electric violins.
Another feature you should be concerned of is the quality of the violin bow. The bow you choose will allow you to develop the technique that you use when learning to play the violin. Even if you buy an instrument that already has a bow, get a separate one if you’re not pleased with the quality.
Lastly, don’t forget about the key accessories you need to make the most out of your new violin. Make sure you get rosin that matches your violin strings. On top of this, always invest in hand-carved violin cases that protect instruments from cold and heat.
What kind of strings does your violin have?
How a violin sounds depends not only on its construction and ebony fittings, for instance, but also on other details that are not directly a part of its construction. The best beginner violin should be outfitted with excellent strings. Check the violin brands that offer strings as well, or, a better idea would be to opt for brands that make violin strings exclusively.
You can’t have the best violin, without a proper set of strings. Just as you depend on reputable violin brands to provide full size models that are easy to play by beginners, you need to rely on brands renowned for their strings, such as D’Addario or Larsen.
It is a good indication of a model being the best beginner violin you can get if the set of strings it comes with is from a reputable source. If it isn’t, don’t discard the violin altogether. Replace the existing strings with good quality ones, and you will be set.
Take a look at the bow, as well
Just like you cannot be sure that you got your hands on the best beginner violin your money can buy without playing with proper strings, you cannot tell whether a model is high quality or not without trying out the bow.
The bad news is that even the best violin may come with a subpar bow. That is why maybe the best piece of advice a novice can get is to expect some extra expenses. For instance, you might want to get a high quality bow for your full size violin so that you can play it fast and loud.
Should your violin be inspected by a professional?
There is a consensus that no musical instruments present their full potential out of the box. That is why even the best beginner violin out there might need a few adjustments. While it is not a make or break requirement, it could help you a lot to have a professional look at your instrument and decide what part should be adjusted.
Many violin brands advertise their products as being ready to use upon delivery, but you should expect decent performance, at best. Here are some of the adjustments an expert can make to your violin so that you can make the best out of your practice.
The best beginner violin should ideally come with ebony fittings and an ebony fingerboard, so the high quality of the materials used surely matters. Once your violin is in the hands of a professional, you will notice that he or she will check the bridge first. Depending on the angle at which you will use the bow on the strings, the bridge could be lowered to accommodate your needs best.
Don’t forget that the best violin you can have should be comfortable to use. That is why the expert might choose to adjust the chinrest, as well. No two aspiring violinists are the same, and playing music on a full size violin may appear like a daunting task. This is where the adjustments intervene to help you make the best out of your instrument.
Other elements, such as the fingerboard, the pegs, and the strings, can also be adjusted. While you can live without having the best violin tailored for your needs, you would have a better experience while learning how to play it if it’s made adequate for you.
Is it essential to get a full kit?
Some people may argue that the best beginner violin can come without the whole enchilada as the instrument is what matters. As long as it’s of high quality and you get it from one of the violin brands with a long-standing tradition in making instruments for beginners, you should be fine.
However, others can tell you that novices would be better off if they got a complete set with their first violin. Here are some ideas of what you should find in a full kit. While you can inspect your instrument for ebony fittings and other signs that it’s a good quality instrument, it would serve you to compare different kits on the market and see which one offers the most for the money.
A full size model should come with a spare set of violin strings, for instance. As a beginner, you might have a hard time plucking the strings, and accidents can happen. Having the replacement handy would be a plus. A cake of rosin doesn’t hurt to have, either. Since your high quality bow needs proper maintenance to keep in good condition, that’s a nice touch.
However, you may discover that even the best beginner violin doesn’t come with good quality rosin. Feel free to replace it with a better one. Many violin brands offer extras at a fair price, so you can check their offer first.
A carrying case should be part of the best violin set you can find. Your instrument can be quite delicate, and you must protect it when you store it away, or you must travel. A full size model should fit comfortably inside the case if it happens that you want to change the violin, but keep the case for further use. Any violin brands worth their salt will offer such extras with their beginner sets.
A cleaning kit is another extra that you might like to have. That will help you maintain your instrument in top condition so that you can use it right away when there’s a gig or performance scheduled. Also, caring for your violin will help you prolong its lifespan. Seeing how it can be an investment to purchase the best violin you can afford, that’s an important consideration to keep in mind.
There are some other extras your best beginner violin might come along with. Although there are no requirements for a full size model to work for you, some violin brands might choose to get head and shoulders above the competition and include them. For instance, a tuner is an excellent addition, while a music stand and a beginner sheet could make your learning experience more enjoyable from the get-go.
Bear in mind that, ultimately, the best violin doesn’t necessarily need all these since you can purchase them separately. However, as a beginner, the chances are that you are shopping on a budget, so every extra might matter. Search for those violin brands that offer high quality sets for beginners, and you will be set.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Based on what criteria should I choose a student violin?
Even if you’re just a novice, you need the best beginner violin your money can buy. It is preferable that you get a full size model so that you can practice on the real thing. Good quality materials matter a great deal. Pegs should be made from ebony or rosewood. An ebony fingerboard is pretty much a must-have.
The varnish should be something oil-based, and not polyurethane. The best violin needs to allow the sound to vibrate to produce beautiful sound; a thick coating of polyurethane will prevent that from happening. Even if it’s just a beginner violin what you are after, the high quality of materials and elements matters.
Another thing you should look for is that the bow is made with horsehair, not synthetic. Take a look at the neck, too; make sure that it’s neither too thick nor too thin. These are the traits of the best beginner violin you should get.
Q: How long will it take to learn the violin?
Some people may argue that you never stop learning when you take up musical instruments. However, the consensus for playing a full size violin is that it would take up to 5 years to become an average player with chances of becoming better if you continue to practice.
During the first month, you will be introduced to music theory and the basics of your instrument. Check the popular violin brands that can provide you with a decent instrument. Remember that it should be of good quality, or else you will struggle with it.
The first year is particularly challenging for a beginner, but if you have the best violin and an excellent tutor, all your hard work will pay off. By the end of the first year, you should be able to play something on your violin. During the following years, you will be able to challenge yourself with classical compositions, as well.
Q: Can you play the violin without a bridge?
You may notice that the bridge on your violin can be lowered. However, playing without a bridge might lead to unwanted consequences. Between the ebony fingerboard and the tailpiece, you will notice the bridge. Any violin, be it high quality or not, has it. It is ideal that your instrument comes with ebony fittings, too.
Now, about playing without a bridge, you may notice that the opinions are split between those who say that you shouldn’t try it and those who believe that you might give it a go. The strings of your violin are kept above the body by the bridge.
This setup helps the sound travel from where it is produced when you pluck the strings throughout the instrument. Without a bridge, the sounds you create may be flat and not loud enough to be heard. While, technically, you could play without a bridge, it’s not such a brilliant idea.
Bibliography:
1) Violin for Beginner and Intermediate Students
2) Learning to play the violin
3) What to look for when buying a student violin
4) Violin-information and facts
I assume you are in america. You turn up on search engines here in Australia. But you have no reviews for the instruments we can buy here. It sort of felt like if Amazon isn’t selling it it wont make the list. Sadly Amazon does not offer Australian customers anywhere near the range of products offered to the USA.
I thought I should mention this as you probably did not know. Maybe tag your site with USA Amazon to stop it appearing in search engines elsewhere when seeking brand recommendations.
Hi Lynne. That’s correct. Our pages are displayed for multiple English speaking markets. Canada, UK, Australia, and mainly the USA. The products we’re reviewing are available on most of these markets, but unfortunately in some cases, these are unavailable. I’m sorry for your inconvenience and we will try to fix this!