Best Acoustic Violins

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 19, 2024
To keep motivated while learning any instrument, it is important to choose the one with a good sound and playability. We have reviewed five best acoustic violins for you to practice beautiful music pieces with pleasure. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Playing Level
Size
BODY MATERIAL
Fittings
Finish
Strings
Bow
Case
Extras
Warranty
 
PROS

Made of brazilwood and natural horsehair, the bow is equipped with a metal-mounted ebony frog to ensure balanced weight and excellent sound. Individually assembled, set up, and tuned, each Kennedy Violins instrument boasts an excellent playability and sound.

CONS

The strings are placed a bit high from the fingerboard so it might take some time to get used to playing the violin.

OUR VERDICT

Hand-carved from traditional tonewoods, this acoustic violin has ebony fittings and inlaid purfling. The item comes in a hard oblong case with padded inner compartments and a hygrometer integrated into the lid for tracking moisture levels. This model is also available in 1/2, 1/4, and 3/4 sizes.

detailed parameters
Playing Level

Beginner, Student

Size

4/4

BODY MATERIAL

Hand-carved solid spruce and maple, inlaid ebony purfling

Fittings

High-grade ebony fingerboard and fittings

Hand-carved, custom-fit maple bridge

Composite tailpiece with built-in fine tuners

Finish

Hand-rubbed oil satin finish

Strings

D'addario Prelude strings

Bow

Brazilwood; Mongolian horsehair; Metal-mounted ebony frog

Case

Oblong shaped case, Straps, Handy storage compartments, Large music pocket, Hygrometer

Extras

Portland classic shoulder rest, Polishing cloth, Giuliani rosin

Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty 

PROS

Professionally carved from high-quality tonewoods, the unit has a fine-grained spruce top, solid maple back, ribs, and neck, and ebony fingerboard and fittings to ensure a clear sound of the instrument.

CONS

The included accessories could be of better quality.

OUR VERDICT

Being a good choice for beginners, this stylish Stentor violin with ebony purfling comes with a quality wooden bow and a sturdy yet lightweight case. Everything you need to start practicing is included in the box; in addition to the bow, you will get rosin and strings.

detailed parameters
Playing Level

Beginner, Student

Size

4/4

BODY MATERIAL

Hand-carved solid spruce front, solid maple back and ribs, inlaid purfling

Fittings

High-quality ebony fingerboard and fittings

Composite tailpiece with integral adjusters


Finish

Polished warm brown lacquer finish

Strings

Red Label rope core strings

Bow

Wood; Horsehair; Ebony frog

Case

Lightweight case with burgundy red integral cover with safety reflectors

Extras

Case blanket, Carrying straps, Rosin

Warranty

30 days

PROS

This moderately-priced acoustic violin is equipped with a quality carbon fiber pull plate and an alloy tailpiece with four fine tuners for easy strings adjustment. The unit is easy to set-up, just put the bridge in its place before tuning the instrument.

CONS

Some users are not quite happy with the supplied strings.

OUR VERDICT

Perfectly sized for older kids and adults, the ADM VLZ31-44 Acoustic Violin is an excellent choice for beginners. Featuring elegant purfling and F-shaped holes, this model has beautiful looks and sound. The included bow is made of brazilwood and horsehair.

detailed parameters
Playing Level

Beginner, Student

Size

4/4

BODY MATERIAL

Hand-carved solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, hand inlaid purfling

Fittings

Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest

Alloy tailpiece with 4 integrated fine tuners


Finish

Attractive dark brown varnish

Strings

Rope core strings

Bow

Brazilwood; Unbleached white horsehair

Case

Lightweight shaped violin case

Extras

Rosin, Fingerboard sticker, Polishing cloth, E-tuners

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This wonderful Cecilio violin comes with two bows and a chromatic tuner with a metronome to make both tuning the strings and practicing the instrument easy for novice violin players.

CONS

The pegs might unwind with time. 

OUR VERDICT

Buying the instrument, you will get a complete package of tools for effective mastering the violin, plus a lesson book. With inlaid purfling on its neck and sides and elegant antique varnish, the item has a classy look. 1/2, 1/4 and 3/4 violin sizes are also available.

detailed parameters
Playing Level

Beginner, Student

Size

4/4

BODY MATERIAL

Hand-carved solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, hand inlaid purfling

Fittings

Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest

Ebony tailpiece with 4 nickel-plated fine tuners


Finish

Antique varnish finish

Strings

D'Addario Prelude strings

Bow

Brazilwood bow; Genuine unbleached horsehair

Case

Lightweight hard case

Extras

Rosin, Cecilio chromatic tuner, Lesson book, 2 bows included

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This Mendini violin is supplied with two bridges so you will have a spare one in case the first one is lost, and an extra set of strings, so if any of them breaks, you will be able to replace it at once and continue rehearsing.

CONS

According to some users, the included bow could be better.

OUR VERDICT

If you are looking for a budget-friendly beginner violin with nice playability, you can try this model. Everything you need to start playing is included in the box. Among a variety of sizes and styles provided, it is easy to find the Medini violin that suits your needs.

detailed parameters
Playing Level

Beginner

Size

4/4

BODY MATERIAL

Solid spruce top, maple back and sides

Fittings

Maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest

Alloy tailpiece with 4 integrated fine tuners

Finish

Satin finish

Strings

Rope core strings

Bow

Brazilwood; Unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair

Case

Lightweight hard case

Extras

Rosin, Adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges and 2 sets of strings included

Warranty

1-year warranty against manufacturer's defects

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Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil Clearance

Made by Professionals

If you are mastering the violin and looking for a beginner instrument with clear and resonant sound, this model is an excellent choice. The manufacturer offers the highest quality for the price. This violin is made of carved spruce and maple tonewoods; it has ebony fingerboard and pegs, a hand-carved maple bridge, and a composite tailpiece with built-in fine tuners. The secret is not only in the high-quality materials used for crafting the unit; to ensure comfortable playability and clear sound, each violin instrument is assembled and set up by professional luthiers. The string height is precisely measured; no assembly is required, the instrument comes set up and tuned, so you can play it right out of the box.

With the box, you will get a bow, set of strings, rosin, and durable shoulder rest. Made of brazilwood and natural horsehair and equipped with a metal-mounted ebony frog, the bow features great responsiveness, produces a smooth clear tone, and has a balanced weight. Moreover, the purchase comes in a high-quality oblong case that has handy accessories storages, padded backpack straps, a zippered compartment for music sheets, and even a hygrometer integrated into the lid. Summing up, this model is equipped with everything you need for comfortable and effective violin practicing.

Review of Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil Clearance Violin Outfit (4/4)
Last updated price $217.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B0064CF7OC

 

Stentor 1500

Impressive Sound and Tone

Made of solid tonewoods, this violin boasts good tone and responsiveness and is comfortable to play on. No wonder it is often recommended as the best violin for beginners by teachers and music services alike. It has carved maple back, ribs, and neck, spruce front, and ebony fingerboard. Pegs, nut, and saddle are made of ebony wood; the unit has a quality composite tailpiece with integral adjusters. This stylish Stentor violin features inlaid purfling and warm brown lacquer finish.

Along with this Stentor violin, you will get a lightweight case with a comfy accessory pocket, case blanket, and two bow holders. On the outside, the case has a lid music pocket and a shoulder rest pocket; besides, it is equipped with ergonomic carrying straps. Everything you need to start practicing - a bow, string set, and rosin, comes with the box. The bow is made of wood and natural horsehair and features a full-mounted ebony frog. According to consumers feedback, the violin has an excellent tone, however, it might not sound at its best with the included accessories. In any case, this is a really good violin instrument by one of the best violin brands; as for the accessories, any of them can be replaced if the need be.

For young music lovers, we would recommend one of these wonderful kind pianos.

Review of Stentor 1500 4/4 Violin

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $189.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B002021HIK

 

ADM VLZ31-44

Good Value For the Money

It is not so easy to find a good sounding instrument at a moderate price. Offering the highest quality in its price range, this ADM model is the best choice for beginners, both elder kids, and adults (4/4, or full size, is recommended for users with an arm length of 23.5" and up). This violin instrument is made of quality tonewoods (maple and spruce) and is equipped with ebony pegs, fingerboard, and chin rest. It has a classic design with a hand-carved body, inlaid purfling, and F-holes, so the fiddle has both elegant look and a clear resonant sound. Please keep in mind that there is some setup required: the bridge is not attached to the fiddle to avoid any damage during shipping, so it is to be put in its place before tuning the strings.

As for the accessories included, a wooden bow, rosin and a set of strings come with the box. Some users are not quite happy with the included strings quality; however, as the violin itself has a good sound and playability, the issue can be easily solved by replacing the strings. Additionally, you will get a lightweight violin case with a zippered sheet music pocket and handy internal compartments where you can keep all the accessories.

Review of ADM VLZ31-44 Acoustic Violin 4/4 Handmade Wooden Outfit
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00J2KB7MO

 

Cecilio CVN-300

A Good Beginning is Half the Battle

This Cecilio violin is a wonderful choice for anyone starting their journey into the world of music. First of all, this violin, made of solid spruce (top) and maple (back, neck and sides), has a nice and resonant sound. Next, inlaid purfling, antique finish, and ebony fittings (including pegs, chin rest, and fingerboard) add an expensive classy look to the instrument. In addition, tuning the violin is a breeze, and not only due to its quality tailpiece with four detachable fine tuners, but also thanks to the included chromatic tuner with a metronome that makes tuning and practicing easier for both beginners and intermediate students. Besides, you will get a lesson book and a set of accessories usually supplied with acoustic violins, namely, a case, string set, rosin cake, and an adjustable shoulder rest, a bow, plus an extra bow, and even an extra bridge. All the accessories are easy to store and carry around for the case has ergonomic pockets and a strap. In a word, with the Cecilio CVN-300 you will be fully prepared for violin mastering.

If you play or want to learn to play other string instruments, you may also be interested in our acoustic guitars, bass guitars, and ukuleles reviews.

Review of Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Violin with D'Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $159.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00EOYKGH0

 

Mendini MV300

Your First Violin

If you or your kid are going to start learning the fiddle and you do not want to spend much on the instrument, this budget-friendly model may be the choice for you. Though the item we are reviewing is full-sized, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, 1/32, 3/4 size options are also available. Besides, there are varied styles offered. For example, you can choose the violin with a tone that is mellow and warm (this model), or the one with that more bright and vibrant; various color options are also available.

Like most of its more expensive competitors, this Mendini violin is made of solid tonewoods: it has a spruce top and maple back and sides and comes with a bow made of horsetail and brazilwood. The musical instrument features maple fingerboard, chin rest, and pegs, and alloy tailpiece with four fine tuners. It comes equipped with a comfortable adjustable shoulder rest, rosin, bridge, two sets of violin strings, and an extra bridge, so it is a good choice if you want to start practicing as soon as possible. It is also an excellent present idea if you want to get your child into playing the violin.

One of these wonderful harmonicas or tambourines will be appreciated by music lovers irrespective of their age.

Review of Mendini MV300 Solid Wood Satin Antique Violin Size 4/4

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $59.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B002026DR0

 

What Is an Acoustic Violin?

Each musical instrument has its own voice; when you listen to an acoustic violin, it is easy to believe it has its own soul. If you learn the violin, your efforts will be rewarded (though maybe not the very first time you bow the strings - it takes time and practice to make the violin sing) with a clear and resonant sound letting you express your feelings and touch listeners' hearts. At the same time, an instrument with good playability and sound will help you to keep motivated while practicing.

We have reviewed five best violins on the market, recommended for beginner and intermediate levels. They are much more affordable than professional instruments, however, these violins have nice tone and sound that will make your daily rehearsals both enjoyable and fruitful.

If you are learning to play percussion instruments, you may also be interested in our drumsticks and drum lessons reviews.

Sources:

1. Violin, Wikipedia. April 27, 2018.

2. Why violin makers’ choice of wood is the key to perfection, Financial Times.

3. Espie Estrella Types of Electric and Non-Electric Violins, ThoughtCo. April 15, 2018.

4. Bow, Encyclopaedia Britannica.

5. How to Choose the Right Violin, The Hub.

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Publish Date: 2018-05-03 13:08:44