Are you ready to take your violin skills to the next level? Well, step one is finding the perfect instrument for you. But with so many brands and models available, it can be overwhelming. Fear not!
In this article, we’ve researched the top violin brands with great sound and comfortable playability. Of course, you want an instrument built to last. Lucky for you, we’ve got beginner violins and professional-grade instruments covered.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, get ready to discover the best violin brands. Don’t let the daunting process of choosing a violin discourage you from making beautiful music. Let’s get started!
A Short History of Violins
It all started with the Arabian rabab and the Rebec, which made their way to Europe in the Middle Ages. Then, a bowed stringed instrument called a fiddle appeared in Europe towards the end of the Middle Ages. But it wasn’t until the 16th century in Italy that the more classic and modern violins we know today began to emerge.
The Italian luthiers, or violin makers, were the ones who put the violin on the map. They perfected the craft of building violins and created some of the most iconic instruments in history. Most of the world’s best luthiers are Italian and have influenced the modern building of the violin.
From its early ancestor, the rebab, to its emergence into Europe through Spain and its strong seat in Italy, the violin’s development is geographically widespread and led by trade and commerce. And now, the violin is a beloved instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians and music lovers alike.
So, the next time you hear the sweet sounds of a violin, remember its long and fascinating history. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of humans throughout the ages.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Violin Brand
There are several factors to consider before making your purchase. This section will discuss the most important factors when choosing a violin brand.
Sound Quality
Several factors, including the quality of the wood, the craftsmanship, and the strings, determine the sound of a violin. You should look for a brand that produces violins with a warm, rich, and balanced sound. Some brands are known for producing brighter or darker violins, so choosing a brand that matches your preferred sound is important.
Craftsmanship
A well-crafted violin will have a good tone, be easy to play, and last many years. Look for a brand that uses high-quality wood and has skilled craftsmen who pay attention to detail. You should also consider the violin’s finish, as a good finish will protect the wood and enhance the overall appearance of the instrument.
Price
Violins can range in price from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds. As a beginner, you may want to start with a more affordable brand to see if you enjoy playing the violin before investing in a more expensive instrument. However, if you are an advanced player, you may want to invest in a higher-end brand that produces high-quality violins.
Warranty
A good warranty will protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Look for a brand that offers a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for a reasonable amount of time.
Best Violin Brands
It’s a versatile and enchanting instrument that can make your heart skip a beat and send shivers down your spine. There are many great violin brands. If you’re in the market for a new violin or just curious about the best brands, you’ve come to the right place!
Stradivari
Stradivarius violins are some of the world’s most sought-after and expensive violins. They were made by the famous Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari in the 17th and 18th centuries. Only a few hundred Stradivarius violins remain, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
Yamaha
Yamaha has been a leading brand in the music industry for decades. The Yamaha violin is known for its exceptional sound quality, durability, and ease of use. It uses high-quality materials such as spruce, maple, and ebony to ensure that its violins produce a rich, clear sound.
Stentor
Stentor is a highly recommended brand by violin teachers as it offers high-quality violins. It has been around since the late 1800s, but it was in the 1960s that they began making their own student violins rather than importing them. This indicates that their instruments are now of higher quality, and since then, they have established excellent output.
Fiddlerman
The Fiddlerman brand is known for offering quality instruments at affordable prices and providing excellent customer service. Fiddlerman violins are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and easy to play. The brand offers a variety of models to suit different playing styles and skill levels, so it’s essential to choose the one that’s right for you based on your needs and preferences.
D Z Strad
It’s one of the well-known professional violin brands for violinists. D Z Strad violins are handcrafted using high-quality aged tonewood, and they offer a range of models to suit different playing styles and preferences.
Eastman
A highly regarded violin brand that offers a range of violins. They are known for their craftsmanship, use of quality materials, and affordability. Eastman violins are handcrafted with attention to detail, producing a warm and resonant sound. They are made from solid tonewoods, aged for enhanced tonality and resonance.
Bunnel
Kennedy supplied Bunnel. It’s a relatively new name on the market, headquartered in Washington. Even so, they had great success when they started to open. They frequently garner glowing reviews. This is hardly surprising with the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship put into each model.
Cremona
It’s a violin brand that is highly regarded among professional players and is considered an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high-quality and top-performing cremona violin made. Cremona violins are made from premium quality woods such as spruce, maple, and ebony, carefully selected for their tonal properties. This ensures the instruments produce a rich, warm sound for professional performances.
Cecilio
One of the student violin brands is known for making affordable instruments for beginners and intermediate players. The company offers a range of musical instruments, including violins, cellos, trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, and more.
Due to their affordability and quality, the Cecilio violin is particularly popular among beginner and intermediate players. They offer a wide range of violins at different price points, making them accessible to players with different budgets. Cecilio violins are made from high-quality materials such as spruce, maple, and ebony and are hand-carved by skilled luthiers.
Mendini
This brand is known for making affordable violins for beginners and intermediate players. The brand is owned by Cecilio, a company specialising in making affordable musical instruments.
Mendini violins are designed to be all-purpose instruments suitable for students who want to learn the violin without worrying about the costs of replacing strings or maintenance in general. They include all the necessities for a starter, such as a shoulder rest, extra strings, and a tuner.
Best Violin for Beginners
Stentor 1500 Violin
Music teachers recommend this violin because of the quality of its make, which is uncommon considering the affordability of this violin.
In crafting the violin, the company uses premium quality materials like aged spruce for the top part to ensure good sound transmission, and for the bottom and sides, aged maple is used, mainly because of its durability
Stentor 1500 Violin
ONE OF THE BEST BRANDS
Perfect For: Beginners and students
Features:
- The composite tailpiece has four integrated adjusters
- The top is made from carved, solid spruce top
- The violin is finished in gold-brown varnish
Pros:
- Cost-effective investment
- Good sound quality
- It uses premium quality materials.
Cons:
None
- The TedScore: 8/10
Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 3/4 Size
It’s an entry-level student violin that is designed with a balance between cost and quality in mind. It is known for being a well-built violin with good sound that won’t break the bank.
Yamaha V3 Series Student Violin Outfit 3/4 Size
HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS
Perfect For: Beginner, intermediate players, and professional
Features:
- Hand-carved spruce top and maple back and sides
- Ebony fingerboard and pegs
- Wittner tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners
Pros:
- Great sound and playability
- Solid reputation and support
- Complete kit
Cons:
- Some users may prefer different strings or accessories0=
The TedScore: 9/10
Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit
It’s designed to offer higher-quality materials and sound than entry-level instruments while still being affordable for students and hobbyists. Professional testers typically describe its sound as sweet, strong, and projective. The Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit is a popular choice for young students and adult beginners looking for a quality instrument that will last for years.
Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit
GOOD CHOICE TO START ON
Perfect For: Beginner to intermediate.
Features:
- Pure ebony fittings with an oil finish
- Equipped with D’Addario Prelude Strings
- Hand-carved spruce and maple wood
Pros:
- Easy to tune and play
- Extra strings, tuner, and other accessories included
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Heavy, so not the best for younger children
The TedScore: 7/10
Best Violin for Intermediate Players
D Z Strad Model 509
It’s designed for intermediate to advanced players looking for an instrument to deliver a rich, complex sound with plenty of projection. It has a warm and balanced tone suits various playing styles and genres.
HANDMADE VIOLIN
Perfect For: Intermediate level
Features:
- Handmade to perfection by D Z Strad luthiers.
- Made from the spruce top and selected maple back and sides.
- Antique varnish finish
Pros:
- High-quality sound and craftsmanship.
- Made from premium quality tonewoods
- Complete package.
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for beginners due to its high cost.
The TedScore: 8/10
Eastman E10D
It’s a high-quality guitar designed for serious musicians who demand the best. Its combination of premium materials, superior workmanship, and exceptional tone make it a top choice for players looking for an instrument to help them achieve their musical goals.
Eastman E10D
BEST QUALITY INSTRUMENTS
Perfect For: Intermediate
Features:
- Solid Adirondack Spruce top and solid Mahogany back and sides
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Bone nut and saddle
Pros:
- High-quality materials and craftsmanship
- Provides a bright, clear tone
- Enhance sustain and resonance
Cons:
- Some players may prefer a more modern-looking guitar
The TedScore: 7/10
Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit
Known for its exceptional playability and sound quality. It is made by experienced luthiers who use traditional techniques to ensure the highest quality and craftsmanship. The outfit is designed to provide players with everything they need to start playing and enjoying their violin immediately.
Fiddlerman OB1 Violin Outfit
POPULAR VIOLIN BRAND
Perfect For: Intermediate level
Features:
- Solid-carved spruce and maple tonewoods
- Carbon tailpiece with four fine tuners
- Hand-carved French Despiau or Holstein 1-star Bridge
Pros:
- Comes with a complete package
- With high-quality instruments
- Available in many sizes
Cons:
- The included shoulder rest may not fit all players comfortably
The TedScore: 8/10
Best Violin for Professional Players
Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin
It’s a specific violin model produced by Cremona, a company specialising in making high-quality stringed instruments. The SV-500 is designed for intermediate to advanced players looking for an instrument to deliver a rich, complex sound with plenty of projection.
Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin
TOP-PERFORMING VIOLIN
Perfect For: Professional musicians
Features:
- Hand-carved solid spruce and solid maple body
- Ebony fittings, including the fingerboard, pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece
- Hand-applied and antiqued oil varnish finish
- Made by experienced violin luthiers
Pros:
- Produces a rich, warm, and responsive sound
- High-quality materials
- Comes with a high-quality case and accessories
Cons:
- Expensive
The TedScore: 8/10
Yamaha YEV105 Electric Violin
It’s a sublime combination of acoustic violin and contemporary guitar shapes. It can reproduce gorgeous natural sounds. The high-quality oil-finished walnut frame of this violin yields an eye-popping visual while the well-constructed body with five layers of maple, mahogany, and spruce wood enhances the transcendent playability of this violin.
Yamaha YEV105 Electric Violin
ONE OF THE BEST MODERN VIOLINS
Perfect for: Professional
Features:
- Standard shoulder and a tailpiece with fine plastic tuners.
- The electric violins have a supremely elegant design.
- Built from top-quality wood
Pros:
- Gorgeous natural sound with excellent transcendent playability
- Offers super resonance
- Natural tone
Cons:
- You’ll need an amplifier that you have to buy separately
The TedScore: 8/10
Cecilio CVN-600 Violin
It’s one of the premium professional violins that offers the best sound and top-built quality. This neo-classical styling violin is amazing to play. Most advanced players like this intricately designed violin’s excellent tonal quality and elegant look.
Cecilio CVN-600 Violin
HIGH-QUALITY INSTRUMENT
Perfect for: Advanced player
Features:
- Hard luxurious oblong professional carrying case
- Comes with four detachable fine gold-plated tuners
- Highly durable ebony fingerboard
Pros:
- Good quality violins
- Rich tonal quality
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Heavy
The TedScore: 7/10
Violin Accessories You Need
Playing the violin requires more than just the instrument itself. Various accessories can help improve your sound, protect your instrument, and make playing more comfortable. Here are some essential violin accessories you need:
Violin Case
A violin case is like a superhero’s cape – it protects and transports your precious violin wherever you go. These cases come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and are made from various materials like wood, foam, and even carbon fiber.
But a violin case is more than just a pretty face – it’s packed with features like plush interiors to keep your violin cosy, bow holders to keep your accessories organized, and even straps to make carrying a breeze. And with options like hardshell cases for maximum protection and softshell cases for lightweight portability, there’s a violin case for every musician.
Bobelock 1003 Oblong Featherlite Violin Case
GREAT OPTIONS FOR MUSICIANS
Perfect For: All levels of musician
Features:
- The protective softshell case is made from nylon-covered layered plywood and styrofoam construction.
- Fits a full-size 4/4 violin.
- With four bow holders and a strings tube
- Has a padded handle and shoulder strap
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Durable construction that protects your violin during transport.
- Zips to close for easy access to your instrument.
Cons:
- More expensive than some other softshell cases.
The TedScore: 8/10
Violin Rosin
It’s a sticky substance made from a tree resin that you apply to the bow hair to create friction against the strings. This friction produces the beautiful, rich sound we all know and love.
But not all rosins are created equal – different types and brands can affect the tone and grip of your bow. Some rosins are soft and sticky, while others are hard and flaky. And with options like dark or light rosin, you can customize your sound to fit your playing style.
Pirastro Goldflex Rosin
RECOMMENDED ROSIN
Perfect For: Beginners
Features:
- Slightly harder rosin mixed with gold dust.
- Designed for general use with Pirastro strings or other strings.
- Comes in a small, rectangular box.
Pros:
- Provides a smooth grip and bright tone.
- Tailor-made for steel strings.
- Reliable in hot, tropical climates.
- Comes in a convenient, compact box.
Cons:
- It may not work as well for higher tones.
The TedScore: 7/10
Bow
A violin bow is a long, slender stick with a horsehair stretched across it to play the violin. The bow is held in the right hand and drawn across the violin strings to produce sound. The bow’s stick is usually made of wood, carbon fiber, or other materials, and the hair is typically made from horsehair.
Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber Violin Bow
GREAT CHOICE FOR PLAYING OUTDOORS PLAYING
Perfect For: Beginner and intermediate
Features:
- Made from carbon fiber
- Comes with real horsehair and a leather grip.
- Available in sizes ranging from 1/16 up to full size.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Durable construction that can withstand outdoor playing and travel.
- Replicates the feel of more expensive bows.
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for professional violinists.
The TedScore: 8/10
Shoulder Rest
It’s an accessory for stringed instruments like the violin, viola, and cello to provide support and comfort to the player’s shoulder and neck. It’s a curved piece of plastic or wood that attaches to the bottom of the instrument and rests on the player’s shoulder, elevating the instrument slightly and making it easier to hold and play for extended periods of time.
Kun Original Shoulder Rest
POPULAR ACCESSORIES
Perfect For: All levels of musicians
Features:
- Made from high-quality plastic
- Adjustable legs that can be moved up or down
- Has a patented locking device
Pros:
- Provides comfortable support for the player’s shoulder and neck.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Durable construction that can withstand regular use.
Cons:
- It may require some adjustment to find the right fit and position.
The TedScore: 8/10
Violin String
It’s the heart and soul of your instrument. It’s a thin, elongated material that vibrates when bowed or plucked, producing sound on the violin. Violin string is made of gut, steel, or synthetic materials like perlon and comes in different thicknesses, lengths, and tensions. The type of string used can affect the sound’s tone, projection, and durability.
D’Addario Prelude Violin String Set
SUBTITLE
Perfect For: Beginner and intermediate players
Features:
- Made from a solid steel core
- Available in different sizes
- Comes with sealed pouches to prevent corrosion.
Pros:
- The warm tone is easy to produce and pleasing to the ear.
- Durable construction that can withstand regular use.
- Suitable for different environments.
Cons:
- It may not produce the same quality of sound as more expensive strings.
The TedScore: 7/10
Brands to Avoid
If you’re in the market for a violin, it’s important to know which brands to avoid. While many reputable brands exist, some are known for producing poor-quality instruments. Here are some brands that you should steer clear of:
Mendini– It’s known for producing affordable violins; many of its instruments are poorly made and have a low sound quality.
ADM– Often made with low-quality materials and poor sound quality.
Cecilio– Their violins are affordable but have a poor sound quality and are difficult to tune.
Crescent– Often poorly made and have a low sound quality.
Top Takeaways
The best violin brand depends on your skill level, budget, and preferences. We recommend trying out different brands and models before making a final decision. With the right instrument, you can take your playing to the next level and enjoy the beautiful sound of the violin.
If you’re unsure which brands to avoid, it’s always a good idea to research and read reviews from other musicians. Doing your due diligence will make you more likely to find a quality instrument that will serve you well for years
So go ahead and explore the options available to you. We hope this article has helped you search for the perfect violin. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep playing and enjoying the beautiful music you can create with your new violin!
Happy fiddling!
FAQ’s
What violins do professionals use?
Professionals tend to use violins that are handmade and crafted by experienced luthiers. These violins are often made from high-quality materials and cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What is the most popular violin maker brand?
The most popular violin brand can vary depending on who you ask, but some commonly mentioned brands include Stentor, Yamaha, and Cremona. These are violin brands for beginners and are known for producing high-quality violins that are suitable for players of all skill levels
How much is a good quality violin?
The price of a good quality violin can vary depending on several factors, including the brand, the level of craftsmanship, and the materials used to construct the instrument. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for a high-quality violin suitable for a student or semi-professional musician.
Why Are Stradivarius the Best?
Stradivarius violins are considered some of the best in the world due to their superior craftsmanship, the quality of the materials used in their construction, and their unique sound. While there is some debate about what makes Stradivarius violins so special, many experts believe that it has to do with the varnish used on the instruments and the unique shape and design of the f-holes.
What to Look for in a Violin?
When looking for a violin, it’s important to consider factors such as the quality of sound, the durability and longevity of the instrument, and the reputation and history of the brand. You should also consider your budget and your skill level as a player.
How Much Should I Spend on a Beginner Violin?
As a beginner, you can expect to spend anywhere from $240 to $400 on a violin that will be adequate for getting started and a couple of years into your learning. However, if you rent a violin, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $50 monthly.
Are violins high maintenance?
Violins require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition and to ensure that they produce the best possible sound. This includes changing the strings, keeping the instrument clean, and having it professionally serviced occasionally.
