The 10 Best Violins for Beginners in 2024

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Written by Izaak Walton
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Are you looking for a beginner violin to start learning? Maybe you’re buying it for a child and not sure which size would be best for them. There’s a lot to choose from when buying a new instrument, and in this post, we’re going to help answer all the questions you might have before hitting buy.

We’ll also review ten models that we think are the best violins for beginners to help you narrow down your choice and start playing.

Best Student Violin Reviews

Before we get to our buying guide to help you know what to look for, first we’re going to look at our beginner violin reviews to help you find the best one.

#1. D Z Strad Violin Model 101 Beginner Violin

D Z Strad Violin Model 101 with Solid Wood with Case, Bow, Shoulder Rest, and Rosin (1/4 - Size)
  • Carved top violin made with select tight grain Spruce
  • Beautifully figured Maple back and sides with an Ebony fingerboard
  • Completely set up and ready to play. Fit with Ebony pegs, chinrest, and end button

The D Z Strad is an excellent violin for beginner players. It comes complete with prelude strings and detachable shoulder rest. The sound of the D Z Strand is also superior to other violins of its size and at its relative price point. Many customers rave about the superior sound quality of this violin compared to other mass-produced violins like it. In a word, the D Z Strand gives custom-crafted sound quality in a package most beginners can access.

Speaking of packages, the D Z Strad also comes with a carrying case and detachable shoulder strap for easy transport. A bridge is also included with the set, along with a surprisingly high-quality bow. The violin itself is also small enough for introducing children to the hobby in an accessible and approachable way.

Strad often produces great products for beginners, so the quality of the D Z Strad violin should not surprise anyone. 

#2. Bunnel Pupil Violin

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size By Kennedy Violins - Carrying Case and Accessories Included - Solid Maple Wood and Ebony...
  • [HIGH QUALITY] Our customer service team is on hand to answer ANY question and to help with your stringed instrument! Kennedy Violins is proud to...
  • [THE COMPLETE OUTFIT] We have included the HIGH QUALITY accessories that professional players recommend in your outfit. This includes a Giuliani...
  • [ASSEMBLED AND QUALITY CHECKED IN THE USA] Our final assembly and set-up are in the USA, NOT in China. Quality set-up equals LONG TERM performance....

The Bunnel Pupil is another violin with a boatload of potential options to make sure that every beginner musician finds the right instrument for them. This violin can be manufactured and sold at a size fit for any age. The Bunnel ranges from a one-tenth-sized model for small children to a full-sized model for adults. At any size, the Bunnel Pupil produces a sound that can make any pupil sound and feel like a skilled player.

Kennedy Violins, the manufacturer of the Bunnel, is ranked number one in customer service across the internet and web distributors. They also offer the Bunnel Full-Size for when pupils are no longer pupils. The purchase of the pupil also comes with a brazilwood bow, a Giuliani Rosin, and prelude strings already installed. The violin comes pre-tuned and pre-assembled for use straight out of the case.

The violin itself is made from handcrafted wood, though it is made in such as way that the overall price will not break the bank. The body and neck of the violin are made from spruce and maple tonewoods that give the instrument a truly beautiful appearance. 

Extra strings are housed inside of the lightweight case, along with a spot for the rosin and bow, but overall the case is fairly minimalist. The entire kit together comes with a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer, however. Their confidence in their product and its longevity cannot be overstated here.

All and all, this is another great violin. The versatility in size makes it very accessible for teaching new violin players at any age, and the product is of a high enough quality to make sure that they stay with the hobby for years to come.

#3. Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin for Beginners

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Outfit - 4/4 Size
  • Strings Magazine reviews SV-500 as "a good choice for anyone looking for a first or second violin" See Video and Product Details PDF file below for...
  • Best tone quality for the advanced student and Cremona's most popular violin for sound.Case: Lightweight oblong rigid foam with four bow holders and...
  • Flamed maple with a rich, hand applied reddish-brown varnish finish, hand carved solid spruce and solid maple body

The Cremona comes in a variety of sizes to suit the size and needs of the student using it. A musician can buy a one-half, one-fourth, three-fourth, or four-fourth-sized instrument through either the manufacturer or online retailer. In all four cases, and while these are still very much geared toward beginner players, the Cremona is tailored a bit more toward advanced skill levels.

The instrument itself reflects its status as a more advanced beginner instrument as opposed to an outright novice one. It has bespoke ebony fittings on both the neck and fingerboard, as well as the tuning pegs. All carvings are done in an elegant swiss style. This instrument is made to be a perfect first or second violin to a dedicated student. If it is not right for someone, the manufacturer offers a warranty upon customer request.

The best part of the Cremona package has to be its packaging. The case these violins come in will serve a musician long past the point where they have moved on to better violins. The case is lightweight with a hard foam interior and a harder plastic exterior. The hard foam is cut to cradle not only the violin itself but also a total of four bows and other pockets for necessary spare parts.

All Cremona violins are made in California, USA, with the bridges imported from a separate manufacturer in France. For those who want to invest in their musical passions, it doesn’t get much better than this.

#4. Cremona Student Violin

Sale
Cremona SV-175 Premier Student Violin Outfit - 4/4 Size
  • Music Inc. Magazine reviews SV-175 as "designed to meet the needs of beginning and advancing students."
  • Select tonewoods for the finest possible sound. Model SV-175 is Cremona's top selling student violin for more than 30 years
  • Every Cremona student violin comes with US-made Prelude strings, the educator's preferred strings for students

This is another violin made by the same company and distributor as the third installment on this list., so many of the features will be the same. The difference is that this is the full-sized model meant for adults who are looking to start practicing the violin seriously. 

Perhaps even more true for the larger size, the instrument itself reflects its status as a more advanced beginner instrument as opposed to an outright novice one. Its ebony gives the whole instrument a distinctly polished look and is done in an elegant swiss style. This instrument is made to be a perfect first or second violin to a dedicated student.

Also, the same is that the case of these violins is their best part. The violin cases Cremona sends their instruments in will serve a musician long past the point where they have moved on to better violins. The case is lightweight with a hard foam interior and a harder plastic exterior. The hard foam is cut to cradle not only the violin itself but also a total of four bows and other pockets for necessary spare parts.

The main difference between this installment and the previous one is a simple matter of size. The Cremona Student Violin is made more specifically for adult beginners, and likely, ones with a slightly higher degree of finger dexterity than a true novice is likely to have.

#5. Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Student Violin

Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D'Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size)
  • Full size 4/4 violin with a solid spruce wood top, flamed maple back, neck, and sides, and inlaid purfling for a professional look
  • Includes a lightweight hard case, 2 Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, a quality rosin cake, and adjustable shoulder rest...
  • Strung with D'Addario Prelude Strings for optimal sound quality, the violin features a lovely satin antique finish for an elegant look

The Cecilio is a cost-effective and beautiful violin for a true beginner. This instrument is simple and elegant, emphasizing function over form while still producing a high-quality sound. The Cecilio is also one of the few that isn’t just marketed toward beginners but is specifically tailored toward them. The package comes with a small pamphlet detailing the fastest ways for a new violin player to hone their skills on the instrument.

The pamphlet in question is known as The First Lesson and contains several teacher-approved lessons and rudimentary songs to put them to the test. Aside from this welcomed learning aid, the package also contains an electronic tuner, a lightweight hard case with a vinyl exterior and a shoulder strap, two brazilwood bows with real Mongolian horsehair, an adjustable shoulder rest and a spare bridge for good measure.

All things considered, this may be the single best violin on this list. It comes with everything a new violin player could need, and it even has a lesson book to increase their skills. It is just hard to beat that level of quality.

#6. Yamaha Model 5 Violin for Beginners

Yamaha Model 5 Violin Outfit 4/4 Size
  • Features a spruce top and maple back and neck that are made from select materials
  • Each instrument is handcrafted utilizing the same traditional methods as used on Yamaha's high quality violins
  • Includes rosewood pegs, chinrest and tailpiece, 4 fine tuners, Prelude strings

The Yamaha violin is a way to start a new violin player off the right way. Each instrument is handcrafted with a spruce top and maple back to ensure the best sound possible. Even small details, such as the pegs and chin rest, are carved from fine rosewood. The bow is shaped from horsehair and brazilwood. It is an instrument for violin students who want the best in everything they do, just as they want the best from everything they play.

Players note that the Yamaha has a somewhat distinct mellow sound compared to others. Its prelude strings sing for beginners the same as they do for experts, though. The quality and workmanship of Yamaha cannot be beaten either in terms of sound or presentation. The instruments are also under warranty through their manufacturer if a customer does not agree with the sheer quality of this violin.

Each Yamaha violin comes in a lightweight case with four fine tuners and rosin included. The strings come pre-tuned, further enhancing its appeal for new students by demonstrating how it is supposed to sound when properly tuned.

For those who want the very best in quality and form, the Yamaha violin is as good as it gets.

#7. Cecilio CVN-300 Violin ForStudents

Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D'Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size)
  • Great Violin For Beginners: The beginner violin is an ideal stringed musical instrument for any student who has dreams of playing music. The set...
  • Elegant Design: As beautiful as most stringed musical instruments, these violins for beginners have a solid spruce top and antique finish with inlaid...
  • Violin Learning Kit Includes: Cecilio violin dressed in D'Addario Prelude strings, 2 bows, an extra bridge, a quality rosin, adjustable shoulder rest...

Everything about the sixth slot on this list is true for this one as well. The Cecilio 300 comes with all of the same assets as the 500 before it. The difference, in this case, is that the model is a bit smaller and suited for a smaller player. By all accounts, it still sounds just as good.

Aside from the lesson book, the 300 also has the same electronic tuner, lightweight hard case, and two brazilwood bows with real Mongolian horsehair. It also has the same adjustable shoulder rest and a spare bridge for good measure.

These last two installments on this list honestly just speak to how good of a company the manufacturer of Cecilio violins are. All of their products have a one-year guaranteed warranty on them, so any problems with an individual product can be easily sorted out.

#8. Mendini by Cecilio MV Solid Wood Violin for Beginners

Sale
Mendini By Cecilio Violin For Beginners, Kids & Adults - Beginner Kit For Student w/Hard Case, Rosin, Bow - Starter Violins,...
9,194 Reviews
Mendini By Cecilio Violin For Beginners, Kids & Adults - Beginner Kit For Student w/Hard Case, Rosin, Bow - Starter Violins,...
  • Music Instruments For Kids & Adults: This fiddle kit is a great beginner violin for any student, young or old. This set includes all the necessities...
  • Elegant Design: As beautiful as most band & orchestra musical instruments for kids, this ebony violin has a solid wood hand-carved spruce top; maple...
  • Starter Violin Kit Includes: Available in several sizes the kit also has 1 bow, extra violin strings, a quality rosin, adjustable shoulder rest with...

For our third Cecilio violin, we have the Mendini. The Mendini violin is a dressed-down version of the ones before it on this list. It is the most directly marketed and tailored for novices. 

The Mendini comes with multiple learning aid pamphlets featuring lessons and advice from several prominent violin teachers. It only includes one bow, but it is the same quality brazilwood and horsehair as any other Cecilio violin on this list. It also has an alloy tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners. 

Just like all other Cecilio products sold on Amazon, the Mendini’s page includes a detailed guide from the manufacturer describing how to pick the right size violin for a person’s body size and ability. Once again, the level of care shown by the manufacturer is clear in every aspect of their sales rather than just the product itself.

#9. Paititi 1/2 Size Artist-100 Student Violin

Paititi 1/2 Size Artist-100 Student Violin Starter Kit with Brazilwood Bow Lightweight Case, Shoulder Rest, Extra Strings and...
  • This is a very beautiful 1/2 size Aritist-100 VN101 student violin starter kit that comes complete with one (1) Brazilwood bow, a high quality...
  • This violin is made of finest natural wood, with smooth and satin finish, set up and ready to play.
  • Bow has double pearl eye, genuine unbleached Mongolian horsehair. Straight and well balanced.

This is another half-sized violin for small hands. The Paititi is a student violin tailored specifically for young musicians such as those performing in grade school orchestras or other similar events. The Paititi also comes highly recommended by private violin teachers for young students due to how easy it is for them to hold and play.

The Paititi is hand-carved from natural wood and has an authentic horsehair bow. It also comes pre-tuned and ready to play right out of the case. Customers describe it as having a fairly mellow sound but still being pleasant for its small size.

The case is not as fine as some of the others on this list, being only a soft vinyl case with room to hold the bow and rosin inside. The carrying case itself is still noticeably rain resistant and heatproof, though, so even if it isn’t much to look at, it will keep the violin inside safe.

The Paititi is a great choice for young musicians looking to get into playing the violin, but not a whole lot else.

#10. Eastar 1/2Beginner Violin

Eastar 1/2 Violin Set Half Size Fiddle EVA-3 Matte for Beginners with Hard Case, Rosin, Shoulder Rest, Bow, and Extra Strings...
  • The Eastar EVA-3 1/2 violin is made of spruce wood panel, maple back board and side plate with inlaid in antique varnish. This is primary practitioner...
  • Maple wood neck, pear-wood finger board, date wood chin rest and tail nail, aluminum alloy strain plate and four integrated fine-tuning tuners.
  • The whole violin is made entirely by hand, the black line is embedded, the surface is smooth, the vertical line with the high-grade violin is...

The Eastar is another violin for which beginner means child. The violin is small and suitable for young hands to hold comfortably and play effectively. It does come in larger sizes, but the smallest is the one most suited for beginners due to its lightness and ease of use.

The entire body of the violin is made from spruce wood panels and comes with an electronic tuner which is convenient to use even for skilled players. The neck is made of high-quality maple wood. The turn pegs are also made of hardwood and are textured to be easier to hold and manipulate.

How to Choose a Beginner Violin: First Time Buyer’s Guide

From specialist music stores to your local pawn shop, to online, there are many places that have violins for sale.

With the extensive selection of violins that you have available to you, it can be tough to determine which violin you should buy for yourself.

As a beginner, there are several things that you should know before buying your first violin, and understanding a few key aspects will allow you to look out for certain things and find a violin that works well for you.

Types of Violins Suitable For Beginners

When you begin to shop for your first violin, you will come across many different types of violins.

The violin that most people are aware of, the acoustic violin, is actually a part of a larger family of instruments that is known as the string family.

The string family of instruments includes the violin, the viola, the cello, and the double bass.

Among the violin instrument itself, are several different types of violins. The main types of violins are:

  • Classical violin
  • Electric violin
  • Baroque violin
  • Hardanger fiddle
  • Five-string violin
  • Stroh violin

We won’t be looking at the Baroque violin, Hardanger fiddle, the five-string violin, and the Stroh violin as these are lesser-known and more specialist violin types.

Classical Violin (Modern)

The Classical violin, also known as the modern violin, is the type of violin that most people think of when they imagine a violin.

The modern violin of today was developed in the early 1700s however, the development of the Classical violin began in the 1500s.

Electric Violins

The electric violin is one of the most modern types of violins and just like electric guitars, they use pickups to amplify sound.

The pickups of an electric violin are placed near the bridge of the violin so that when a player runs their violin bow across the strings of the electric violin, the electric pickup picks up the vibration of the string.

The pickup then transfers its signal to an amplifier through either an amplifier cable or a wireless amplifier transmitter.

Acoustic Violins vs. Electric Violins

Acoustic violins and electric violins are both great options for a beginner violinist but your choice of either will depend on your needs and what style you like.

Acoustic violins produce rich tones that resonate out of their hollow bodies whereas electric violins are able to produce a range of tones, can have their sounds altered through the use of additional equipment, and can also be used for many styles of music.

While electric violins have come a long way since their development, they still cannot fully emulate the unique sounds that are produced by acoustic violins.

Violinists can alter the sounds of their acoustic violins by changing the setups of their violins however, these changes, however, can take a lot of time and require patience to prevent damaging the instrument.

The sound of electric violins, on the other hand, can be easily changed by using effects pedals or by changing the amplifiers, among other simple things.

Computer programs can also be used to alter the sounds of electric violins and to add effects to their sounds.

In terms of convenience, acoustic violins can be much more convenient than electric violins as electric violins need amplifiers to project their sounds, and acoustic violins can simply be taken out of their cases and played.

If you need to practice your violin in silence, acoustic violins and electric violins are both great choices. However, to practice an acoustic violin in silence, you will need to purchase an additional mute that you will then need to place onto the bridge of the violin; this only takes a moment, as the piece slides right onto the bridge.

Electric violinists can simply plug their headphones into their violins to practice in silence however, you may need to purchase an additional adapter piece that adapts the size of your headphone plug to the jack of the electric violin.

There are also violins that combine both electric and acoustic violin properties conveniently into one instrument which are known as electro-acoustic violins.

Electro-acoustic violins, alternatively called acoustic-electric violins as well, are able to produce sound without the need for their electric pickups due to their hollow body structure.

Acoustic-electric violins are built primarily like acoustic violins but also feature many electric violin technologies. 

We’d recommend opting for a simple acoustic violin for beginners as this will allow you to learn the basics and get a feel for the instrument.

Then when you’re more experienced you can upgrade to an electric or an electro-acoustic violin if you want to.

Parts of the Violin

A violin is composed of several important parts with the primary parts of a violin being the body, the bridge, the neck, the fingerboard, the scroll, the pegbox, the tailpiece, and the violin’s f-holes.

Violins will also have strings usually and a chin rest attached to them when they are sold to violinists as well.

The body of an acoustic violin is hollow and amplifies the sound that the strings of the violin produce as they vibrate.

The sound that is amplified by the violin’s body comes out of the body through the violin’s f-holes.

These holes in the body of the violin which are both shaped like the lowercase letter “f”, received their shapes after numerous centuries of development.

The shape of the f-holes is believed to produce the largest sound for violins.

The violin’s bridge elevates the strings of the violin above the fingerboard, making room for the strings to vibrate.

The neck of the violin connects the violin’s scroll to its body. The neck of the violin is attached behind the violin’s fingerboard.

The fingerboard is what violinists use to play notes.

As violinists press their fingers against the strings that seemingly hover above the violin’s fingerboard, they effectively change the length of the strings, changing the pitches that the strings create.

A violin’s strings are connected from its tailpiece to its scroll. The scroll acts as the head of a violin and is where the violin’s pegbox is located.

Violinists use the pegs that are located in their violins’ pegboxes to change the tunings of their violins’ strings.

The pegs of a violin are able to change the tuning of a string by increasing and decreasing the tension that is in the string by shortening and elongating the string as the pegs are rotated.

Tailpieces, which are attached to the bottom of a violin’s body, are also sometimes equipped with tuning tools known as “fine tuners”.

Fine tuners are able to make incremental adjustments to the tunings of violin strings.

Professional violinists typically only have fine-tuners for the E-strings of their violins.

However, many entry-level violins have fine tuners on all four of their strings.

The difference mainly has to do with the preference of a violinist, however, as there are professional players who also have fine-tuners on their violins’ tailpieces for each of the strings.

Most violins are sold with strings and chinrests attached to their bodies, but, there are many that are sold without as well.

A chinrest is a piece that is attached to the bottom of a violin’s body and is positioned next to the violin’s tailpiece.

As its name suggests, a chinrest gives a violinist a comfortable place to rest their chin as they play their violin.

Violin Usability

A violin can be used to play a variety of music genres, from classical music to heavy metal and more.

In fact, electric violins are very popular with rock musicians and many electric violinists attempt to emulate the sounds of electric guitars with their violins.

Acoustic violins are used primarily to play classical music but are also used for fiddle music, jazz, and much more. 

Consider which genre of music you would like to play with your violin, as this can provide you with guidance on the type of violin that you should purchase.

Violin Sizes

Violins are available in eight different sizes, from smallest to largest are 1/32, 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4.

When violinists are given recommendations for violin sizes, the lengths of their arms are taken into account more than their age.

However, it is easier to determine which violin size may be right for a violinist based on their age and the average size of a person that age.

Violins that are 1/32 are created for toddlers and are somewhat rare to find. 

Many teenagers and adults play full-size 4/4 violins.

However, the size that you choose ultimately should depend on what works the best for you. 

You can experiment with different sizes at your local music store to determine which violin size you are comfortable with. 

Violin Construction and Materials

Violins are constructed by skilled craftsmen who are called “luthiers” who develop their skills and craft over many years.

It takes a lot of focus and patience to build a violin, as precise measurements need to be taken and steady hands are needed to make careful cuts.

Luthiers work in stretches and typically craft multiple violins at the same time.

Violins are normally created using either maple wood or spruce wood, however, rosewood, ebony wood, and willow wood are also used to build violins.

Luthiers oftentimes use multiple wood types on a single violin to achieve the results that they envision.

The woods that luthiers choose to use depend on the luthier’s acoustic preferences, the types of wood that they are skilled at crafting with, and the strength that they need their violins to have.

The wood that is used on a violin affects its sound greatly, but the way the wood is developed, carved and constructed also has a great effect on the sound that a violin produces.

The Weight of a Violin

Acoustic violins are hollow and do not weigh very much which means, fully equipped with strings, a chinrest, and everything that you need to make music, an acoustic violin weighs around 400 grams.

In contrast, the weight of electric violins can vary greatly.

The weight of an electric violin depends on the accessories that are attached to the violin, the weight of the violin’s pickups, and the weight of the violin’s body itself.

With the wider variety of electric violin designs that are available on the market, the range of electric violin weights is expansive. Some electric violins even have special attachments to allow violinists to remain highly mobile as they play.

The weight of a violin will mostly be important to you when you need to carry your violin for long distances or when you need to perform for long periods of time.

However, with the lightweight nature of violins, the weight of your violin may never bother you.

Budget

There are violins that are available for nearly every range of budget.

For example, it is possible for you to find a violin at your local pawn shop for a few dollars but you will also see rare violins that sell for millions of dollars.

Your first violin does not need to cost very much, as you will be using it to learn about what you like and do not like. Shop within the budget that you can afford.

As you are searching for your first violin, you will be able to find many great beginner options between the $100 and $400 price range.

Options within this price range typically include a basic case along with a bow.

Best Brands of Beginner Violins

There are violins that are developed in numerous countries across a range of brands but for beginners, some of the best violin brands are Yamaha, Cecilio, Cremona, Stentor, and Crescent.

However, you are not limited to these brands as there are many great violins that are manufactured by up-and-coming brands as well.

Where to Buy a Beginner Violin

You can shop for your first violin in many places as violins are not only sold in special violin shops and can also be found in larger music stores and online. 

The first place that you should look when searching for a beginner violin is at a violin store. These stores are typically owned and operated by violinists who understand violins very well.

Some violin stores also craft their own violins and can make adjustments to your violin for you in-house.

Violin stores will provide a wealth of knowledge to you and will guide you towards the beginner violin that will last a long time for you.

While you may not find the cheapest violin possible at a violin store, you can find many great deals at violin stores and will be able to have a better experience as well.

You can search for a beginner violin at a bigger general music store as well.

You can find great deals at big music stores and can also receive input from staff members who may be musicians.

However, big music stores don’t always have great violin selections and the staff members are usually not experienced with violins specifically.

If you are looking for the quickest and cheapest way to find your first violin, you can browse the selections at your local pawn shops or online.

You will most likely not be able to receive much guidance as you shop at a pawn shop, as the violins there are simply brought in by other customers, but you may find a very good deal on a violin.

You can try out different violins at pawn shops and experience how each one feels for you.

Alternatively, with online purchases, while you may be able to receive great feedback about violins through customer reviews, you will not be able to actually try your first violin before you purchase it.

Starter Kits

Violins are mostly sold with just the instrument itself, but can also be purchased as full sets that have additional accessories included.

The sets are usually put together by music stores that sell violins to make purchases easier for new violinists. 

These starter kits are great for getting violinists started on their playing journeys and can last a violinist many years.

However, if you purchase one of these kits, you may eventually want to begin upgrading various accessories. 

Additional Accessories that You Will Need

There are several accessories that you will need to purchase for your new violin and several accessories that you can purchase to make your playing experience simpler.

Primarily, you will need a violin bow, a shoulder rest, a violin case, and rosin for the bow of your violin.

Additionally, you can purchase an extra set of violin strings, a cleaning kit, a mute, a metronome, a tuner, and many more accessories.

Your selection of available violin accessories is not limited and expands as new technologies are created.

You should purchase your violin bow with violin rosin; both accessories are dependent on one another.

The violin bow is what will allow you to create a sound with your violin as it’s placed on the horsehair of the violin bow.

A shoulder rest goes between the back of a violin and your shoulder as you play the violin.

A shoulder rest allows the violin to sit comfortably on your shoulder. While a shoulder rest is not necessary for a violinist to play the violin, it is highly recommended for beginners.

There are a variety of different shoulder rests that are available but just make sure that the one you purchase is adjustable in multiple ways so that you can find the position that is right for you.

Violin Cases

An essential additional accessory is a violin case which will store your violin when you’re not playing it and allow you to carry it safely.

There are numerous violin cases that are available on the market each with lots of different features and level of protection.

For more information, check out our post on the best violin cases here.

Music Stands

CAHAYA 5 in 1 Dual-use Sheet Music Stand & Desktop Book Stand Metal Portable Solid Back Height Adjustable from 31.4-57in with Book...
  • CAHAYA 5 IN 1 Music Stand: 1 X Music Stand, 1 X Desktop Stand, 1 X Carrying Bag, 1 X Sheet Music Folder, 1 X Sheet Music Clip. A4 sheet music folder...
  • Extendable and Adjustable: Great for both Sitting and Standing Positions (Height can be adjusted from 31.5" to 57"). 2inch deep tray is enough to hold...
  • Wider Footprint Sturdy Tripod Base: The tripod legs extend farther outwards for a steadier footing. Tripod feet are rubber-coated to hold a firm grip...

Music stands are commonly overlooked tools that nearly every musician uses at some point in their musical career.

A music stand will not only hold your sheet music, phone, or tablet but will help you to maintain great posture while you are practicing and performing your violin.

Many music stands are available with clips or other devices that hold sheet music in place on the stands and there are also many that are foldable that allow them to be portable.

Building Your Violin

As you progress with your first violin and become more skilled with your playing abilities, you will begin to learn more about the things that you like and don’t like.

Your beginner violin is a way to get you started on your violin journey, but it does not need to have all of the latest and greatest features.

You may find that there are some tools that you want to add to your violin, like a higher bridge, for example or some items that you would like to remove.

While they can seem fragile and intimidating to some, violins are modifiable and can be equipped with different features.

After you purchase your beginner violin, you may decide that you don’t like the way that its strings feel, for example.

You can then choose to purchase a set of new strings.

You can then take this as an opportunity to learn a new skill by changing the strings on your violin yourself, or by learning from someone.

Conclusion: Which one Should you Buy?

Shopping for your first violin is a very exciting journey and is the first step that you will take towards learning a great new skill.

Take your time when you are shopping for a violin and try out different models and styles.

If possible, visit your local music store to browse their inventory of violins and music equipment. Even if you later buy online, at the store, you can ask for additional guidance from someone who plays the violin and is experienced with violins.

If you’re still on the fence about which one to go for you can’t go wrong with any of the violins reviewed above.

But, if we had to recommend just a couple we’d suggest either the D Z Strad Violin, the Bunnel Pupil Violin, or if you’re on a tight budget, the Mendini By Cecilio Violin.

Each of them are low cost, easy to play, and come in multiple sizes so whatever the age of the person playing, you’ll find one to suit.

Whichever violin you end up going for, keep practicing and have fun!

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size By Kennedy Violins - Carrying Case and Accessories Included - Solid Maple Wood and Ebony...
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Izaak Walton is a violinist and violin teacher based out of Denver, Colorado. Izaak received a Master’s in Violin Performance at the University of Denver, and a Bachelor’s in Violin Performance from the University of Georgia. Exposed to a variety of violin methods and musical styles, Izaak built passions for music history, literature, and violin technique.