The 10 Best Violins For Beginners
Special Honors
Bellafina Educator An ebony fingerboard, solid maple neck, inlaid purfling, and aged tonewoods make the Bellafina Educator a solid choice for learners, as does the included Glasser fiberglass horsehair bow. These features combined allow even the inexperienced to produce a rich tone, unlike the thin sound that can be expected from less carefully-crafted choices. bellafinastrings.com
Primavera 200 With its hand-carved maple and spruce construction, the Primavera 200 can produce a better tone than many of the models in the same price range; not only that, but it has top-notch ebony fittings and arrives with a composite bow and a case. To help you protect your investment, this sturdy case is lined with an exceptionally soft material that is sure not to scratch its contents. gear4music.com
Rozanna's Violins Butterfly A selection from Rozanna's Violins Butterfly line might encourage a reluctant learner, or allow enthusiastic students to show off their personal style. There are several fun designs available, but if you aren't into butterflies, don't worry, as there are plenty of other choices offered, including those with dragons, race cars, fairies, and more. rozannasviolins.com
Editor's Notes
August 28, 2020:
As with the guitar, learning to play the violin offers a satisfying way to pass free time, but only if you have one that's playable, not frustrating. That's why we've kept the Bunnel Pupil and the DZ Strad Model 220 as top choices. These are of high enough quality not to tax a beginner's patience, and they come in a range of sizes, so there is one for newbies of all ages. We also kept the Yamaha Model 5. The price is higher than the rest, but it will help a student transition into an intermediate level comfortably.
We decided to keep a couple of quite inexpensive models, as well, even though not all teachers will recommend such models, especially for serious learners. Unfortunately, however, the cost of many top-notch beginner violins is simply out of the price range of some. You can make one of these budget instruments, including the Mendini by Cecilio and the Cremona SV-75 Premier, easier to play by having one set up at a music shop.
And, finally, note that this is one of those times where size does matter. An instrument that is too large for the player could not only be annoying, but it might also have adverse health effects. The player's body can be stressed and strained, or the weight may cause discomfort and fatigue. To prevent issues down the line, you'll want to choose an appropriately-sized instrument; if you need help, ask your or your child's teacher how to measure, before you buy.
January 17, 2019:
Selected models at various price points, adding the Bunnel Pupil as a top choice; it isn't so cheap as to be unplayable but also not so expensive as to be cost prohibitive. Added the Mendini by Cecilio and the Sky 1/16 even though they are not the highest in terms of quality, because they can put playing within reach of even the most restrictive budgets. And for those with a little extra cash to spare, added the Yamaha Model 5, a superior option for serious beginners.