Beginner Violin: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying a beginner violin involves more variables than most instrument purchases. Unlike a guitar or keyboard, the playability and sound of a violin depend critically on its setup — the positioning and height of the strings, the fit of the pegs, the condition of the nut and bridge — which varies significantly between instruments even at the same price point.

New vs Rental

For very young children who will outgrow the instrument quickly, rental from a specialist shop is often the most practical choice. The rental fee typically includes maintenance, setup and the option to upgrade to the next size when needed. For older students who are likely to remain at the same size for several years, buying outright becomes more economical. A specialist shop can advise on the threshold at which purchase becomes better value than rental for the individual student's situation.

Where to Buy

A specialist violin or orchestral strings retailer will supply instruments that have been set up by a luthier before leaving the shop. This is the most important difference between buying from a specialist and buying from a general music retailer or online marketplace. An unsetup violin — one that has left the factory with no professional adjustment — can be physically difficult to play and produce a poor tone that discourages a new student. The additional cost of buying from a specialist is offset by the improved playing experience.

What to Look For in a Budget Outfit

At entry level, a good beginner violin outfit includes a solid spruce top rather than laminate, a bow with genuine horsehair rather than synthetic alternatives, and setup by a professional luthier before you take it home. The strings included in many outfits are of poor quality and are worth replacing with a mid-range student string set as a first upgrade. See our overview and our mistakes guide for more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions