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If you are interested in purchasing a new electric violin or upgrading your current one, here is some helpful information. In this article, we take a look at the best electric violins on the market and electric violin reviews to help you decide which electric violin is right for you.
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You'll also find some answers to the questions most people ask when looking for a new electric violin. Here's a quick look at the content of the article:
- What are the best electric violins on the market?
- What is an electric violin?
- How to choose an electric violin?
- What is the difference between electric, silent and electroacoustic violins?
- Who builds the best electric and silent violins?
Top 10 Electric Violin Reviews for 2023
Here you will find our selection of the best electric violins for 2023, as well as individual test reports on silent violins, test reports on acoustic electric violins, and test reports on "pure" electric violins.
Here are the best electric violins of 2023:
Yamaha YEV-105:runner-up
As a manufacturer of musical instruments of all kinds and one of thebest contemporary violinists, Yamaha has become a household name for a reason. Yamaha's corporate philosophy is that they are committed to creating excitement and cultural inspiration for music-making around the world.
If you are looking for a violin that can be used for modern and new wave music, you can check out our selection from the list. Despite being listed as one of the most expensive electric violins, many violinists love this model because it can play for decades.
Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE:Acoustic-Electric Otros
Barcus Berry instruments are well known for their reputation for providing reliable quality instruments. His elegant electroacoustic violins are handmade in Romania.
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Whether you're looking for an instrument that can be used as an electric or acoustic violin, or looking for a bold and radical acoustic-electric instrument to play, the Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE is worth your investment and will look great on stage. Without a doubt, this electric violin is a good choice for a beginner electric violinist.
Stagg-EVN:Best for silent practice
If we talk about silent violins,Staggit will definitely be on the list. They are often recommended by electric violinists and violin teachers as one of the best electric violin brands you can trust.
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If you want to extend your practice hours with a quiet violin, check out this model! The Stagg EVN is one of the best silent electric violins on the market!
mushroomraya SVX4:cooler hit
The Stingray SV series is one of the best electric violins made famous by theEmmy Award-winning violinist and composer Mark Wood.
Whether you're looking for a beginner or professional electric violin, the Stingray SV is one of the coolest electric violins around. This can take you to the next level of rocking the world of your audience without breaking the bank.
Next package:Better up to $500
This Bunnel Next Electronic Violin Costume has everything you need to start playing the violin.
Considering all the accessories and items you get with the Bunnel Next Electric Violin Costume, the price that comes with it is well worth it.
Cecilio CEVN-2:Better up to €200
The Cecilio CEVN-2 series electric violin is built to last with a solid body. Plus, it's made from high-quality materials for better sound compared to other entry-level violins on the market.
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If you are looking for an affordable electric violin, this violin is a good choice for you. This set includes everything you need for your musical journey with an affordable opportunity to get your hands on some serious kit.
Cecilio CEVN-1:best for beginners
Cecilio made our list of the best electric violin brands for beginners because it is one of the bestbest luthiersfor traditional and electric violins of the time.
The Cecilio CEVN-1 is a very good electric violin for beginners on a budget. It's an amazing choice, especially for those new to the electric violin.
AW electric violin:better cheap
The AW Electric Violin is one of the most affordable and affordable electric violins on the market. It comes with aluminum alloy strings, which are said to be stronger than nylon strings.
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If you want to try playing the electric violin on a whim, this AW model is the cheapest electric violin you can find. This is the perfect option, especially if you never get a chance to play. Because you don't lose sleep over the money you've invested in it.
VE on the rise:Better under $100
The Crescent EV is another good violin for students just starting out who need an affordable electric violin under $100. These violins are also suitable for children. In fact, the EV is a great entry-level electric violin for those interested in learning to play an electric violin.
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If you're someone who just wants to try an electric violin or needs something to play with, the Crescent EV is a great option. Well, it's one of the best cheap electric violins under $100 you can find!
Cremona SV-180E:our choice
Cremona is an award winning company established in 1989 and known for producing various types of high quality violins. We chose this model for its remarkable playability at a price that certainly won't break the bank.
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This electric violin is simply elegant. It is a violin of perfection and quality for all violinists of all levels. Also, this outfit is a very affordable option for beginners or anyone who wants to try learning electric violin.
What is an electric violin?
An electric violin is an instrument that can produce sound electronically. The electronic or digital signals produced by electric violins can often produce brighter, louder sounds than their acoustic counterparts.
Also, the sound of an electric violin can be adjusted and improved. With its plug-and-play capability, this type of violin is a good choice for a violinist who wants to play with amplified bands.
How to choose an electric violin?
design and your style of play
Electric violins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Before heading to the nearest music store, try browsing online and familiarizing yourself with common styles of electric violins.
Are you looking for cool, shiny models that look great and make people ask, "What's that instrument?" Or are you someone who wants a simpler package? Our advice: choose what best suits your taste!
tone and price
There are different shades of violin: darker, lighter, or a bit more neutral. While tone is considered highly subjective, there are some electric violins that have a "more natural/acoustic sound" than others. Equalizer and effects are also an option that can help you get the tone you want.
For maximum satisfaction, we recommend a key note that speaks to you as a musician. Typically, as the price of an electric violin increases, its tone becomes more advanced and more natural-sounding.
model and purpose
Traditional violins are sold under different names. This is not just a way to have a well-defined nomenclature for violins, but a grouping technique. Electric violins, on the other hand, also have different “groups”. Now let's look at each group individually.
Electric violin vs. silent violin vs. acoustic-electric violin
"Pure" electric violins
Without the traditional/classical appearance of the violin, electric violins have a modified body shape. Their shapes vary from an S or moon shape to a narrow trapezoid with a taper from the tailpiece.
However, because they come with adjustable-length standard violin fittings, this type of violin can still be played like a traditional violin.
silent practice violins
Silent violins are violins with headphones that can be used for silent practice. If you're just starting out on this fun electric violin playing adventure and feel like making some noise, Silent Violins are a perfect choice. However, there may be various accessories.
electroacoustic violins
Electroacoustic violins have the ability to generate sounds acoustically and amplify them electronically at the same time. This is possible through the use of "receivers" or small devices that essentially "convert" physical vibrations into electrical signals.
If you think you need a violin with good acoustics and amplification, you should probably buy an electro-acoustic violin. After all, most acoustic electric violin reviews tell this story pretty well.
Who builds the best electric and silent violins?
Many violinists, violin lovers, and instructors can offer their opinions on which particular brands of electric violins are better than other brands. This can lead to a culture that can be scary for some.
It is important to know that people's opinions differ. An electric violin style may be best for one person, but may not be the perfect fit for others, as a violinist's individual sound is not defined by brands.
For more information on brands, see our “The Best Violin Brands for Beginners and Intermediates"Article.
final thoughts
We hope we have helped you in your search for the perfect electric violin by presenting our selection and our evaluation of the 10 best electric violins.
FAQs
Which electric violin should I buy? ›
- Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin.
- Bunnel Edge Electric Violin.
- Yamaha YEV-105 Electric Violin.
- Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE Electric Violin.
- Stagg EVN Electric Violin.
- Cecilio CVNAE Electric Violin.
- Cecilio CEVN-2 Electric Violin.
- Vangoa Electric Violin.
Electric violins range from around $100 for the cheapest models to about $5,000 at the top end. Tip: When shopping for your first electric violin, don't forget to leave space in your budget for a good quality amplifier and maybe even a multi-effects processor!
Do electric violins go out of tune? ›A classical or electric violin will react to external conditions. Depending on the ambient humidity and temperature, the violin body and strings will adjust. This is why every musical instrument go out of tune.
Is it worth getting an electric violin? ›You can get an electric violin between $500-$1000 with decent sound, quality, and craftsmanship, so that your practice time on this instrument is worth it. If you perform on stage, you may want to get an electric violin with tone and EQ knobs, so that you can do a little "mixing" on your instrument.
Which violins sound the best? ›One of the best violin brands for advanced players is Stradivarius. Stradivarius violins are renowned for their exceptional quality and beautiful sound. They're also incredibly expensive, so they're not for everyone. But if you have the budget for it, a Stradivarius violin is definitely worth the investment.
What are the top 10 violins? ›- Cremona. ...
- Cecilio. ...
- Mendini. ...
- Yamaha. ...
- Eastman. ...
- Franz Hoffman. ...
- Carlo Lamberti. Pros: High-quality maple and spruce, ebony fingerboard, hill-style ebony pegs, good value. ...
- Primavera. Pros: Lower end of price spectrum, produces good sound, satin varnish gives antique appearance.
1,5 to 2 hours a day
Great to get good progress on your instrument. You can do scales, exercises and etudes and have enough time to work on your repertoire and orchestra scores. Serious teenagers who prepare for a professional career, but are still in school, can practice something like this.
The NXT is one of the lightest and most well balanced electric violins, critical for performance, while preserving strength and striking good looks.
Can you play an electric violin without an amp? ›In order to hear the sound played, electric violins need to be amplified through an external device such as an amplifier or speakers. An acoustic violin can be heard whenever it is played. Conversely, an electric violin that is not plugged into an amplifier will not be heard by the audience.
How long do violin E strings last? ›Special note for those with E strings: squeaking, whistling, blackened strings: get that off your precious instrument quick sharp! For the cellists: It is generally recommended that you replace your strings every 8-12 months to get the maximum quality out of your strings.
Why does my violin E string keep breaking? ›
Exposure to temperature & humidity fluctuations
Proper violin care begins with the right case, a high-quality humidity control accessory (like Boveda's) and proper storage locations. Constant fluctuations of hot-to-cold, humid-to-dry, and then back again causes brittle strings that are more prone to breaking.
Electric violin for beginners isn't always recommended – this is something that many violin instructors recommend you wait for until you've mastered the basics of regular acoustic violin. However, there are lots of benefits to learning both.
What are the cons of electric violin? ›For beginners, it would be complex to jump straight in playing an electric violin. This is because electric violins use electric components. You need to deal with technology and wirings which is a bit difficult for a newbie. Also, electric violins do not suit some types of music.
How much should you pay for a good violin? ›A good violin for a beginner costs about $500. A good intermediate violin will cost ca. $1,000-2,000 while a good violin for a professional violinist may cost anything between $5,000 and $50,000. Of course, you can always buy a more expensive violin as an investment, even if you're a beginner.
Are electric violins hard to play? ›Both acoustic and electric violins should be easy and comfortable for violinists to play. Some electric violins also have frets. Perfect for beginner violinists or musicians accustomed to fretted instruments. Electric violins do take some getting used to though.
What is the prettiest violin song? ›- Theme From "Schindler's List" London Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann. ...
- The Lark Ascending. Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra. ...
- Ave Maria. ...
- The Swan Lake Op. ...
- The Gadfly Suite Op. ...
- Violin Concerto No. ...
- Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV1043: II. ...
- Violin Sonata in A Major: I.
- Joseph Curtin.
- Francesco Toto.
- Gonzalo Bayolo.
- Stefan-Peter Greiner.
- Paolo Vettori.
Paganini will probably be the name you think of first when you think about the most difficult violin pieces. I could have chosen various works, like his 24 caprices, 'I Palpiti' or 'Nel cor pie non mi sento'.
How can you tell if a violin is good quality? ›Quality fine tuners integrated into tailpiece. Correctly shaped fingerboard, nut and bridge, critical for learning to play in tune. Correctly adjusted sound post to insure easy sound production with light bow pressure. Well balanced bow with real horsehair and Brazilwood or Pernambuco wood.
Which country makes the best violins? ›Cremona, Italy, is the world capital of violin-making, and is the birthplace of the famous Stradivarius violins that can be worth millions of dollars.
Do more expensive violins sound better? ›
In general, a more expensive violin will have a better sound. There are sometimes exceptions to this, but when comparing a $500 violin to a $1500 violin, the difference can be quite obvious even to a beginner.
Is 50 too old to learn violin? ›Nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone can learn to play the violin, at any age. Mastering a new skill, regardless of what it is, always involves desire, discipline and determination; and learning violin is no different. Your age does have a factor in how quickly you'll be able to adapt to the instrument.
Is 35 too old to learn violin? ›In other words, there's no reason you can't become a great adult violin player - whether you pick up the bow for the first time at age 30, 50, or beyond.
Can I learn violin in 4 months? ›Anyone who says you can learn the violin in just a few months is lying. You might be able to play a simple tune after a quick crash course with a violin teacher, but it won't be enough to join a jam session, play in an orchestra or even play along with a recording without scratching and squeaking.
Do electric violins need special strings? ›You can use all types of strings on your electric violin, including classical violin strings. All classical violin strings are compatible with an electric violin as long as you respect the type of end of the string used by your electric violin (ball end VS loop end).
How much is a 300 year old violin? ›When the violinist Toscha Seidel stumped up for a Stradivarius in 1924 he boasted that its tone possessed “outstanding power and beauty” and that it was one of the greatest ever made.
Can you play an electric violin without the battery? ›A musical instrument is passive if it works as soon as it is connected to an amp with a cable. It does not need any source of energy other than the electric violin itself. The passive electric violin therefore has no battery or electronic circuit.
Should I wear earplugs when playing violin? ›Even if you can tolerate the sound pressure from your violin, the math suggests that it will be harmful over time, and I'd recommend that you consider musician's earplugs.
Do you need Rosin for an electric violin? ›Rosin is essential to any musician who plays a fretted string instrument such as violin and cello. It is also compulsory for any electric violin or viola. Without rosin, the hair of the bow will slide across the strings and won't provide enough friction to produce any sound.
Should you loosen violin strings after playing? ›If you loosen your bow, should you also loosen the strings of your violin? Answer: Nope! Please don't untune your violin. It is better for your instrument, for your strings and save you a lot of work!
Should you loosen violin strings before flying? ›
The first thing you need to do is loosen the strings. This will help to prevent them from becoming too tight during transit and will help to keep the instrument in good condition. Finally, you should wrap your violin in a soft cloth or case to protect it from bumps and scratches.
How much does it cost to replace an E string on violin? ›The Cost Of Violin Maintenance
Violin strings are typically between $40 and $75 to replace.
Nowadays, most violin strings are made with steel or synthetic materials. Authentic gut strings are still used by some advanced professional violin players, including those who specialize in historical performance, but they are not the norm for the average violinist.
Why is there a gold E string on a violin? ›Gold is very soft, adding a warm, sweet and powerful sound, with multiple overtones and easy response. Many players will employ a Gold-plated E-string to warm-up a bright instrument.
Do violin strings expire? ›Unfortunately, yes, violin strings do expire. So any stories you may have heard about an old violin that was found in a drawer and still played perfectly the moment it was discovered are most likely not true. Regular upkeep – including string replacement – is necessary to maintain a violin in perfect playing order.
What should you not do with a violin? ›Neglecting your instrument
Tighten the bow when you take it out, loosen it when you return it to the case. Before you put away the violin, always wipe off the fingerboard and under the strings with a cotton cloth. Always store the violin and bow in the case for safety. Change strings every three to six months.
The Verdict: The Right Age for Violin Lessons
If your child is motivated and able to focus, between the ages of 5-7 is the ideal time to start violin lessons. But don't be put off if your child is a little younger or older. Talk to the music center or teacher and get their recommendation.
Articular and tendon problems
They generally result from a too regular intensive practice that the body cannot support. The only way to avoid them is to listen to your body and take breaks when you feel discomfort or tension in one of these limbs. The most common problems are: Tendonitis.
Violinists have twice as much risk of developing pain in the neck, right shoulder and left forearm, when compared with pianists. Violists and violinists have a higher incidence of pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm than pianists.
What is the hardest part of learning violin? ›Form and Posture
You'll face the first common challenge when learning to play the violin before you even play a note. There is a proper way to hold every instrument, but with the violin, unlike the piano, you'll have trouble making a sound if you don't get your form, posture, and bow hold right.
Do violins depreciate in value? ›
Unlike other instruments, good violins do not depreciate in value, so buying used will not necessarily save you a lot of money. A good option to outright purchase is instrument rental.
How many years does it take to sound good on the violin? ›So how long does it actually take, to sound good on the violin or viola? As a teacher, I would say that most students take around three to five years to start sounding good and probably 10 years to sound like a completely fluent player.
Does a violin get better with age? ›An aged violin that is played on regularly will still improve in tone, but not as dramatically as on a new violin. An old violin will have a more mellow tone that has harmonized over time.
Is an electric violin good for a beginner? ›Both acoustic and electric violins should be easy and comfortable for violinists to play. Some electric violins also have frets. Perfect for beginner violinists or musicians accustomed to fretted instruments. Electric violins do take some getting used to though.
Is a 100 dollar violin good? ›You just have to fork over a few hundred dollars more to get it there. Is it worth it? Unless you're doing the work yourself, probably not. You're better off spending a few hundred dollars more and finding an instrument that's of better quality and already setup to a level you are happy with.
How much should I spend on a decent violin? ›How much is a good violin? The price can vary greatly, but a good violin can range from around $500 to thousands of dollars, depending on the level. When first starting out, it makes sense to rent your violin rather than purchase it in some instances.
What are the best violin VST and/or libraries? ›- Joshua Bell Violin. OUR PICK. Joshua Bell Violin. ...
- 8dio Adagio Violins. 8dio Adagio Violins. ...
- Albion Tundra. Premium Option. ...
- Output Analog Strings. Output Analog Strings. ...
- 8dio Agitato Grandiose Ensemble Violins. Best Value. ...
- Spitfire LABS Strings 1 & 2. FREE PICK.
Anyone can learn to play the violin, at any age. Mastering a new skill, regardless of what it is, always involves desire, discipline and determination; and learning violin is no different. Your age does have a factor in how quickly you'll be able to adapt to the instrument.
What is the hardest thing to play on the violin? ›- Sonata No. ...
- Partita in D minor BWV 1004 – J.S. ...
- 'The Last Rose Of Summer' – Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst. ...
- Caprice in D major 'Il labirinto armonico' – Locatelli. ...
- Solo Violin Sonata – Bartók. ...
- Violin Concerto – Ligeti. ...
- 6 Caprices – Sciarrino. ...
- God Save the King – Paganini.
Cremona, Italy, is the world capital of violin-making, and is the birthplace of the famous Stradivarius violins that can be worth millions of dollars.
Do violins get better with age? ›
The Science of Antique Violins
Antique violins are well-aged, but seasoning is not the only factor that gives vintage instruments their unique tone quality. Violins sound better and become more responsive the more they are played. Before a violin is even made, aging is already a factor.
If you arrange your violin practice in smarter ways, a regimen that includes at least 30-60 minutes per day will deliver expressive results.
How many hours a day should I play violin? ›1,5 to 2 hours a day
Great to get good progress on your instrument. You can do scales, exercises and etudes and have enough time to work on your repertoire and orchestra scores.