Understanding the Cost of a Beginner's Violin

Choosing your first violin can feel like stepping into an ocean of unknown depths. However, understanding the costs and what to look for in a beginner's instrument can make this step exciting rather than intimidating.

So how much does a beginner's violin cost? The answer lies in a variety of factors including quality, brand, accessories, and the type of violin you're looking to invest in.

Generally, a decent beginner's violin can range anywhere from $300 to $500. The price is typically reflective of the quality and craftsmanship that goes into the instrument. However, it's essential to remember that the most expensive violin is not always the best choice for beginners. There are cheaper violins available, but it the instrument is not well-crafted it will be difficult to play.

What to Look for in a Beginner's Violin

When looking for a beginner's violin, you should consider the instrument's durability, playability, and sound quality.

You want an instrument that can withstand the inevitable bumps and scrapes it may encounter during the early learning process.

Equally important is the ease of play—beginners should feel comfortable with their instrument, from the weight and size to the action of the strings and the placement of the fingerboard.  Of course, nothing is "comfortable" about learning the violin but you want to choose a violin that is as comfortable as possible, so the student is less frustrated as possible.  For the most part, the set-up of the violin is going to be the biggest determining factor on how playable the violin is for a beginning student. 

 

Quality Over Price

The sound quality of the violin is also crucial. As a beginner, you're developing your ear training and a poor sounding instrument could hinder your progress. It should have a warm and clear sound that can keep the new player motivated and enthusiastic about their learning journey.  Every new violinist will sound bad at first but you want to choose a violin that has the capacity to eventually sound good as the student progresses.

When a beginner hears a pleasing and resonant sound emanating from their instrument, it creates a positive feedback loop. It reinforces their efforts, boosts their confidence, and keeps them enthusiastic about their learning journey. It becomes an incentive to practice more, explore new techniques, and strive for improvement.

Moreover, investing in a violin with good sound quality from the beginning can save the player from the frustration of outgrowing their instrument too quickly. As their skills progress, their ear becomes more discerning, and they may begin to notice the limitations of a lower-quality instrument. This can hinder their ability to continue growing musically and may require them to invest in a better instrument sooner than expected.

Choosing the best violin for your situation

At this point, you might be asking, "Which violin should I choose?" Let's answer that by giving you a couple scenarios.

Best violin for young students

If you are a young student (up to about age 11) seeking a solid, affordable violin with a sweet, cutting sound, our best-selling Ricard Bunnel line and Giuliani Etude can be the perfect choice. These violins offer exceptional quality within a price range of $312.99 to $440.99.

• Bunnel Pupil Student Violin  — $312.99
• Bunnel Premier Student Violin — $332.99
• Bunnel G2 Violin — $395.99
• Antonio Giuliani Etude Violin — $406.99
• Bunnel G1 Violin — $440.99

These violins are all excellent choices for young students, providing a range of options to suit different skill levels and budgets. Each violin in the Ricard Bunnel line is carefully crafted to ensure durability, playability, and a beautiful sound, making them ideal for fostering a young musician's passion and growth.

 

Best violin for adult or advanced beginners 

As you progress in your musical journey, you'll want a violin that will sound good as you reach the intermediate and even advanced stages. Investing in a slightly more expensive instrument from the beginning can be beneficial in the long run. Higher-quality instruments will break in over time, resulting in an even better sound. For this reason, we highly recommend the Louis Carpini G2 violin and the Antonio Giuliani Primo violin as exceptional value for the money.

Antonio Giuliani Primo Violin — $559.99

Louis Carpini G2 Violin — $670.99

Another consideration with advanced beginner models is that these violins will sound even better after a couple of years of consistent playing. As violins age, they develop a more mature sound, making them more valuable at later stages of your musical journey than when first purchased.

Most of the beginner violins are pre-strung with Prelude strings, known for their durability and consistent performance.  Most violins in this price category come with cheap Chinese strings, but it's very important that your first instrument has high quality strings, and that's why Kennedy Violins insists on American made D'Addario Prelude strings.

For those seeking an upgrade, Thomastik Alphayue Strings are a great choice and offer superior tonal qualities and responsiveness, enhancing the violin's sound.

Taking the First Step on Your Musical Journey

To sum it up, the cost of a beginner's violin can vary greatly, but it's essential to remember that the quality of the instrument is crucial to a beginner's learning experience. Investing in a quality beginner instrument like the Bunnel Series of violins or a more advanced beginner violin like the Louis Carpini G2 can provide a great foundation for a budding musician.

Check out our student violin curated collection from Kennedy Violins to see all of our recommended options!

Remember, choosing the right violin is about balancing cost, quality, and practicality. With careful consideration and guidance, you or your young musician will be on the path to developing a lifelong relationship with music.