Do you want a guitar that looks like a violin and has a slightly different sound?
This article will help you in buying the right model!
The violin bass guitars have an important role in a band, but you can also play it solo. It’s easier to play and has an octave lower sound in comparison to guitar. Their structure is similar to the violin exterior.
In my short guide, you can find more info about violin guitar, while the review is describing 5 best models on the market. Compare their features and decide which one suits you the most.
Things To Know When Buying Violin Bass
Violin Shaped Bass Guitar Vs Violin
Violin and guitar are completely different string instruments, so the main link between the violin bass guitar and violin is a similar design. The neck and body are designed as the ones of the violin. However, the violin guitar isn’t played with a bow and reaches different sounds.
The Best Violin Bass Guitar Near Me
Violin bass guitar for sale is found at online retailers such as Amazon. They have the widest offer with frequent discounts, and you can read reviews from other people. Also, brands’ official websites offer violin bass for sale. If you don’t want to buy online, visit a local music shop.
Violin Bass Guitar Price Range
The price range of violin-shaped guitar ranges from $100 up to $5 000. However, there are higher priced models such as signed Hofner Paul McCartney violin bass guitar that costs around $20 000. The price depends on the brand, materials, quality of the strings, and other features.
Tonewood Of Violin Style Bass Guitars
There are many types of tonewood used for making a violin looking guitar: alder, agathis, ash, basswood, mahogany, and maple. Each wood type will result in a specific model that creates a tone with unique features. For example, maple can result in a rich and clear tone, while mahogany creates a lower deep tone.
Scales And Number Of Strings
The guitar like violin has a certain scale and string number. The most common scale is 34”, and it’s equal the fingerboard length from the nut up to the bridge. There are short-scale models with approximately 30” scale or less that are suitable for people with smaller hands. The models can have 4, 5, or 6 strings. The 5 and 6 string models have a deeper tone and they’re suitable for playing jazz.
The Best 5 Violin Bass Review
Best 4 String Black Violin Bass
Ibanez Violin Bass Guitar
Short-Scale Model
The Ibanez violin bass is a short-scale instrument with a 28.6” long fingerboard. Therefore suitable for players with smaller hands who could find it difficult to play a standard-sized model. Also, it’s ideal for beginners.
Lightweight And Compact
The compact design makes it space-saving and easy to travel with. It weighs only 6.9 pounds, so it’s lightweight and easy to carry. The Ibanez violin sunburst body is 39” long, 11.5” wide and 2.3” high.
Suitable For Beginners
The model has 4 violin bass strings which allow beginners to learn more easily, because the neck is smaller in comparison to models with 5 or 6 strings. The body of this Ibanez violin sunburst is made from Mahogany.
Lower Sound Range
The Mahogany tonewood gives the warm and full sound. It’s wood with medium density and low resonance, so this black violin bass can reach the lower register. Besides that, the fingerboard of this model is made from the rosewood, so it’s durable and long-lasting.
Bridge And Pickup
It features a B10 bridge, Dynamix P neck pickup, and Dynamix J bridge pickup. The Ibanez violin guitar’s pickup is used to connect the instrument to the amplifier. The package includes instruments only and other accessories can be bought separately.
- mahogany violin body
- rosewood fingerboard
- 4 strings
- B10 bridge
- Dynamix neck and bridge pickups
Best 6 String Violin Guitar
Yamaha Pacifica 112V Old Violin Sunburst
Tonewood Structure
This 6 string violin guitar has a structure that’s made from two combined tonewood: alder and maple. The main body is made from alder, while the neck is made from maple. The alder tonewood ensures a sustainable and evenly balanced tone that’s rich and resonant.
Hits Lower Tones
Unlike the previous model, the tonewood structure won’t support as much lower tones. However, 6 strings of the instrument enable you to reach a lower register and it’s great for playing jazz. Also, you can get more creative when playing different tones.
Pickups And Bridge
The fingerboard that holds strings is made from rosewood. The model features a vintage-style Tremolo violin bass bridge with block saddle made of metal. Besides the bridge, this Yamaha Pacifica old violin sunburst model features two Alnico V single pickups and one Alnico V Humbucker pickup.
Coil Split
The model has a panel with 5 position switches and a push-pull coil-split. The pickups are used to connect the model to the amplifier. Because of the 6 strings, the neck of this guitar is bigger than the previous one.
Other Models From The Brand
This brand offers many other great models such as Yamaha APXT3 old violin sunburst and Yamaha SA2200 violin sunburst. Models are sold without the kit, so the violin bass case and other accessories aren’t included
- alder tonewood
- maple neck
- rosewood fingerboard
- 6 strings
Best Short-Scale Vintage Violin Bass
Rogue VB100 Violin Bass Guitar Vintage Sunburst
Short-Scale Model
This Rogue VB100 violin bass guitar is a short-scale model because it has 31” long fingerboard, and it’s best for people with small hands or for a beginner that wants to have a smaller model while learning how to play it.
Strings And Tonewood
Like the first model, it has 4 strings which are another feature that makes this vintage violin bass a great model for beginners. The Rogue violin bass guitar is made from maple tonewood. The top is made from arched flamed maple, while the neck is made from hard rock maple.
Clear Tone And Set Neck
The maple is a dense wood, and it produces a bright and clear tone. It’s approved by many other bassists as one of the best wood types for this instrument. This Rogue Beatle bass features a set neck. That means the neck is attached to the fingerboard with a joint.
Portable And Space-Saving
It weighs only 7.85 pounds so it’s lightweight and easy to carry. Short-scale and compact dimensions ensure easy transport and travel. Also, it’s space-saving for any room. Rogue VB100 violin bass is 45.75” long, 13” wide and 4.35” high.
Tailpiece And Pickup
The trapeze tailpiece is custom made. The model includes a Humbucker guitar pickup configuration. The package includes Rogue violin bass only. Therefore, you should buy a case and other accessories separately from this model.
- 31” scale
- maple tonewood
- Humbucker guitar pickup
Best Left Handed Violin Bass
Hofner Ignition Series Violin Bass Sunburst
Left Handed Model
This is a great model to buy in case you’re a left-hand person that’s searching for a unique instrument such as this Hofner ignition electric violin bass. This model is also called the Paul McCartney Hofner violin bass guitar that’s named by Paul McCartney from Beatles band.
Maple And Spruce
The semi-hollow body can’t produce the sound from vibrations without getting connected to the amplifier such as a speaker or microphone. The bridge has a pick-up that you can use to attach this German Hofner violin guitar bass to the amp.
Clear And Rich Sound
The top of this Hofner electric ignition violin guitar is made from spruce, while the back and sides are crafted from maple. The model is a replica of an original Hofner bass 1963. The high-quality tonewood allows this Hofner violin bass left handed model to create a clear and rich sound.
Scale And Weight
The Hofner violin bass is very lightweight since it weighs only 3.59 pounds, so it’s ideal for traveling and easy to carry. The Hofner violin bass dimensions are compact, so the model is easy to carry. It’s 46.6” long, 12.2” wide and 4.6” high. The Hofner violin bass scale length is 30”.
Fingerboard, Strings, And Pickups
The rosewood fingerboard is carrying 4 Hofner violin bass strings. This Hofner Beatle violin bass for sale is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and professionals. The model has a humbucker Hofner violin electric guitar bass pickups. The Hofner violin bass hard case is sold separately.
- maple and spruce tonewood
- suitable for left-handed people
Best Violin Shaped Electric Guitar
Ibanez AS93 Violin Sunburst
Short-Scale Fingerboard
This is one of the best violin-shaped electric guitars for people that want to play an instrument smaller than the standard size. The scale of this violin electric guitar is 24.7”. The Ibanez violin is compact and lightweight.
Dimensions And Color
Therefore it’s ideal for traveling or for space-limited rooms. The instrument weight is only 8.14 pounds. The compact dimensions are 44” long, 18.85” wide and 5” high. The exterior of this violin and electric guitar is layered with a transparent cherry red color.
Maple Tonewood
The body of this instrument is semi-hollow. The bridge is made from maple, and it features 2 humbucking pickups that are used to connect the instrument to the amplifier. The top of the model is built from flame maple wood.
Fingerboard And Neck
The side and backs are also made from maple. This tonewood allows the instrument to create a rich and clear tone. The neck is built from nyatoh and maple woods, while the fingerboard is made from ebony. It holds 6 strings, therefore the model can reach a deep tone.
Brand’s Other Models
Besides the reviewed model, the brand also offers other models such as Ibanez GART60 electric guitar dark violin sunburst, Ibanez SA260fm violin sunburst, and Ibanez V70CE violin sunburst. This offer includes instruments only and the carrying case is sold separately.
- 7” short-scale
- maple top
- nyatoh and maple neck
- 6 strings on the ebony fingerboard
- weighs 8.14 pounds
Conclusion: Two Best Violin Bass Models You Can Buy
Your choice depends on the tone you want to reach. Considering the tone qualities and range, I’ll recommend two best models from the list: the Yamaha Pacifica 112V violin guitar and the Ibanez AS93 violin sunburst bass guitar. They have 6 strings, therefore wide tone range and you can get creative when playing the instrument. The tonewood of both models creates a clear, balance, and rich tone.
Here we described violin-like instruments. Maybe you’re looking for violins? If that’s the case, I’ll recommend a few articles. This review on the best violin brands with a buying guide offers many models. If you’re left-handed and searching for the violin, visit the best left-handed violin for sale article. Also, you should know that, besides guitars, violins can also be electric. Check out the best electric violin review for more info.