Are you interested in buying an acoustic violin?
Then this article could be helpful to you!
I’ll describe 5 best models on the market so you can read about their design, tonewood, type, bow material, strings, and much more. Compare these different acoustic violins and decide which one is the most suitable for your needs. Also here you can find a guide with short tips on buying an acoustic violin.
Things To Know When Buying Acoustic Violin
Acoustic Vs Electric Violin
The main difference between acoustic and electric violin is the sound-amplifying. The acoustic violins amplify the sound from strings within the hollow violin body that’s released f-hole. The electric violin has a solid body that’s must be connected to the mic or speaker for the sound to be heard.
The Acoustic-Electric Violin
These models can be used both with and without a microphone or another sound amplifier. However, they not as hollow as acoustic-only models so they’re more suitable for playing with the amplifier. The bridge often has a pick-up for connecting the violin with the AUX cable to the speaker or mic.
Type Of Bow And Strings
The bow can be made from carbon fiber, metal, fiberglass, or wood. The bow fiber is made often from horsehair to get the best grip on violin strings, but not damaging them. Steel strings are common with beginner models, however, far better sound is produced by strings made from nylon, synthetic materials or animal gut.
The Best Acoustic Violin Near Me
Online retailers such as Amazon offer a wide range of models that you can easily compare while reading other people’s reviews on the product. Often you can find low prices and discounts. Many models are also offered on the official sites of their brands or at the local music store.
Acoustic Violin Price Range
The price ranges from less than $100 up to $100 000 and above. There are models priced above a million dollars. The price depends on the brand, tonewood quality and age, tone of the sound, and much more. Beginner models are priced below $500, while a good student and professional violins can also be found in the lower range from $500 up to $5000.
Best 5 Acoustic Violin Reviews
Best Acoustic-Electric Violin
Cecilio Acoustic-Electric Violin
Spruce Violin Top
This model is both acoustic and electric, which is very user-friendly because you can connect the model to the amplifier with the AUX cable. The Cecilio acoustic-electric violin has a top made from hand-carved solid spruce wood.
Maple Violin Back And Sides
The back and sides of this best acoustic-electric violin are made from solid maple. These wood types ensure a high-quality tonewood structure for the best sound. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced students.
Brazilwood Bow With Horsehair
With this model, you’ll get one bow made from Brazilwood. Its fibers are made from real Mongolian horsehair that easily grips around the strings without damaging them, and producing clear sound.
Rosin And Shoulder Rest Included
The important included part is the rosin that’s used for maintaining bow and ensuring the sound is produced when its strung on the strings. Besides, you’ll get a shoulder rest with foam padding and rubber feet for comfortable playing.
Carrying Case And Warranty
The carrying case is also included. It will protect your violin while being lightweight and easy to carry. The pegs, chin rest, and fingerboard are made from ebony. The tailpiece is also made from ebony and carries 4 fine-tuners for tuning the string sound. The model has 1-year limited warranty coverage.
- aux cable included
- spruce and maple tonewood
- ebony fingerboard, chinrest, and tailpiece
- brazilwood bow
- includes shoulder rest and carrying case
Best Semi-Acoustic Violin
Barcus Berry Vibrato AE Violin
Electric And Acoustic
This is also a semi-acoustic violin that can amplify the sound by connecting to the mic or speaker with an aux cable. This is a more expensive model than others, however, it’s handcrafted and made from older high-quality spruce and maple woods.
Seasoned Maple And Spruce Wood
The Barcus Berry acoustic-electric violin has the top made from spruce, while back and sides are made from seasoned German maple wood. The produced sound is clear, resonant, and strong.
Maple Bridge With Pickup
The model features a maple bridge with the Barcus Berry 1320 piezo acoustic violin pickup that’s used to plug the violin to the amplifier. The quality of this model is approved by testing the product every time before the delivery to the buyer.
High-Quality Fiberglass Bow
With the Barcus Berry electric violin, you’ll get a bow that’s made from fiberglass. The bow fiber is made from horsehair, and the rosin for its maintenance is included with the violin. You’ll also get a carrying case.
Lightweight Waterproof Case
Its exterior is made from canvas which makes the case waterproof and you can travel with your violin during any conditions. The interior is soft and effectively protects the instrument. The violin is full size and has ebony chin rest, fingerboard, and tailpiece with 4 fine-tuners.
- spruce top and maple back and side
- fiberglass bow with horsehair
- maple bridge with violin pickup
- comes with a waterproof carrying case
Best Acoustic Full-Size Violin
Yamaha Acoustic Violin
Handcrafted Tonewood
The Yamaha acoustic violin is made from tonewood that’s thoroughly dried in the conditions that are carefully controlled, so the best quality is ensured. The high-quality tonewood is enabling a clear and rich tone.
For Students And Beginners
Unlike other models, this is an only acoustic model without the possibility to connect to the amplifier. However, it’s high-quality made and handcrafted using traditional methods. It’s an ideal model for advanced students or beginners that want good quality violin from the start.
Brazilwood Bow And Rosin
You’ll also get a bow made from Brazilwood and natural horsehair that enables easy playing and creates a great sound on the strings. The rosin for bow maintenance is also included in the package.
Waterproof Case With Carrying Strap
The model comes with the carrying case with the protective interior and with the waterproof exterior, so it’s very protective and you can travel with the violin worry-free. The included straps make it even easier to carry. The fingerboard, chin rest, and pegs are made from ebony.
Ebony Tailpiece With Wittner Tuners
The ebony tailpiece holds 4 Wittner fine-tuners for tuning the strings to the right sound. Beginners can always buy separately one of the digital e-tuners that are helping to find the right pitch for each string.
- handcrafted tonewood
- brazilwood bow
- Wittner fine-tuners
Best Carbon Fiber Acoustic Violin
Glasser AEX Carbon Composite Acoustic Electric Violin
Unique Material
The Glasser AEX violin is a carbon composite, which is a very revolutionary material for traditional violins. The most common are tonewood violins, so this carbon fiber acoustic violin is unique.
Long-Lasting Design
They’re long-lasting and ensures high-quality amplifying sound from the f-holes. The tailpiece, fingerboard, and chin rest are also carbon composite, as well as pegs for tuning the violin Larsen strings.
Tailpiece And Strings
The tailpiece holds 4 fine-tuners also used for tuning the strings to the right sound. The Larsen strings of this Glasser AEX violin are made from steel and nylon. The E string is made from carbon steel, while the A, D, and G are made from multi-filament nylon core.
Bows And Rosin
The combination of these strings with the included Glasser bows also made from carbon fiber, ensure the best sound. The bow fibers must be maintained with the included rosin so you can get the best pitch from the strings.
Suitable For Students And Professionals
The Glasser electric violin is high-quality made, offers great sound, and therefore it’s suitable for both professionals and students, and also for beginners that want to have a good violin for learning lessons.
- carbon fiber violin body
- carbon fiber bow
Best Acoustic Violin For Beginners
Lovinland Violin
Low-Budget For Good Quality
This model isn’t as high priced as some other models from the list, therefore it’s ideal for beginner because it’s within low-budget, but still offers high-quality sound. It’s a good instrument for learning lessons.
Full Size And Case
The full 4/4 size is suitable for the adults and kids that are above 11 years old. The model comes with the firm carrying case that’s lightweight and protective, so you can go to the violin lessons worry-free.
Tonewood And Bow
The tonewood of this Lovinland violin is durable and creates a clear sound. The top is made from maple, while side, back, and neck are made from basswood. The carbon fiber bow is included and it comes with the rosin for the maintenance and friction on the strings for clear sound.
Tuning The Strings
The package doesn’t include a digital tuner so you should buy it separately, especially if you’re a beginner. It will be easier for you to tune the strings to the right pitch. If fine-tuners and pegs are turned too much, the strings can get damaged.
Ebony And Alloy Violin Parts
The fingerboard, chinrest, and pegs are made from standard ebony wood, while the bridge that holds strings is made from maple. Aluminum alloy tailpiece holds 4 fine-tuners, and scroll features 4 tuning pegs.
- maple top
- basswood back, neck and sides
- ebony fingerboard, chinrest, and pegs
- aluminum alloy tailpiece
- carbon fiber bow
Conclusion: Two Best Acoustic Violins You Should Buy
In my opinion, the two best models you should buy are the Cecilio acoustic-electric violin and the Barcus Berry Vibrato AE violin. These are multifunctional models that can be both acoustic and connected to the amplifier. Also, they have high-quality tonewood, strings, and bows and suitable for all violin players, especially advanced students.
If you want to learn more info on different violin types, check out the best violin review with a buying guide. For info on high-end violins, you should read the review on the best Antonio Stradivari violin. The article on the best electric violin describes many high-quality electric-only models.