Best Violins Under $500 in 2024

What is it about the violin that makes it so addicting? Whether you are an eager student learning how to play, or an accomplished musician looking for a new instrument, the violin has allure. Aspiring violinists and experienced musicians alike can find themselves playing into the early hours of the morning just to hear that rich tone resonate again.

It doesn’t help that for some reason, there are not many options when it comes to affordable violins on the market.

A lot of violins are in the lower price range, but this does not mean there aren’t any good instruments. These five violins are all in the lower price band and can be purchased with confidence.

Finding the best violin that you can afford is similar to buying a car. There are many different brands, styles, colors, and sizes. Each one has its own merits and drawbacks.

Violins are such a popular instrument, but they can be really pricey. However, violins under $500 provide an excellent range of quality and affordability.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a violin, there are a few key aspects that one should focus on. One should consider the type of sound they’re going for, what size violin they wish to purchase, and whether or not they will be taking lessons. With these considerations in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best violins available under $500.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a violin is the type of sound you’re looking for, or if you are currently using an instrument that already works well for you.

The second thing to consider when purchasing a violin is what size of violin you’d like to get. These violins are available in 3 different sizes: soprano, concert, and baroque.

The third thing to consider when purchasing a violin is what lessons you may be undertaking after purchasing your new violin. If you plan on taking lessons, it will likely be necessary to purchase a new bow with your violin purchase.

1. Yamaha VY40S Violin

Yamaha is a well-known brand of musical instruments. This particular model, the Yamaha VY40S, is one of the best violins under $500. One reason for this is its beautiful, rich sound quality. Another reason for this is its lightly antiqued body, which gives it a lovely appearance without being overbearing.  

2. Yamaha Violin E5 

This violin has an affordable price tag but doesn’t skimp on the quality. It provides a lot of features and a good sound for beginners and intermediate players.

3. Yamaha Violin S5

The Yamaha Violin S5 is a practice violin for those looking for a basic beginner’s violin. It has a smaller body with a bright sound that’s perfect for those just starting out.

The body of this violin is very basic and unadorned but doesn’t seem too cost-effective to put on them. Besides, this is the perfect instrument for beginners and those who need it as a backup instrument for practice and shows.

5 Best Violins Under $500 Reviewed

Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Mendini By Cecilio Violin For Kids & Adults – Beginners Violins Kit For Student w/Case, Rosin, 2 Bows, Tuner, Lesson Book – Starter Musical Stringed Instruments

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Mendini by Cecilio violin for kids and adults is the perfect “starter” violin. With a beautifully crafted, durable body and a sleek ebony finish; this Mendini by Cecilio violin is sure to please any aspiring violin player, beginner, or seasoned professional.

Pros :

• The best beginner violin for students with quality woods
• The instruments are made extremely well
• Between the case, rosin, bow, and tuner you will never have to worry about supplies for this instrument

Cons :

• It is a beginner violin kit, so it does not have additional accessories.

2. Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size By Kennedy Violins – Premium Carrying Case and Accessories Included – Solid Maple Wood and Ebony Fittings

Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bunnel G2 violin outfit is designed for the student who needs only the basics to start off. Kennedys offers this complete outfit with all accessories included in one easy purchase! This is a perfect choice for any student that wants to save time and money by getting it all at once.

Pros :

• Solid Maple Wood and Ebony Fittings
• Premium Carrying Case and Accessories Included
• Hook D Amps

Cons :

• It is difficult to adjust the bow height and angle
• You can’t adjust the height of the frog
• The chin rest is not movable and it will either be too high or low

3. Mendini By Cecilio Violin – MV500+92D – Size 4/4 (Full Size), Black Solid Wood – Flamed, 1-Piece Violins w/Case, Tuner, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin, Bridge & Strings – Adult, Kids

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Mendini Violin is a quality instrument that will provide the student with years of enjoyment. This violin is extremely good for beginners because it has durable wood, a padded case for protection, a built-in tuner/metronome, a carrying strap, and an extra high-quality bow.

Pros :

• Convenient and quick
• Not as expensive as trying to purchase a violin yourself
• Academy approved for adults and children alike

Cons :

• Comes unaccompanied by a tuner
• Bows and rosin not included

4. D Z Strad Violin Model 101 with Solid Wood with Case, Bow, and Rosin (4/4 – Size)

Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The D Z Strad Violin Model 101 with Solid Wood with Case, Bow, and Rosin (4/4 – Size) is a traditional violin that combines quality craftsmanship and an appealing price.

Pros :

• Quality made
• High-end violin
• Easy to tune and play with a proper setup

Cons :

• The Strad D Z is a reliable instrument designed to meet the demands of students and small-time players.
• Sounds don’t resonate as deeply as they would on a more expensive violin, but this model has plenty of volume, snap, and clarity.

5. Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 4/4 Full-Size Clearance By Kennedy Violins – Carrying Case and Accessories Included – Solid Maple Wood and Ebony Fittings RB300

Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Kennedy Violins RB300 Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit is a student-level instrument, perfect for beginner players to start their musical journey.

Pros :

• Perfect for small children
• Easy to use and safely attach
• Waterproof case that keeps the violin safe from accidental breakage.

Cons :

• The outfit is clumsy to wear, especially when you’re playing
• The material is inferior
• There are no replacement parts available when they need to be replaced

Conclusion :

Now you have the information to purchase a violin for your child or loved one in your life, whether it’s for Christmas, their birthday, an anniversary present, or just because. All you need to do is research the best violins under $500 and take your pick! I hope this article has been helpful to you!