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Best Electric Violin – Affordable, Cheap Electric Violins and Acoustic Electric Violins for Beginners, Intermediate Students and Amateur Musicians

With the growth in the popularity of electric violins, choosing the one that is right for you has become more difficult. We have identified 5 top brands that produce some of the best electric violins. Stagg electric violins are another popular choice to consider, we just didn’t have enough space. From these brands, we have chosen one product each to review. This gives you an idea of what they offer, but these are brands with other violins you can check out (we even included links within reviews to make it easy). For example, many offer acoustic electric violins.

Before we get to our reviews, we want to tell you a little bit about our selection process. We made a judgement call and chose to focus on what would be considered beginner, intermediate or student electric violins. Our reasoning for this was because if you are a professional musician, you’ve probably been playing for a while and already have an idea of what you like and need. Additionally, professional electric violins are a lot more expensive (we are talking thousands of dollars instead of hundreds).

So, we decided to review affordable electric violins to fit the average person’s budget — cheap electronic violins, without sacrificing on quality of course. Most of the violins we feature are around the $150 to $200 range, as well as a few higher end ones. However there are electric violins that cost less (but you'll give up some quality). If you're on a tight budget, we’ve showcased some of our top picks below.


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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Pickup
Size
Body
Fingerboard
Power
Our Top Choice
Yamaha Silent Series Electric Violin
Yamaha Silent Series Electric Violin
Yamaha's corporate slogan is "Sharing Passion and Performance" and this they have done with top quality, innovative products. It has continued to inspire musicians worldwide.
Beautifully designed and feels great. Crystal clear sound when amplified. Quiet when not amplified, making it perfect for personal practice.
Does not come with strings.
Piezo
24.5" x 8.7" x 4"/ 3.4lbs.
Spruce
Ebony
Two AA batteries or AC adapter
Best Value
Kennedy Violins Cheap Electric Guitar Bundle
Kennedy Violins Cheap Electric Guitar Bundle
Kennedy offers violins with the highest ratings on Amazon. Each violin is assembled and set up in its Vancouver, Washington office by professionals to ensure quality.
Excellent build quality. Great sound. Easy-to-access controls. Comes with everything you need to play. Sturdy violin case included. Awesome customer service. 4 Color choices.
Slightly heavier than some other brands.
Ceramic piezo
40.5" x 12" x 8"/ 9.6lbs.
Maple
Ebony
9 volts battery
NS Design WAV5 5 String Electric Violin
NS Design WAV5 5 String Electric Violin
NS Design is committed to the design and production of bowed instruments that create a perfect balance between technology and tradition, presenting the best of both worlds.
Looks great, sounds great, and plays great! Stable tuning system. Adjustable shoulder rest for comfort. Lightweight and balanced.
If only it played itself!
Polar directional piezo
32" x 5.5" x 5.5"/ 7lbs.
Maple
Ebony
Self-powered (passive)
Kinglos Beginner's Cheap Electric Violin Kit
Kinglos Beginner's Cheap Electric Violin Kit
Kinglos designs and produces professional musical instruments. Every product is created to meet strict quality standards and make a fashion statement with its unique finishing.
Quality feels good. Unique paint job gives it a sense of style. Customer service is great. Excellent value for the price.
Some discomfort with the shoulder rest
DV-9 pickup
23.2" x 8.3" x 3.4" /1.3lbs.
Spruce
Ebony
9 volts battery
Cecilio Left-Handed Electric Violin Kit
Cecilio Left-Handed Electric Violin Kit
Cecilio is committed to inspiring musical talent with instruments that are top quality and great value.
Good quality construction. Perfect for beginners. Sounds good when amplified. Great value for money. Many colors and designs. Also available in right handed version.
Included strings may not be the best quality.
Details not specified
32" x 5" x 12"/ 4.8lbs.
Maple
Ebony
9 volts battery

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What Is the Best Cheap Violin That’s Worth the Money? Read Our Electric Violin Reviews

Choosing a suitable electric violin is to a very large extent a personal decision. You alone can determine which electric violin is best for you because tastes and preferences differ from person to person. Now that you’ve taken some time to go through the features that appeal to you, let’s review our selection.

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Our Top Choice
Yamaha Silent Series Electric Violin
The Yamaha Silent Electric Violin feels and plays like a top quality instrument. It is silent, making it perfect for personal practice and you can play to any music or accompaniment connected through the MP3 input. Prefer and electric violin the looks a little bit more like a traditional violin? The visually appealing model YEV104NT Yamaha Electric Violin is made from 6 different woods and produces wonderful sound.

Yamaha Silent Electric Violin - 4 String Electric Violin, Allows You to Practice Silently or Aloud, Available in Multiple Colors,


Features

Yamaha's corporate slogan is "Sharing Passion and Performance" and this they have done with top quality, innovative products. With its years of experience and expertise in sound and music, Yamaha has continued to create musical instruments that inspire musicians worldwide to dizzying heights.

The Yamaha Silent Electric Violin is a professional instrument that feels and plays like any top-quality violin. It’s silent, making it perfect for practice anywhere without fear of disturbing others around. You can also spice up your practice time by playing along to any music or accompaniment by connecting it through the MP3 input. This electric violin just took violin playing to a new level. Some of its features include:

  • Single piezo pickup
  • Improved noise reduction circuitry
  • Aux-In for playing along with recorded accompaniment or favorite music
  • Built-in reverb: practice room, concert hall, cathedral
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony Fingerboard and pegs
  • Maple(Aubert) bridge
  • Molded plastic side body, chin rest and tailpiece
  • Electronic controls - Master volume, reverb type select and AUX IN volume
  • Unique Kun shoulder rest specifically made for this instrument

This electric violin is available in four colors: black, candy apple red, antique brown, navy blue.

Yamaha has a wide range of electric violins. If this isn’t the one for you, check out the others!
Best Value
Kennedy Violins Cheap Electric Guitar Bundle
The Kennedy Violins Bunnel EDGE Electric Violin Outfit is a bundle that includes an electric violin assembled by Kennedy Violins and everything you need to start playing right away. It all comes requiring no assembly. Need an electric violin with a full body design? Check out the Bunnel NEXT Outfit. It's another good quality but cheap electric violin bundle which would be great for beginners.

Kennedy Violins Electric Violin Bunnel Edge Outfit - 4/4 Full Size, Carrying Case and Accessories Included, Highest Quality with Piezo Ceramic Pick-Up


Features

Kennedy Violins offers violins with the highest ratings on Amazon. It offers top quality violins at very affordable prices by sourcing each violin directly from the makers. Each of these violins is then assembled and finally setup by professionals in its Vancouver, Washington office. This is why it can confidently give a lifetime warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee on its instruments.

The Kennedy Violins Bunnel EDGE Electric Violin Outfit is a complete bundle with everything you need to start playing right away. This outfit includes an electric violin assembled by Kennedy Violin, a mini amplifier, headphones, audio cables, professional case, Brazilwood bow, rosin, D'Addario Prelude strings and polishing cloth. It all comes requiring no assembly. It’s ready to play straight out of the box. Some of its features include:

  • Solid-carved maple body violin with 100% ebony fittings
  • Piezo ceramic pickup
  • High-grade maple bridge
  • Control sliders for tone and volume
  • Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Installed D’Addario Prelude strings
  • Tailpiece with four fine tuners
  • Giuliani bow
  • Compact mini amp
  • Over-ear headphones
  • Kennedy Violins rosin

As for color, choose from Rockstar Red, Bombshell Blue, Jet Black or Sunrise Yellow.

Not sold on this model? Take a look at Kennedy Violins’ wide selection of electric violins and choose the one that’s right for you.
NS Design WAV5 5 String Electric Violin
The NS Design 5 String Electric Violin is a quality product with a sleek appearance and extraordinarily balanced sound. It delivers world-class performance with its NS Polar Pickup System and its lightweight, balanced build. If you prefer fewer strings? Then go for the NS Design WAV-4 Electric 4-String Violin.

NS Design WAV5 Electric Violin with 5 Strings - Precision 40: 1 Fine Tuners with Automatic String Clamping, Available in Black, Transparent Red or Amber Sunburst


Features

Founded in 1990 by award winning instrument designer Ned Steinberger, NS Design is committed to the design and production of bowed instruments that improve performance and artistry. It creates a perfect balance between technology and tradition, resulting in instruments that represent the best of both worlds.

The NS Design NXT5 Electric Violin is made with top quality craftsmanship, welding a sleek appearance with an extraordinarily balanced sound. This instrument is exceptional, delivering world-class performance with its NS Polar Pickup System which does not miss any nuance, delivering a full, rich tone from its lightweight and perfectly balanced build. Its features include:

  • Solid Maple Body and neck with figured maple top
  • Ebony fingerboard
  • Precision 40:1 fine tuners
  • Automatic string clamping
  • Polar directional piezo pickup system
  • Passive circuit with high impedance output, no batteries required
  • Fingerboard: Hand-graduated, asymmetric relief
  • Body Reference Bout: Black-dyed maple bout on treble side provides standard violin reference
If you haven’t yet made a decision, see the other options from NS Design electric violins – you won’t be disappointed!.
Kinglos Beginner's Cheap Electric Violin Kit
The Kinglos Intermediate-A Electric Violin offers violinists the ability to practice without disturbing others. The headphones and i/o options, allow you play in a great sonic environment and to any music of your choosing. Looking to get an acoustic electric violin without spending a fortune? Kinglos has you covered there too, with options that look like traditional violins or cool stylish prints!

Kinglos Solid Wood Intermediate-A Electric Silent Violin Bundle - Full Size 4/4 Electric Violin with Ebony Fittings, Multiple Eye-Catching Designs


Features

Kinglos specializes in the research, development, design and production of professional musical instruments. At the core of its philosophy is the application of innovative techniques in the enhancement of the traditional essence of these instruments. Every product is created to meet the strictest quality standards and make an aesthetic and fashion statement with its unique finish.

The Kinglos Intermediate-A Electric Violin is a silent violin that offers all levels of violinists the ability to practice anywhere without being a source of disturbance to others. With the included headphones and input/output options, you can play in a magnificent sonic environment to any music or accompaniment of your choosing. These are some of its features:

  • Hand-carved solid spruce body
  • Ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest, and tailpiece
  • 4 detachable fine tuners
  • DV-9 active pick-up
  • Volume and tone controls
  • Powered by a 9 volts battery
  • Input/output options: line out, mic and phone input
  • Outfit includes: case, bow, rosin, aux cable, earphone, shoulder rest, extra bridge and set of strings
We love what this Kinglos Electric Violin has to offer, but take a look at other models if this one isn’t the one for you.
Cecilio Left-Handed Electric Violin Kit
With the Cecilio Left-Handed Electric Violin outfit, you practice, record or perform with ease. Personalize your practice with headphones and easily record tracks in the studio or perform on stage via the output jack. Are you interested in an acoustic electric model? Try Cecilio Ebony Fitted Acoustic Electric Violin. This full-size acoustic and electric violin comes in multiple color options (but it’s not left handed).

Cecilio Left-Handed Full Size Electric Violin Bundle - Ebony Fittings, Comes with Case, Bow, Aux Cable and Headset, Multiple Design and Color Options


Features

Cecilio is committed to inspiring musical talent with instruments that are top quality and great value.

The Cecilio Left-Handed Electric Violin outfit is one package that offers you the ability to function with ease under different circumstances, be it in practice, a recording studio or at live performances. Practice as loud as you want with your headphones without disturbing others and be creative and expressive without inhibition while recording in the studio or performing on stage simply by connecting to an external device with the standard output jack. Its features include:

  • Left-handed electric violin
  • Hand-carved solid maple wood body
  • Ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece
  • Mother of pearl inlay
  • Yellow maple metallic varnish
  • Powered by a 9V Alkaline battery (included)
  • Includes: lightweight hard case, Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, a bridge, aux cable, and headphones
  • 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

Not left handed? Take a best selling right handed electric violin from Cecilio.

Not the design for you? Need a right handed electric violin? Take a look at more options from Cecilio.

Electric Violins for Beginners Guide - What to Look For in an Electric or Acoustic Electric Violin

Music is about expression – expressing what you feel, how you feel and when you feel it. It’s a fusion between person and instrument, each part combining to produce a profound and (hopefully) beautiful whole.

For many years, the violin and some other string instruments, like the viola, were largely restricted to the classical world but as more musicians started looking for new ways of expressing themselves, the sound of the violin found new playmates and so began to feature in more non-classical music.

It was only a matter of time before an electric version would hit the scene. The main reason why many people get an electric violin is the ability to easily amplify it without fear of feedback and the like. In addition to amplification, it is now easy to add effects to violins while jamming with them on stage. Unlike before, when violinists with their acoustic violins were stationary and largely expressionless, today, you find violinists very mobile and full of expression thanks to the mobility provided by electric violins.

With an electric violin, all you need is a suitable audio cable or wireless transmitter/receiver and you can plug your instrument into an amplifier to enjoy a feedback-free sound. When considering an electric violin, you have the option of turning your existing acoustic violin to an acoustic-electric by getting a violin pickup for it. This will serve to some extent but will always have feedback issues as a result of the natural amplification from the traditional hollow acoustic body.

It is pretty clear that one of the most important factors in an electric violin is the pickup as this is really what makes it an electric instrument. Having said this, we must also add that other considerations made when choosing acoustic violins such as the headstock, tuning pegs, fine tuners, neck, fingerboard, body and bridge also matter when choosing an electric violin. You just add the electronics to these considerations.

In this guide, we will help you understand what to look out for so you can choose what you consider the best electric violin.

 

Video: How to Play Electric Violin

Free Lessons on How to Play Electric Violin. | Courtesy of Christian Howes
Price

Everyone knows how expensive violins can be, and electric violins are no different. However, we took the time in our research to cover a wide range of budgets. We found that with between $130 and $1400, you can get a good electric violin.

Needless to say, the material, craftsmanship and features of each instrument will determine its price. If you want more features, better materials and higher craftsmanship, then you should be ready to pay more for them. One thing you can however be sure of is that each instrument we have chosen will give you value for your money.

Note that we were careful not to choose cheap electric violins where the low price has been reached by compromising quality too far.

Features

Aside from the regular factors considered when choosing an acoustic violin, the electric violin requires consideration for electronic parts. We shall list the regular features to watch out for with violins and the additional features to look out for when it is an electric violin under consideration. These features include:

  • The headstock
  • The tuning pegs
  • The fine tuners
  • The neck
  • The fingerboard
  • The body
  • The bridge
  • The pickup
  • The weight
  • Extras

Let’s look at these in some detail…

Construction and Design

The headstock, the tuning pegs, the fine tuners, the neck, the fingerboard and the bridge all play very important roles, whether it’s an acoustic violin or an electric one. They seriously impact the playability of the instrument.

The headstock and the tuning pegs are important because the tuning of the instrument depends on them. Without properly tuning the instrument, you cannot play any sensible music. If the headstock and tuning pegs are of poor quality, the instrument will easily go out of tune, requiring constant tuning.

The fingerboards should be made of good quality wood and not plastic as this will affect the quality of the instrument because the neck is connected to the fingerboard, keeping the strings aligned to the board. The neck should also be of good quality and in good shape. It should not be bent.

The bridge supports the strings, keeping them at appropriate levels. If the bridge is not properly fitted or not well adjusted, it can make playing very difficult or impossible. Issues with poor quality bridges can, however, be fixed by violin repair technicians.

The fine tuning pegs are also important especially for the two thinner strings which can be very difficult to tune with only the main tuning pegs. Ensure your electric violin of choice has fine tuning pegs.

In an acoustic violin, the body will be of great importance as it has a direct impact on the sound. However, with the electric violin, the pickup plays a huge role in what determines the sound of the electric violin. Sadly, there is no real way of knowing the quality of a pickup until the violin is played – unless of course you are very technically oriented and can tell the quality from the make of the pickup.

Having said the above, many electric violins use piezoelectric microphones as pickup. There are other kinds of pickup that could be used. However, one simple way to know a high end pickup is that it does not come with a preamp. Preamps are used to improve the sound quality of electric violins and high end ones do not need this feature. Electric violins with direct headphone inputs have preamps, which make it possible for you to hear the sound of the violin from the headphones. If it does not have a preamp, you will require a headphone amp or another device to provide the amplification the headphones need.

Issues like design and finishing are totally personal preferences as they have no real effect on the playability or functions of the instrument.

Video: How to Start Playing Electric Violin

5 Commonly Asked Questions About Playing an Electric Violin. | Courtesy of Razzvio
Performance and Ease of Use

One important thing to consider when choosing an electric violin is the weight. Electric violin makers strive to make them as light as possible because the lighter they are, the better. The weight should also be comfortable and balanced so you can play without stress. This also leads to the issue of the ergonomics of the design.

Most electric violins allow you to use your preferred shoulder rest. Where this is not possible, some of them have adjustable shoulder rests that you can adjust to fit your needs. Be sure to find out if you can use your shoulder rest or if the included shoulder rest is adjustable. You need to be comfortable while playing.

Finally, some violins come as what is called an outfit. An outfit is a bundle with other accessories that will help you get started playing immediately. If you are a beginner or intermediate player, these outfits will be a great option for you as it will give you all you need in a single package so you won’t need to get additional accessories.


Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best Electric Violin of 2020!

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide and review. It’s our hope that we provided you with enough information to help you make the right choice. You can now confidently go ahead to choose the electric violin perfect for you.

Our Top Choice
Yamaha Silent Series Electric Violin
Yamaha Silent Series Electric Violin
Best Value
Kennedy Violins Cheap Electric Guitar Bundle
Kennedy Violins Cheap Electric Guitar Bundle
NS Design WAV5 5 String Electric Violin
NS Design WAV5 5 String Electric Violin
Kinglos Beginner's Cheap Electric Violin Kit
Kinglos Beginner's Cheap Electric Violin Kit
Cecilio Left-Handed Electric Violin Kit
Cecilio Left-Handed Electric Violin Kit

Electric Violin FAQs

How to tune an electric violin?
To tune an electric violin, plugin earphones, or noise-canceling headphones. Use a sensitive electronic tuner to adjust your A string. Follow it up by tuning the D string. Listen to the beats as you play the strings for a minute at a time. With that, your violin is ready to play.
How does an electric violin work?
An electric violin works by re-transcribing the sound to an electric signal, sent to an amplifier, and released as sound through a speaker. Check out our buying guide for more details.
How much does an electric violin cost?
An electric violin costs anywhere between $350 and $2,000m depending on whether it is entry-level or high-end
Go back to the start of the reviews
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