For many musicians, the violin is the instrument of choice. The sound it produces can be hauntingly beautiful. However, finding quality instruments at a reasonable price can be difficult. Because there are a lot of low-quality products in the market.
If your budget is low, probably your violin does not hold the quality, or you may have trouble while playing it, or you do not have a warranty and much more. When you purchase a violin on a low budget, it is important to know some crucial things to consider before buying.
And today, I have come up with the best violin under 200. I have spent a couple of hours researching the products and taking those to you on your affordable budget. I also help you with the proper buying guide to understand the important factors while buying a low-budget violin.
- Best Violin under
- Some Factors Before Buying the Best Violin Under
- Some Additional Tips Get the Most Out of Your Money
- Why You Should be cautious before purchasing Violin Under
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Words
Best Violin under 200
Here are the 6 best violins under 200 according to editor’s choice, best runner up, best overall, best budget, and some alternative violin. So, let’s have a look.
Editor’s choice
If you ask me why I chose Cecilio CVN-500 as our top pick, I would like to say that it is the highest quality and comfortable for beginners within a fixed budget.
Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin
- Full size 4/4 violin with a solid spruce wood top, flamed maple back, neck, and sides, and inlaid purfling for a professional look
- Includes a lightweight hard case, 2 Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, a quality rosin cake, and adjustable shoulder rest for comfortable playing
- Strung with D'Addario Prelude Strings for optimal sound quality, the violin features a lovely satin antique finish for an elegant look
- Comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer's defects for added peace of mind
- Perfect for beginners and students looking for an affordable, high-quality entry to mid-level instrument to start their musical journey
The Cecilio CVN-500 Violin Strings is a quality instrument for beginners. It offers an amazing price and maintains other instruments’ sound quality, costing much more. Here I would like to share some of the specific features.
Materials
The violin uses maple as a primary material. However, it can be made using other woods like African Blackwood or Indian Rosewood. It depends on what you want to play or where you live.
Sound Quality
A rich, resonant sound is pretty common to violins. The sustain on the violin lasts for a long time which is a rarity among small violins. The bass tones also deliver good sound on this violin when you play it through an amp or plugged in with an audio player. The highs are crisp and clear on this instrument.
Size
If you need a full-size instrument, the violin is great. You can buy the 4/4 size if you need a small violin that is easier to carry around. Otherwise, you can get a full-size violin for an amazing price. The length of the violin is 40 inches, the width is 6.25 inches, and the thickness is 3.2 inches.
String
The violin is made with a full set of D’Addario Prelude Strings. This set of strings provides quality and long-lasting sound for an instrument in its price range. The strings are not a tad too high so that you will have better control over the violin, even if you use it immediately.
Comfort
You will not have any problems holding, carrying, or playing the violin. The violin is shaped to fit your hand, and the neck has been shaped for an optimal playing experience. The body is also lightweight if you have to carry it around for a while.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The rich sound Quality. | Needs an additional set of strings, and some assembly is required. |
| The violin is highly durable. | |
| Easy to play. | |
| Very Lightweight. | |
| Good Design comfortable and easy to use. | |
| Comes in a high-quality wooden case. |
The Reasons Why I like this violin
I like most that the violin comes with a full set of pre-strung Prelude strings and an ebony fingerboard. The matte finish features make playing without damaging the instrument or leaving any fingerprints or smudges. As mentioned before, you get excellent sound quality with this instrument at an affordable price.
Best Runner Up
After the best one, I would like to introduce you to the best runner-up violin, Mendini by Cecilio Violin. I have taken it in this position because of its uniqueness because it differs from others in its craftsmanship and offers a distinct sound thanks to its crafty handwork.
Mendini By Cecilio Violin for Kids
- Great Violin For Beginners: The beginner violin is an ideal stringed musical instrument for any student who has dreams of playing music. The set includes all the necessities to start learning how to play.
- Elegant Design: As beautiful as most stringed musical instruments, these violins for beginners have a solid spruce top and antique finish with inlaid purfling. Along with an ebony fingerboard, pegged chin rest, and tailpiece, it is a work of art
- Violin Learning Kit Includes: Cecilio violin dressed in D'Addario Prelude strings, 2 bows, an extra bridge, a quality rosin, adjustable shoulder rest with padding, a chromatic string tuner with metronome, and a lightweight hard case for transport.
- Basic Technique: Set includes a Mendini Violin First Lesson book with instruction on basic techniques and lessons on how to read music. Also, a companion download (available online) has exercises and pieces recorded with solo violin and piano accompaniment.
- Handle With Care: The adult or kids violin, like most band & orchestra musical instruments, is delicate. Please note the bridge will not be setup to avoid damage during shipping. NOTE: Tuning pegs must be handled with care and pushed in when adjusting.
The Mendini by Cecilio 4/4 violin is a musical instrument designed by Cecilio Violin. However, more importantly, it is a symbol of Cecilio’s devotion to the art of violin making.
Size
The Mendini Violin comes in 8 different sizes for adults and beginners. These sizes make it a great instrument for students of any age. The neck is 20 inches long, meaning that the violin fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The bow measures 410 mm by 34 mm and is ideal for any player.
Materials
This viola was designed to be a starter instrument for any player. Its carved solid spruce top provides a nice tone and projection, while the maple back and sides help keep the instrument lightweight. The violin offers a bright finish that stands out in any class. It comes with adjustable pegs, rosin, and two polyester-coated fiber bow rosin that are both fast drying.
String
The Violin comes with strings to produce high-quality sounds for your violin. The strings are made of high-quality material and wrapped in individually packaged packages to prevent cross-stringing. The size of the package will vary depending on the customer’s string gauge requirement.
Sound Quality
When I come up with the sound quality, it produces a full sound that allows the violin to be delicate and bold simultaneously. The tone is so full that it can even be amplified by holding the strings down on each note, creating a wide range of sound without changing the instrument’s natural quality.
Comfort
The viola kit is a durable material and fits comfortably in your hands. It was designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. It has a zipper case that will make it easy to access the contents inside the violin case. One of the best features of this case is that it includes an interior instrument blanket. It also comes with two polyester-coated fiber bow rosin that quickly dry and does not change quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Mendini viola is portable, safe, and comfortable to carry. | The quality of the material used to make this violin is definitely not long-lasting. |
| It comes with a hard plastic case, not cardboard, although easily crushed by hand. | While the product is light, the weight may be inconvenient for some people. |
| The rosin quickly dries, which means you can use it again immediately. | |
| It has adjustable pegs, which ensures that the violin is properly tuned. | |
| The product lasts longer than its competitors. |
The Reasons Why I like this violin
With its perfect blend of quality, versatility, and price, Cecilio violins are great choices for me. The Mendini by Cecilio Violin offers a bright finish that stands out in any class. All the features come at a very affordable price with adjustable pegs.
Best Overall Violin under 200
Then I came up with the Mendini MV500+92D Violin as the best overall. It’s rich sound, excellent resonance, and easy to play touch.
Mendini By Cecilio MV500+92D Violin
- ELEGANT DESIGN: As beautiful as most stringed musical instruments, this violin for kids and adults has a hand-carved 1-piece maple back, neck and sides. A beautiful varnish finish and inlaid purfling.
- 4/4 VIOLIN LEARNING KIT INCLUDES: 2 bows, extra set of violin strings, a quality rosin, adjustable shoulder rest with padding and a chromatic string tuner with metronome. Comes with lightweight hard case fashioned with backpack and shoulder straps.
- THE RIGHT SIZE: To measure which size violin is best, measure from the neck to the middle of your left-hand palm (as if holding an invisible violin in straight outstretched arm). Consult table below.
- GREAT VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS & ADVANCED MUSICIANS: Ideal stringed musical instrument for any student or experienced player. The set includes all the necessities to start learning how to play.
- HANDLE WITH CARE: The violin fiddle kit, like most band & orchestra musical instruments, is delicate. Please note the bridge will not be setup to avoid damage during shipping. NOTE: Tuning pegs must be handled with care and pushed in when adjusting.
When looking for the best violin overall according to your budget, you can try the Mendini by Cecilio Violin. It is one of the most sought-after violins on the market because of its quality craftsmanship and visually stunning design.
Material
The Mendini MV500+92D violin is constructed of solid wood, not plywood. It produces a loud and clear sound that you can not compare to other violins. The body of this violin is made from maple with an ebony fingerboard and pegs.
Size
When I talk about the size, this Violin is a full-size instrument. It means that it is quite large. However, this is the typical size for any violin. Because it allows you to use a full range of options and easily produce a wide number of tones.
String
Another instrumental aspect in the tone produced by a violin is the string. The strings of your Mendini by Cecilio Violin model are made from extremely strong D’Addario New age strings. These strings offer a bright and vibrant tone
Sound Quality
The sound quality of this instrument depends on several factors, including the age of the violin, its construction materials, and the overall design. It ensures that all aspects are produced with great care and devotion with good sound quality.
Comfort
While it might seem difficult to find a comfortable violin to allow you to play for hours without feeling pain. But the Mendini by Cecilio Violin comes with an option that makes it possible.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is very affordable compared to other options. | The bow is not very sturdy and could use an upgrade to withstand regular use. |
| Handles exceptionally well despite its large size. | |
| Features strong tuning pegs for quick adjustments and easy playing. | |
| Very durable and sturdy, even after years of use. | |
| Complete with every necessary tool for violin play. |
The Reasons Why I like this violin
The full size is not the only thing that makes this violin so remarkable, but it also comes with many accessories, including rosin and a bow. It will make the set even more appealing to players who want to start their playing career with the purchase price.
Best violin under 200 in Budget
Thinking about the person who has a low budget, Vangoa 1/4 Violin Set is perfect for them. It is perfect for beginners even appropriate for kids to get started.
Vangoa 1/4 Violin Set
- 🎻 [Exquisite & Vintage Design] The well-made acoustic violin set is hand-carved from good quality tonewood and finished with matte varnish, classical and elegant, sounding clear and bright with uniform quality. 1/4 small size, very suitable for students kids, easy to hold and play
- 🎻 [Easy To Tune] Quality tuning pegs features appropriate coefficient of friction, with a digital tuner, easy to tune and keep tune (When tuning, please push the tuning pegs in as you turn it, to make sure the peg is staying wedged in.)
- 🎻 [Perfect for Starting] The quarter violin outfit with note stickers and useful guide book, help players faster to recognize the specific location of the phoneme and accelerate learning. Besides, a violin practice mute included, which could help lower the volume, no worry about bothering others anymore
- 🎻 [Practical 1/4 Violin Kits] A lot of useful beginner accessories, including a digital tuner, violin case, guide book, rosin, note sticker, shoulder rest, extra strings, violin bow, violin mute and a cleaning cloth
- 🎻 [1-Year Satisfaction Guarantee] Excellent after-sales service and one year warranty are provided to ensure you enjoy your acoustic violin for a long time. If have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time
One of the biggest problems that beginners face is their difficulty in playing the violin. This Vangoa set solves this problem by having many different interchangeable pieces, making it easy for kids to develop their skills without hassle.
Size
The Vangoa violin comes at a length of 17 inches and has an instrument adjusted to the player’s height. It is also very easy to adjust since it has an adjustable strap mechanism. If you have kids, it makes it ideal for all ages looking for their first instrument.
Materials
The violin contains high-quality wood, making it strong enough to last for many years. It is also very lightweight since the wood used to make it is hollowed out. It also comes with a high-quality bow, making it easy to play by younger students.
String
If I explain its strings, they are very clear in sound. It also comes with an easy-to-use slider, making the instrument hold tones even better than other violins. The violin can be extended for those who want to play classical music, and the strings can be tuned with minimal effort.
Sound Quality
The violin has a full sound, making it possible for kids to play any song with an accurate pitch. The sound resonates very well without any distortions, even if you are playing an instrument with a low-quality bow.
Comfort
This violin is very comfortable to play with since it has a lightweight construction and can be played without being placed on the floor. It also comes with a bow that can be easily adjusted since it is high quality
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It provides high-quality solid wood. | This violin is not suitable for professional players or experienced players. |
| The violin comes with a gloss finish. | Very small in size. |
| It includes a rosin and violin bag. | |
| Perfect great for beginners growing hands | |
| It will help them transition more easily to the full-sized violin when they are ready. |
The Reasons Why I like this violin
This is a great violin set for those looking to learn the violin. It comes with a high-quality bow and strings on a friendly budget. It also comes with a durable case with many other accessories, making learning how to play the violin easier.
Alternative violin brands you can choose
When you’re looking for something alternative, here I have chosen two alternative items for you to make the right decision. I have taken them because they were professionally assembled by an experienced luthier and checked for quality assurance by Eugenio Bagnoli.
1. Amazon Basics Beginner Violin Bundle
- Full size (4/4) solid wood student violin in a natural color; ideal for beginner players ages 11 years and older
- Solid spruce top provides optimal acoustic sound; solid maple back, sides, and neck for added strength and beauty
- Decorative inlaid purfling and carefully applied gloss varnish for a smooth finish; ebony fingerboard, chin rest, and pegs
- Includes a solid-wood bow with unbleached genuine horsehair, quality rosin, extra strings, a tuner, a lightweight shaped violin case with pockets and backpack straps for easy transport
- Backed by an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warranty
If you’re a brand new violin player and are looking for a great instrument, then this is the perfect bundle for you. It sounds and feels nice and is also of great quality at an affordable price.
Size
Smaller than a full-size violin but still easy to hold, this is a perfect starter instrument for kids and adults. When it comes time for your next upgrade, you’ll be able to easily sell or trade-up into an actual full-sized violin, thanks to its size.
Materials
The violin is made from solid spruce and maple. It means that it’s strong and durable and can last for many years to come. It will not warp or crack or break easily when certain violins are made from cheaper materials. The neck is inlaid with a beautiful dark rosewood, which gives the violin an even more professional feel.
String
The strings are made from a good-quality Eugenio Bagnoli string, one of the most respected strings in the world today. The C string is made from steel. It produces a very clear and bright sound allowing for great volume and a very full tone to come through. The A string is also made from steel, but it has a warmer sound than the C string giving it that rich, full tone that perfectly suits this particular violin.
Sound Quality
This violin has a beautiful warm tone to it which is ideal for both classical playing music and any other type of genre. The violin has a rich and full tone that really comes out when you play, and the string is perfectly tuned. So, you can start playing straight away without needing to do any type of adjustments.
Comfort
This violin is very comfortable to hold, and you would, thanks to the smooth finish of the neck. The ebony is also very smooth, so you can feel at ease during your performance. so, If you are looking for a beautiful instrument that’s equally warm but cheap enough, then this bundle is perfect for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a great-sounding violin that offers a nice tone and full sound. | It may be slightly difficult for beginners to play this particular instrument. |
| It has a rich, full sound that will make you want to play more and more. | |
| The violin is very comfortable to hold and play. | |
| It sounds beautiful at the same time. | |
| The string is tuned perfectly out of the box. |
The Reasons Why I like this violin
I like it because it is one of the affordable violins on the internet today, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t good quality or that it doesn’t sound good. The string is made from steel and comes with high-quality rosin and a tuner. Besides, the violin is beautiful and has two strings to play two different songs at once if you want.
MIRIO Violin 4/4 Full Size
Then I come to our last and unique alternative violin for you. This MIRIO violin features a hand-rubbed oil finish with a highly flamed solid wood body. The main features of this violin have been described below.
Size
This violin is a 4/4 size which is the most commonly used size. If you are an adult who has already been playing for some time, it is recommended to choose a compact size like 5/4 or 3/4. It will let you go faster and play with more ease than a regular 4/4 size that requires slightly more effort to get started.
Materials
The material for the fittings includes ebony, which is a very durable material. It does not get worn out easily. When you invest in this violin set, you are assured of its durability. This violin’s chinrest helps keep your left arm relaxed when playing and maintain proper posture when playing the violin.
String
The Mirio violin comes with a D’Addario Prelude Strings (extra light gauge), providing the perfect strings for anyone starting out. The prelude string set is easy to tune and provides a clear and pleasant sound.
Sound Quality
The sound of this violin is very pleasant and clear. You can play the violin with any bows you have and improve your tone. Depending on your experience, you can buy a bow that suits you best. The sound quality of this violin is quite pleasant, and I really appreciate that the violin comes with a pack of accessories.
Comfort
The strings on this violin are made from high-quality synthetic material. It means that your fingers won’t have to push as much as they would with traditional wire strings. This will keep you comfortable for longer periods and reduce the risk of injuries.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to hold. | This violin is not meant for professional performances, but I believe its price falls in the category of entry-level violins. |
| The affordable price makes it feasible for gifted students. | |
| Comes with a complete set of accessories, including rosin cake. | |
| These items will help you maintain your violin in good condition while you play. |
The Reasons Why I like this violin
I like it because it is made of solid wood with a highly flamed top. It is strong and durable, lightweight, and strong for its size. The end result is an instrument that won’t break or lose its tone easily. It comes in a beautiful cavity-shaped case lined with a plush interior and a fully padded slipcover.
Some Factors Before Buying the Best Violin Under $200
Buying a violin may seem like an expensive purchase, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve put together this list of important factors you need to know before buying a violin for under 200 dollars.
Budget
First and foremost, you need to determine your budget, which will help you decide how much money to allocate to purchase a violin. The price of an instrument should always be considered, especially when your budget is small. It is easy to feel frustrated when you find an instrument priced well over your budget.
The Bow
Violin bows also come in different qualities. With cheap violins often only coming with just a plain wooden bow. Is it possible to use the violin without a bow? Sure! But it won’t be very much fun. A good violin bow is versatile enough for a violinist. So, you’ll want to be cautious about buying an inexpensive violin without one.
Sound
How’s the sound? An inexpensive violin won’t have the same crisp sound as a more expensive violin. But there are still some worthy options in this price range. If you’ve never played the violin before, it’s worthwhile to actually try it out before buying one.
Strings
Strings can make or break your violin playing experience, so it’s best to get a good set right from the beginning. A good quality set of strings close to proper tension is essential because they give an instrument its character. How long the strings have been used is also an important factor to consider. Used strings can be of different conditions, and some would retain their original state while others may not.
Size
The size of the violin matters if it’s going to be played by someone who has small hands or someone who has big hands. Larger violin cases are usually more expensive, so this may be a factor that matters most. Larger instruments are usually harder for child-sized players to use, and smaller ones are easier to carry around by children.
Material
The material is one of the most important factors when looking for a violin, especially an inexpensive one. Depending on where and how you purchase your violin, you may or may not have options among different kinds of wood. Nearly every violin under 200 is made of spruce, and some are made with maple or ebony, but most are made from spruce. It’s also important to consider a violin’s finish when looking for a good one. Without a good finish on your violin, it will be no good for playing in public.
Some Additional Tips Get the Most Out of Your Money
Price is probably the most important factor in what kind of violin you get. It works like an orchestra only gets so much money for music for an entire year. It’s rare for them to get any more money next year. It means that many orchestras have to pick which instruments they need per month rather than picking instruments.
The orchestra will probably get more violins that are cheaper. The more expensive violins will most likely be played by someone who can afford it. But if your budget is low, I suggest you increase your budget to get a good one.
Why Should You Budget Up If You Want a Great Experience with Your Violin?
There is a popular belief that a violin’s price is proportional to its quality in the violin world. An inexpensive violin will never be as rich or resonate as an expensive one. It’s important to note that a wide variety of factors affect the price of a violin.
Some expensive violin makers can charge exorbitant prices simply because they’re popular. Several factors determine the quality of a violin, particularly how long it has been crafted. The wood used in the violin, its age, and craftsmanship contribute to its price and quality. The intricacy in the design process of these instruments makes them beautiful yet fragile pieces that need special care.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Violin Purchase: Online Vs In Store
Have you ever wondered if it’s better to purchase a violin from a store or online? Buying your first violin can be daunting, whether you buy in-store or online.
Purchasing Violin Online
Today online purchasing is a very common thing for us. Purchasing online has its own merits and demerits. Let’s know about the details.
Why Should You Buy from Online?
- The major advantage of buying a violin online is the opportunity to shop around for different models and brands before you buy one. You need to learn about all the different available choices, and this can be difficult if you do not have any idea.
- Another advantage of buying online is that you can size up the instrument before taking it home.
- You can buy anytime from anywhere if you have an internet connection by saving your time.
- Another advantage of buying a violin online is that there are different sellers out there selling the same model that they make in addition to instruments made by other companies.
- You can know everything about visiting this online store’s user experience section, which is not possible while buying it from a store.
Why Should You Not Buy from Online?
- You will have to choose from the picture on the sales website.
- You could not check it by practically touching it because there is no option to buy product after testing.
- You do not make sure about the size if you are a new user.
Purchasing Violin from a Store
Many people feel that they do not need to look online before buying an instrument because they will almost always find something in the store that pleases their tastes.
Why Should You Buy from a Store?
- Buying from a store gives you the chance to try out different models and brands.
- You will be able to take your violin home and see how it fits in with other instruments in your collection.
- Another advantage of going to a store is getting expert advice from a trained professional who knows the qualities that you need in an instrument.
- If you have not had any experience buying a violin before, you can take it in your hand and know the size is perfect for you.
Why Should You Not Buy from a Store?
- Buying from a store also requires paying for the freight and return shipping charges. These are not always included in the cost of buying online.
- This can be difficult if you are unsure what kind of instrument you want..
- Another disadvantage is it may take longer to find the right model and make sure it is what you want before you buy it.
- You can check out stores that carry violins and check out their models and brands. But this is time-consuming and requires an investment in cost and travel time for potential shopping trips.
Why You Should be cautious before purchasing Violin Under $200
As with any instrument on the market today, plenty of fake violins are made from poor-quality materials (such as plastic). These are cheap, but they will break easily and not produce a good sound.
Some manufacturers will make cheaper versions for students and beginners with slightly different dimensions and materials. They will be sold at lower prices than their full-version counterparts, but they will not have the same quality of sound as one.
To avoid this, make sure that the violin is what you want. You should look for a picture of the violin and read about it online to see if it looks what you are looking for. If it does, you can be pretty sure it will be good. Any violins that look like they have been painted in bright colors or do not look what you want should be avoided. That’s why I personally test these violins by myself before I review them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 200 dollar violin good?
A 200 dollar violin is not a great violin, but it can be good. A good violin can cost anywhere from $350 or more. However, a 200 dollar violin will probably not sound as good as a more expensive one.
What is a good affordable violin?
There are a few things to consider when looking for an affordable violin. The first is the quality of the instrument. You want to make sure you get a good quality violin for your money. The second is the type of violin. The third thing to consider is the size of the violin.
How much does a good violin cost?
There are so many factors that go into the cost of a violin. The quality of the materials, the skill of the luthier, and the maker’s reputation all play a role in how much a violin cost. A good quality violin can range from $1,000 to $3000 or more.
What is the best violin brand?
There are many different brands of violins, and it is a matter of personal preference which one someone chooses to play. Some of the more popular brands include Yamaha, Bach, and Stradivarius. Each brand has its own unique sound, so it is important to try out several different ones before deciding.
Can a cheap violin sound good?
Yes, a cheap violin can sound good. It just might not be as good as a more expensive violin. Because a cheap violin string made from the steel core. The cheap and quality violins are perfect for beginners, but you can replace them with synthetic core strings to get a good sound.
Final Words
When you are a beginner or have a low budget, you should be careful about choosing a violin. I’ve helped you to choose the best violin under 200.
If you are looking for the best affordable violin with a rich, mellow sound perfect for a wide range of music styles, this product list will help you a lot. With its solid construction and affordable price tag, the Cecilio CVN-500 is a great choice for any beginner or experienced violinist.
