9 Best Cheap Violins Review

Finding a good quality violin on a tight budget can be quite challenging. Because most of the high-end musical instruments are expensive. Fortunately, there are some alternate options that you may like to consider. Here we are presenting some of the best cheap violins that ensure good playability with decent resonance.

When you are on a strict budget and need to select a good instrument, you may face some difficulties. Most of the customers usually end up purchasing sub-standard instruments while they are on a tight budget. They often have to go through a frustrating buying experience while finding a perfect violin at a cheap rate.

Our Top Picked 9 Best Affordable Violins

We took a closer look at the best affordable violins available in the market and have tried to provide you all the pros and cons of these cheap violins so that you can decide if these instruments are the right ones for you or not. Please check out the list below.

Image	Product	Price
	Mendini MV300 Violin By Cecilio	Check Price
	Mendini MV500 Violin	Check Price
	Cecilio CEVN-2BK Electric Violin	Check Price
	Mendini MV200 Violin	Check Price
	Cecilio CVN-300 Violin	Check Price
	YMC Full Size 4/4 Violin	Check Price
	SKYVN201 Violin	Check Price
	Aliyes Solid Wood Violin	Check Price
	SKY SKYVN102 Violin	Check Price

1. Mendini MV300 Violin By Cecilio

This full-size, hand-carved Mendini MV300 violin is the perfect piece for beginner and student players. It offers impressive quality at an amazingly lower price. This wooden fiddle is a remarkably cheap option for those who are going to try a violin for the first time. Cecilio is renowned for maintaining the high-quality values of its products.

This instrument is also inspected delicately at their distribution center in the US so that they can deliver the top-class instruments to the customers. Here are some more details of this musical instrument.

Materials

• The size of Mendini MV300 is just perfect for any player with an arm length of 23 inches and above.
• This comfortable size makes this instrument an ideal one for any beginner.
• The players who have never played violin before and desire to start it out may find it very comfortable.

Design

• Violinists like the old-age antique finish of this instrument.
• The traditional appearance of this violin gives it a striking look that is uncommon in such a low-price instrument. It is available from dark to light brown which is very eye-popping.

Sound

• MV300 has mellow tone with a warm and clear sound on a budget.

Accessories

• Players will get a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine horsehair. This high-quality bow can improve the violin’s harmonics and help you to project a warm, powerful sound.
• The instrument comes with four fine tuners which are attached to its tailpiece. The tailpiece is well distanced from the bridge to ensure maximum comfortability while playing.
• This solid wood violin outfit delivers a lot of accessories for its users.
• Players can avail an extra set of strings, quality rosin, two violin bridges, lesson book, clip-on tuner, and shoulder rest. All the valuable accessories can ensure the best value for the price.

Expert Opinion on Mendini MV300 Violin

We love the soft satin finish and the traditional-looking design of this instrument.

2. Mendini MV500 Violin

With a deep, rich, and balanced tone, this step-up Mendini MV500 4/4 violin is an excellent choice for those who want to buy a good quality instrument at low price. It has an exceptional ability to create sensuous and harmonious sounds.

Many teachers recommend it for beginners as well as experienced students. It is an ideal violin for those players who need a reliable and long-lasting musical instrument before considering up-gradation. 

Materials

• The exceptional ability to create a deep and bright tone makes it an ideal choice for any player.
• Ebony fingerboard, chin rest, pegs, and tailpiece ensure the highest durability of this instrument.
• The solid Maple back and hand-carved Spruce make it a durable piece.

Sound

• It possesses a greater tonal quality that is rare in such a lower-priced instrument. It can project a rich and powerful sound that resonates beautifully.

Design

• This full-size instrument possesses a super glossy finish. With its beautiful design, this musical instrument is considered a piece of beauty.
• The wonderful dark color and attractive design of this violin give an impression of antiquity. 
• The beautiful inlaid purfling gives an impression of a classy look.

Accessories

• Mendini MV500 has four detachable fine tuners with mother of pearl inlay and those tuners are perfectly integrated with the tailpiece.
• This hand-carved instrument features a Cecilio 92D chromatic, string tuner with a metronome.
• It has some other extras including a modifiable shoulder rest with foam padding and rubber feet, two spare bridges, rosin cake, and a spare set of violin strings.
• Players will also get two Brazilian wood bows that are integrated with superior quality unbleached Mongolian horsehair. These good quality bows help the players to project powerful sound that resonates prettily.

Expert Opinion on Mendini MV300 Violin

Though Mendini MV500 violin is more expensive compared to other models in this list, it can perform well in the long run. You will not find any issues even with constant use. It is designed to be reliable for several years. You can use it for a long time until deciding to step up to your next grade.

3. Cecilio CEVN-2BK Electric Violin

This stylish and good-looking Cecilio CEVN-2BK electric violin is well known for its fantastic plug-and-play experience. You can avail it at a very cheap price compared to other similar models. It delivers dynamic sound at a super reasonable rate. Cecilio brand is renowned for designing instruments with fine standards. They also tried to maintain the same quality for constructing this model.

Materials

• A complete hand-carved solid Maple wood body ensures quality craftsmanship. The ebony tailpiece, pegs, fingerboards, and chin rest deliver the maximum playability of this instrument.
• Cecilio CEVN-2BK full-size stunning design electric violin has metallic black varnish that gives an impression of a modern look. Those who love to use an excellent quality electric violin at an affordable price can go for it.

Sound

• This step-up instrument possesses a great quality Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair. This super-quality bow can help the players to project powerful sound.

Design

• The black metallic finish is just perfect for those players who want more of a Goth look.

Accessories

• Cecilio CEVN-2BK comes with standard D’Addario violin strings as like other models at this price range. Though these are not top of the line, these are enough for starting your violin-playing journey. Picky players may like to replace it while upgrading.
• Getting so many accessories together is quite helpful, especially for learners. It delivers lots of extra accessories like a 9V Alkaline battery, a quality rosin cake, a bridge, aux cable, and headphones.
• You will get a lightweight hard case which is very comfortable for safely transporting. This starter kit gives you all the services that a beginner requires.

Expert Opinion on Cecilio CEVN-2BK Electric Violin

Cecilio CEVN-2BK Electric Violin is an all-in-one kind of instrument that will put a smile on your face in the long run.

4. Mendini MV200 Violin

If you are searching for a fiddle that provides everything a beginner needs to start learning, Mendini MV200 violin might be an ideal choice. It is well known for its super ease of use, so you can start playing just after performing a minimum adjustment.

Materials

• As the ebony tuning pegs are solid and stable, these can provide maximum level comfortability while playing.

Sound

• This beginner-level violin creates a bright, rich sound that resonates wonderfully. The sensuous sound that it can project will definitely put a smile on players’ faces.

Design

• The hand-carved handsome violin has a wonderful finish that compliments the excellent quality fittings.

Accessories

• Violin players will get several excellent accessories with this instrument. They can avail a modifiable padded shoulder rest with rubber feet. The starter violin kit also offers quality rosin, violin lesson books, and Cecilio clip-on tuner.
• Mendini MV200 violin comes with a super quality Brazilwood bow with real unbleached horsehair. This good quality bow makes this complete outfit an excellent choice at such a cheap price.
• Users may enjoy the extra set of strings that comes with this instrument. A complete set of strings and two bridges have already been installed with this violin. Players don’t need to worry about the strings while practicing.
• It also comes with a useful backpack and shoulder straps.

Expert Opinion on Mendini MV200 Violin

Mendini MV200 violin will impress you with the vibrant, bright sound quality which is perfect for learning.

5. Cecilio CVN-300 Violin (Acoustic-Electric Version)

Those violin learners who are just starting their lesson learning journey can go for Cecilio CVN-300 Violin (Acoustic-Electric Version) without any hesitation. If you are on a tight budget, it could be an excellent choice. It offers excellent functionality with versatile style. The effective and capable instrument is available in both acoustic and electric versions. This orchestra-style violin offers a one-year warranty for manufacturer defects.

Materials

• Though Cecilio CVN-300 violin sold at a cheap price, good quality materials are used to construct this fiddle. Aged Maple back and aged Spruce top ensure the great sound transmission of this solid wood violin.
• It offers warm notes and reasonable quality at an affordable rate.

Sound

• This starter kit is well known for its good sound.
• The pleasantly bright and warm tone of this instrument will provide you a lively and smooth feel.

Design

• It is designed to be durable with good quality ebony fittings.

Accessories

• This complete outfit includes lots of extras that you have to purchase separately while buying other violin brands. This versatile fiddle comes with a spare bridge, D’Addario Prelude strings, and four nickel-plated removable fine tuners.
• Inlaid purfling and traditional varnishing give this versatile design violin a gorgeous appearance. Players like the beautiful antique varnish finish of this instrument.
• All the fittings including pegs, fingerboard, tailpiece, and chinrest are constructed with great care to withstand frequent movements.

Expert Opinion on Cecilio CVN-300 Violin (Acoustic-Electric Version)

It allows players of all ages to practice confidently without disturbing others.

6. YMC Full Size 4/4 Violin

The little money that you invest for YMC Full Size 4/4 Violin must be worth it. Because it is one of the few violins that offer quality sounds alongside great looks. As a starter kit, it offers everything you need to get started.

Materials

• YMC 4/4 Violin is designed to be reliable and durable for several years. Its back and sides are made from good quality aged Maple while the top is made from Spruce. Each part is well assembled to make it a strong and durable instrument.
• With an easy electronic tuner, you can tune it restfully. As it also has an adjustable shoulder rest, you may feel super comfortable while playing.
• Most importantly it is available in different colors such as natural, natural antique, black, and blue. It is also available in green, white, pink, red, and purple.

Sound

• With great visual beauty and sturdiness, it offers super playability and affordability. Though it is an entry-level violin it yields a great tone with beautiful resonance.

Design

• Beautifully designed polishing linen makes the violin shining and classy.

Accessories

• It includes a bow made from Brazilian wood. With the help of this excellent quality bow with ebony frog, you can play any type of music with this violin.
• The lightweight carrying case that comes with this instrument is very comfortable to move the fiddle around. It also offers quality rosin, pinky holder, a full set of steel strings, polishing cloth, mute, and violin hanger.

Expert Opinion on YMC Full Size 4 by 4 Violin

The super-easy setup allows the players to start playing after getting it in their hands. The violin learners love the model as it comes as a ready-to-play feature.

7. SKYVN201 Violin

SKYVN201 is a decent quality violin that is available at an affordable price. If you’re not yet sure that your child will continue playing the instrument after a couple of years, this particular outfit could be a great choice. As it offers a comparatively very low rate, it is an excellent choice as a starter’s violin.

Materials

• The lightweight triangular carrying case that comes with this fiddle, fits snugly. This case has lots of space and compartments to keep accessories there. You can carry it easily like a backpack with nice-looking shoulder straps.
• With a solid Spruce top, it delivers super playability with great response. The solid highly flamed Maple back, sides, neck ensure the super sturdiness of this musical instrument.
• The head scroll is also made from good quality flamed Maple wood.
• Violin players love this beautiful student violin that possesses good quality fittings. Solid Maple purfling, pegs, fingerboard chinrest, and tailpiece give it an exceptional tonal quality.

Sound

• SKYVN201 violin can project sensuous sound that is uncommon in similar models at this price range.

Design

• It has an excellent quality varnished finish which is very eye-popping. The lower priced instrument usually doesn’t offer such a good finish. This starter model is popular for its remarkable appearance and color.

Accessories

• Players get a Brazilwood bow with genuine unbleached horsehair and double pearl eye. They also enjoy a cake of high-quality rosin cake. All these accessories are just appropriate for absolute beginners to start with.

Expert Opinion on SKYVN201 Violin

SKYVN201 is professionally made for beginners. This comprehensive package offers many extra accessories like a set of spare strings and a Mute. The instrument will provide you everything to get started at an unbeatable low price.

8. Aliyes Solid Wood Violin

Though Aliyes is an inexpensive fiddle, it is a very playable instrument. This beginner outfit is backed by a lifetime warranty. It also offers one-year manufacturer quality assurance which is an additional feature of this unbearable priced violin outfit.

Materials

• The solid Spruce top and Maple neck are beautifully hand-carved. As the body is constructed through maintaining good professional technicians, it is capable of making complete and perfect vibration of the performance.
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest ensure the maximum playability of this instrument. The alloy tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners allows the player to project a pure, clear, and pleasing tone.
• As it arrives with complete ready-to-use strings and bridges, you don’t need to put strings on yourself. It helps beginners to use the instrument comfortably and get familiar with the correct tone through minimum effort.

Sound

• Brazilian wood bow that comes with the violin ensures the best acoustic resonance. It will encourage the violin players to improve their learning enthusiasm.

Design

• Well assembled body with solid excellent quality woods which will give you a premium feel.

Accessories

• You will get a hard case to store your fiddle and extra accessories securely. It offers some valuable accessories like one extra bridge and an extra set of strings.

Expert Opinion on Aliyes Solid Wood Violin

This starter violin focuses on ease of use so that beginner students can find the instrument easy to play. It encourages the new learners to nurture their new playing hobbies by making the learning phase comfortable.

9. SKY SKYVN102 Violin

SKY brand is well known for constructing decent quality violins at an affordable price. This particular model is also not an exception. SKY SKYVN102 is a great option for beginners.

Materials

• Experienced luthiers also used a solid Spruce to construct the top while the back, neck, sides, and head scrolls are made of highly flamed Maple woods. This wooden violin also has Maple purfling, pegs, fingerboard, and chinrest.
• Violinists will love the delicate craftsmanship of this musical instrument. The tailpiece is made from excellent quality alloy that has four built-in fine tuners.

Brazilwood bow that comes with this instrument is also very valuable.

Sound

• The strings they provide help the player to project a deep, rich tone that resonates beautifully.

Design

• The blue lacquer color gives it an impression of modernity. Those who like to carry an instrument of a different look may love to avail of this one. Because this solid wooden instrument has stunning colors varnished.

Accessories

• SKY SKYVN102 violin also provides an extra set of spare strings.

• This violin package comes with a lightweight triangular violin case which is very comfortable to carry in any weather. Users get a rainproof canvas to protect the exterior of the case from wet weather.
• The case also provides an adequate accessory compartment with a valuable music pocket and shoulder straps. 

Expert Opinion on SKY SKYVN102 Violin

As it is a starter kit, it comes with a completely professional setup and ready to play which is super easy for beginners. 

Best Affordable Violins Buying Guide – Consider Complete Outfit

Violins are usually classified as professional, intermediate, and student-level violins. When you are going to select a cheap instrument, you need to consider student and intermediate level violins. Because professional violins are rarely found at a reasonable rate. If you consider some points you can be able to get a good quality instrument at a reasonable price. Here are some tips for you.

If you are purchasing a violin for a beginner, you can consider buying complete outfits. Because an outfit includes all the necessary items to get started. It is a convenient package for an apprentice. Because selecting every single accessory separately might be overwhelming at first. It can also help you by saving money.

On the contrary, outfits are not suitable for experienced violinists. Because players who already have a case or bow that they are used to, might not prefer to buy a new one. Sometimes players have definite preferences on some particular bow. An outfit may not be the best option for them. 

Now online purchases will allow you to calculate the price of each item separately. You can easily know the exact price of that item and decide whether you should buy it or not. Thus, you can save your money and can be able to afford your desired instrument straightforwardly.

It is the player who creates great sound with an instrument. A good fiddle will support you to project a rich and balanced tone. It will help you to be a better violinist. That’s why having a good instrument is essential in the long run to do more practice and perform in the future. We always recommend you not to compromise with the quality of the instrument if you want to go far with your violin-playing journey. 

Final Thoughts

The violins listed above may help you to start your research for purchasing this valuable musical instrument. Even if you are not going to purchase a violin that is listed above, you can gather some important points to enrich your buying experience. Our expert reviews may guide you to select reliable violin brands at a cheap rate.

Purchasing an instrument is personal and subjective. A particular feature that is great for one person might not be so important to another person. That’s why it is wise to make the final choice by yourself. You can pick any of the above-mentioned violins that can give you the best value for your money. We will recommend the Mendini MV500 violin for its deep, rich, balanced tone at such a low price. The Cecilio CVN 300 (Acoustic-Electric Version) violin can be another good choice for its super ease of use.

The main goal of this buying guide is to assist you or your child to buy the best cheap violins that can satisfy your desires as well as meet your needs. You just need to check out all the available features of each model to identify which one suits you perfectly. Our excellent recommendations will help you to find top-quality violins at an unbeatable price.