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10 Best Kids Violins of 2024 (Reviewed & Ranked)

When you think of all the activities that kids can get involved with, music is probably pretty high on the list. That’s because the benefits of music education are well known.

Learning about music and how to play music can help with language development, academics, and can even help kids be more disciplined.

There are so many different instruments out there to choose from that it may take some trial and error to find the instrument that best suits your child.

For some children, that instrument is the violin. In the beginning, learning how to play the violin can be a little rough on the ears, but as kids practice and improve, it truly is a beautiful instrument that makes some amazing melodies.

Short On Time? Here Our Top 3 Choices

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Things to Look for When Looking for a Kids Violin

If you’ve never bought a kids’ violin, there are several things to keep in mind so that you can find the best one for your child. 

Age Group

Some kids just want a violin to play with while others want to really learn how to play the instrument. Consider the age of your child when buying the violin.

If you’re buying a toddler, the simpler, the better. You don’t want anything too heavy. You also may want a violin that has some fun features like lights and sounds.

For kids who are older and who really want to learn how to play the violin, you’ll want to invest in an instrument that is made from quality wood and one that is more of a student violin.

You’ll also want to look at the strings to see if they’re synthetic because these are usually easier to play. 

For bigger kids who are very serious about the violin, you may want to look at a professional violin. You’ll want one with high-quality strings and materials, as well as good volume.

Size

Violins are not a one size fits all instruments. They come in eight different sizes. The size corresponds to the length of the violin body, not including the neck and scroll.

The smallest is  1/16. Other sizes work their way up through 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, and finally 4/4 or full size.

To make sure you get the right size, measure properly. Have your child extend their arm as they would if they were holding a violin. Measure from the base of the neck to the center of the palm. This will give you an idea of the right violin size for your child.

violin

Acoustic or Electric?

When it comes to violins, you can choose an acoustic or an electric one. It’s usually better to start off with an acoustic violin when looking for a kids’ violin. They’re less expensive and require no set-up. 

The electric violins are more expensive and heavier. With the cables, they can also be more difficult to maneuver.

The Bow

When you’re looking for a child’s violin, you also want to keep the bow into consideration. Bows are usually made from three materials:

  • Brazilwood
  • Carbon Fiber
  • Pernambuco

Brazilwood is usually the most common for beginners because it’s durable and flexible.

The hair used to make bows typically comes from horsehair either coming from Mongolian horsehair or Siberian horsehair. Mongolian horsehair is the more common because it’s less expensive and has pretty good elasticity.

Accessories

Accessories are also a big thing when shopping for kids violins. There are many violins that come with a lesson book, case, shoulder rest, and even extra strings. If you can score this along with the violin, it will save you money in the long run.

The 10 Best Kids Violins of 2024

As you consider those features of a child’s violin, let’s take a closer look at the 10 best kids violins of 2024.

  1. Mendini Size 1/2 MV300 Solid Wood Violin
  2. Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings
  3. Eastar 1/4 Violin Set Fiddle for Kids Beginners Students EVA-3 Matte with Hard Case
  4. Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 3/4 Size By Kennedy Violins
  5. Vangoa 4/4 Full Size Solid Wood Violin Set
  6. Aliyes Solid Wood Violin
  7. Paititi 1/2 Size Artist-100 Student Violin Starter Kit
  8. Cecilio CEVN-2BK Style 2 Silent Electric Solid Wood Violin
  9. BAOLI Kids Music Simulation Violin Toy with Tuner
  10. Antonio Giuliani Primo Violin 1/4 size Bundle By Kennedy Violins

1. Mendini Size 1/2 MV300 Solid Wood Violin

Mendini Size 1/2 MV300 Solid Wood Violin with Tuner, Lesson Book, Shoulder Rest, Extra Strings, Bow and Case, Satin Antique Finish

We like this violin from Mendini as our top pick for kids violins because it is made well, is reasonably priced, and comes with some great accessories.

It is made from 1/2 hand-carved solid spruce, solid maple back and sides. It has a maple fingerboard, chin rest and pegs, and an alloy tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners.

A Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine horsehair is included as well as an extra set of violin strings, two violin bridges, and adjustable shoulder rest.  

The included lesson book is also a good bonus as well as the clip-on tuner and case. There is everything that a child needs to get a great start with the violin. The violin comes in different sizes so you can find the one that best fits your child after measuring.

For the price and all of the included accessories, you really can’t go wrong as you look for a kid’s violin.

Pros

  • Made of quality materials
  • Comes with case, lesson book, and other accessories
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • We couldn’t find any!
Buy on Amazon

 

2. Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings

Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D'Addario Prelude Strings (Size 4/4 (Full Size), Varnish)

Here’s another high-quality choice when it comes to kids’ violins. This one from Cecilio comes in four different sizes. It has a solid spruce wood top, maple back, and neck and sides with inlaid purfling. 

When you buy this violin you also get a Cecilio chromatic tuner, lesson book, lightweight hard case, 2  Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, and an adjustable shoulder bridge.

There’s also an extra bridge. It does not include an extra set of strings. So, keep that in mind.

While it includes many accessories, this violin is more expensive than our top choice. So, it really depends on how serious your child is about the instrument and how much money you want to spend.

Pros

  • Made of top quality materials
  • Includes many accessories
  • Includes 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Does not include an extra set of strings
Buy on Amazon

 

3. Eastar 1/4 Violin Set Fiddle for Kids Beginners Students EVA-3 Matte with Hard Case

Eastar 1/4 Violin Set Fiddle for Kids Beginners Students EVA-3 Matte with Hard Case, Rosin, Shoulder Rest, Bow, and Extra Strings (Imprinted Finger Guide on Fingerboard)

Easter also makes a violin that’s worth checking out for kids. Materials include a violin that’s made of a spruce wood panel, maple backboard, and side plate inlaid in antique varnish. 

One of the big selling points here is the Muscovite fingerboard point. This makes it easier for kids to find the handle position when they’re learning.

The entire violin is made by hand with a smooth surface. It has a maple wood neck, pear-wood fingerboard, and a date wood chin rest. 

When you buy this violin you also get a violin bridge, additional violin string, bow made from Mongolian horsehair, and rosin. While it does not include as many items as some of the other violin packages, it is reasonably priced for what it offers.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Made from quality materials
  • Includes a fingerboard for easier learning

Cons

  • Does not include as many accessories as other packages
Buy on Amazon

 

4. Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 3/4 Size By Kennedy Violins

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 3/4 Size By Kennedy Violins - Carrying Case and Accessories Included - Solid Maple Wood and Ebony Fittings

Here is another favorite when it comes to the best violins for kids. This one comes in several different sizes, so you can surely find a size that’s best for your child. 

This one is made from high-quality materials like solid maple and spruce tonewoods. There are 100% genuine ebony fittings that are completed with a satin oil finish.

As with other violins, this one comes with a package of other accessories. These include a Giuliani Brazilwood bow, Giuliani Rosin, a Portland Oblong violin case, an extra Portland string set, a Portland carbon fiber shoulder rest, and a string polishing cloth.

This violin set is on the pricier side, but it does include several important accessories and is made from high-quality materials.

Pros

  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Comes with many accessories
  • Available in several different sizes

Cons

  • Pricier than some other violins
Buy on Amazon

 

5. Vangoa 4/4 Full Size Solid Wood Violin Set

Vangoa 4/4 Full Size Solid Wood Violin Set, Spruce Top Ebony Fitted Beginner Acoustic Violin Fiddle Starter Kit with Tuner, Hard Case, Lesson Book, Rosin

If you’re looking for a solid kids’ violin, this one from Vangoa is a good choice. It’s made from maple wood and has ebony fittings that make it durable. It comes with a Brazilian wood bow that has unbleached genuine horsehair.

This violin is known to produce a great sound, which is one of the reasons why it’s a favorite. It comes with a lightweight case that’s easy for kids to carry.

As far as accessories, this violin includes a beginner guide, tuner, pickup, shoulder rest, extra strings, and rosin. You’ll note that it doesn’t come with as many accessories, but still enough to get you started.

The price is reasonable for what it offers, so it really just depends on preference and what types of accessories you’re looking for.

Pros

  • Made from quality wood
  • Comes with a lightweight case
  • Reasonably priced for what it offers

Cons

  • Does not contain as many accessories as some other choices
Buy on Amazon

 

6. Aliyes Solid Wood Violin

Aliyes Solid Wood Violin

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, but still want a quality violin, this one from Aliyes is a solid choice. It is easier for beginners and makes a pure, clear tone. 

It’s made from hand-carved solid spruce and has an ebony fingerboard, as well as pegs and chin rest. As far as accessories go, it comes with a case, one bow may from Brazilwood as well as one bridge and an extra set of strings.

It doesn’t have a tuner or lesson book like some other choices. But, it also costs less. So, keep that in mind as you shop.

Pros

  • Made of quality materials
  • Reasonably priced for what it offers
  • Simple design
  • Pure tone

Cons

  • Does not include many accessories 
Buy on Amazon

 

7. Paititi 1/2 Size Artist-100 Student Violin Starter Kit

Paititi 1/2 Size Artist-100 Student Violin Starter Kit with Brazilwood Bow Lightweight Case, Shoulder Rest, Extra Strings and Rosin

For the money and the quality, you can’t go wrong with this student violin from Paititi. It comes in different sizes and each one includes a Brazilwood bow, lightweight violin case, and several accessories.

The accessories here include a tuner, extra strings, and shoulder rest beside the case and bow. The cased has a special compartment for sheet music which comes in handy.

This is just enough for a young child who is just getting started on the violin. This violin is made of natural wood with a smooth and satin finish. The bow has unbleached Mongolian horsehair. The quality and material here are top-notch for the price.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Includes a tuner
  • Case has a compartment for sheet music

Cons

  • Doesn’t include as many accessories as some other choices
  • No lesson book included
Buy on Amazon

 

8. Cecilio CEVN-2BK Style 2 Silent Electric Solid Wood Violin

Cecilio CEVN-2BK Style 2 Silent Electric Solid Wood Violin with Ebony Fittings in Metallic Black, Size 3/4

If you’re in the market for an electric violin, this could be a good choice. This one is made from hand-carved solid maple wood with an ebony fingerboard. It has a tailpiece with four detachable nickel-plated fine tuners. 

One of the first things you’ll notice about this violin is its unique design. This one is certainly not for the beginner but is a great choice for a child who has already had a violin for some time.

This violin is powered by a 9-volt alkaline battery which is included. The entire package comes with a lightweight hard case, Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, a bridge, aux cable, and headphones.

One of the other big things that you’ll notice about this violin is its price. It does cost more than others, but it is electric, so that’s to be expected here.

Pros

  • Unique design
  • Comes with a 9-volt battery
  • Good choice for advanced players

Cons

  • Does not come with many accessories
  • On the expensive side
  • Not for a beginner
Buy on Amazon

 

9. BAOLI Kids Music Simulation Violin Toy with Tuner

BAOLI Kids Music Simulation Violin Toy with Tuner, Free Rosin, Chin Rest, Strings, Early Educational Musical Instruments for Beginner Above 36 Months , Birthday Gifts for Boys&Girls(1/4 Brown)

When you just want a kids’ violin that’s made for toddlers who just want to play rather than learn about the instrument, this one is a good choice. This one is made for children ages three and up.

It helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and develop an appreciation for music. It has an adjustable string, suitable chin rest, and rosin. This violin clearly markets itself as a toy. It’s made from eco-friendly material and has smooth edges.

It is reasonably priced for just being a kids’ violin toy. If you want to introduce your child to music, this is a good choice.

Pros

  • Good for toddlers 
  • Reasonably priced 
  • Introduces children to music 

Cons

  • Not a real violin
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10. Antonio Giuliani Primo Violin 1/4 size Bundle By Kennedy Violins

Antonio Giuliani Primo Violin 1/4 size Bundle By Kennedy Violins - Carrying Case and Accessories Included - Solid Maple Wood and Ebony Fittings

Notably the most expensive of the kids’ violins on the list, this choice is top of the line and offers many accessories.

It comes in two different sizes and comes with a Giuliani Brazilwood bow, Giuliani Rosin, Portland Classic case, Suzuki Book 1, extra strings, and a luggage tag. It’s handcrafted with solid maple and spruce tonewoods with an oil finish. 

If you have a musician who is serious about the violin or who has been playing for some time, this one is a good choice if you don’t mind spending the money.

Pros

  • One of the most well-made violins
  • Comes with many accessories
  • Available in 2 different sizes

Cons

  • Expensive
Buy on Amazon

 

Caring for a Kid’s Violin

Once you decide which kid’s violin is best for your child, it’s important to know how to care for it properly. Here are some tips.

  • Always put the violin in a case when it’s not being used.
  • Buy a polishing cloth and cleaning kit for the strings to keep the violin in good shape.
  • You may also want to consider a humidifier. Violins are best stored in humidity that is 45 to 60 percent.
  • Expect to change the strings. This is usually needed every three to six months.

The Bottom Line on the Best Kids Violins of 2024

When it comes to kids’ violins, you need to decide how serious your child is about the instrument and how much you’re willing to spend.

Also, taking a close look at the accessories offered is important to see what you’re getting for your money. Many times, buying the violin as a package can save you money rather than buying each piece separately.

We chose the Mendini Size 1/2 MV300 Solid Wood Violin is our top choice because it’s made well and comes with plenty of valuable accessories.

The extra set of violin strings, two violin bridges, adjustable shoulder rest, clip-on tuner, and lesson book are all well worth the money. Since this violin comes in different sizes, there should be one for every child.

Remember, whether your child is just being introduced to the instrument or is serious about taking lessons, giving the gift of music is beneficial in so many ways. You may be helping the next great musician get their start!