The electric violin is a diverse and unique instrument that has brought the standard violin to a new level. It’s always difficult searching for a new instrument, but the best electric violins on the market are clear, and I’d love to let you know all about them.
I’m a professional cellist and have been involved in the professional string world since I can remember. I’ve spent most of my life around acoustic instruments, with occasional experience recording or performing on an electric violin.
Quick Look: Best Electric Violins
★ #1 Best Electric Violin Overall: NS Design CR ★
- Best Electric Violin for Beginners: Cecilio CEVN-2
- Best Electric Violin for Professionals: NS Design CR
- Best Cheap Electric Violin: Cecilio CEVN-2
- Best Electric Violin Under $1,000: Wood Stringray
- Best Electric Violin Under $500: Cecilio CEVN-2
- Best Acoustic Electric Violin: Mezzo-Forte Carbon Fiber Design Line
- Best Electric Violin for Kids: Cecilio CEVN-2
- Best 5 String Electric Violin: NS Design CR
- Best Fretted Electric Violin: NS Design NXTa
In recent years, I decided I needed an instrument to travel and practice silently with, so I purchased my first electric violin. It opened up a whole new world to me, and I’ve become obsessed. Now, take a look at my picks for the best electric violins.
What Is an Electric Violin?
The electric violin is an instrument with an electronic sound that’s able to be amplified or used silently with headphones. It usually has a solid body and 4 or 5 strings. It’s mostly used across musical genres, such as jazz, rock, and pop.
Violins have been amplified since the 1920s, and the electric violins that we know today have been widely available by several brands since about the 1990s. Electric violins are always evolving, and there are now some incredible models on the market.
Of course, being able to play for millions is great, but I personally love electric instruments for their portability, the ability to practice in silence, and recording purposes. An electric violin is an incredible tool for musicians of any genre.
Types of Electric Violins
Electric violins are played in a broad range of musical genres, including classical, rock, country, jazz, and more. To accommodate all of the diverse musical situations, there’s a variety of different types of electric violins.
Standard Electric Violins
Standard electric violins have a solid body to avoid extra feedback during amplification on stage. The raw sound and tone is therefore much sharper than a hollow body violin.
Solid wood is heavy, so these violins have a modern, minimalistic design to help reduce weight.
5 String Electric Violins
Almost the same, but with one extra string than a 4 string electric violin, many of the best models are offered in 5 string versions by many of the best electric violin brands. This extra string (typically a C below the low G string) gives additional depth and versatility to the violin.
Fretted Electric Violins
Performing on loud stages makes things difficult to hear, thus fretted electric violins were developed to improve this problem. Not many brands offer these violins, but the ones that do have had the help of professionals to develop this modern and unique type of violin.
Acoustic-Electric Violins
Otherwise known as semi-electric violins, these are great for people who want an in-between instrument. An acoustic-electric violin is a hollow body violin with a pickup built into it. These violins can be a compromise but are great if you need to switch between genres.
Amplified Traditional Violin
You can simply amplify your acoustic violin by attaching a pickup to it. This works great for those who need amplification on occasion, but it doesn’t allow you to play silently or with headphones. Violin pickups are offered by several brands online and in-store.
Electric Violins for Kids
Most models of electric violins are only available in full size (4/4), but I’ve met many younger players who are interested in playing the electric violin too. Luckily, there are a couple of great brands that offer their electric violins in a wide range of fractional sizes.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Electric Violin
When buying an electric violin, it’s important to consider your budget and playing level. Quality, sound, shape, and materials are all important things to think about before making your choice.
Level of Experience
Electric violin levels do vary, but not as drastically as with acoustic violins. Here are the main differences between beginner, intermediate, and professional electric violins.
Beginner Electric Violins
Beginner electric violins are affordable and often come in an outfit package with everything you need to get started. The best beginner electric violins have good playability and sometimes have built-in automatic tuners to motivate and inspire beginners.
Intermediate Electric Violins
Intermediate electric violins are one step up from beginner electric violins. At a slightly higher price point, the best intermediate electric violins have more diversity in functions and the sounds they produce, as well as better durability.
Pro Electric Violins
Pro electric violins are the best of the bunch, with a price to match. Most models are designed by electric violin legends and are extremely durable and travel friendly. They have an amazing sound and playability. The features of some pro electric violins are simply out of this world.
Size/Shape
Most electric violins are only available in full size (4/4), and the fingerboard and neck measurements are standard to have the same comfort as a traditional acoustic violin.
The size of the body varies a lot among different instruments, as modern design has taken over. Some violins are more minimalistic with a very slim body, whereas others have a more “traditional” outlined and larger shape to them.
If you’re a younger or smaller player and are looking for an electric violin that’s available in fractional sizes, there are a few brands that cater to you.
Material
The body of an electric violin is most typically made from solid maple wood, but there are several models made from carbon fiber and other more modern materials to help reduce weight.
Finish
Electric violins are usually finished with a high gloss varnish. The varnish of an electric violin doesn’t contribute to the overall sound of the instrument (as it does to an acoustic violin), so electric violins are usually finished with a durable varnish or another durable product.
Color
Electric violins come in the most vibrant colors imaginable, and no color is better than another. Common colors are black and red, but there are so many more colors and designs that you can choose from to fit perfectly who you are as a violinist.
The Bow
The bow of an electric violin is no different than the bow of a standard violin. The bow is a stick with horsehair pulled across it. It’s drawn across the strings to produce the violin’s vibrant sound.
Many electric violinists like to play with bows made from carbon fiber, rather than wood. Carbon fiber is more durable and lends itself especially well to playing rock and pop music.
The Overall Tone & Sound
Electric violins have a rawer and sharper tone than a traditional violin. This is because there is no chamber on the instrument to create natural resonance.
Many modern electric violins have state-of-the-art electronics that produce all kinds of sounds. Some can even perfectly replicate the sound of a traditional acoustic violin.
Price
The price range for electric violins is not as extreme as the price range for acoustic violins, but prices can certainly still vary. Here is what you can expect.
Budget Electric Violins
Budget electric violins are usually better suited to beginner or hobby violinists, and there aren’t a lot of different options within this price range. You can expect to pay between $100 and $600 for a budget electric violin.
Midrange Electric Violins
A midrange electric violin will set you back a little bit more, but it’ll be worth it. Starting at $600 and ending at around $1,000, your options for great-sounding violins are considerably better within this price range.
Top-End Electric Violins
A top-end electric violin can cost up to $5,000. In this price range, you’ll find violins that have been given great attention to appearance and performance by makers and legendary players alike.
Extras
Very few electric violins come as part of an outfit package, and if you’re new to the violin you’ll need to invest in a bow and some rosin to start your journey. For more advanced violinists, here is a list of extra gear that might come in handy:
- Quality headphones
- Quality instrument jack cables
- Amplifier/mini amp
- Speakers
- Digital effects pedals (distortion/equalizer/reverb/looper/etc)
New vs Used
Electric violins show wear and tear, and they don’t necessarily get better as they age. As with most electrical equipment, it’s definitely safer to buy new. Technology is always advancing, and buying new will ensure you have a modern and functional violin.
If you’ve done your research and know what model you want, buying used can be a good option for saving a bit of cash. Always inspect the instrument before you buy it and try it out, making sure the pickup system is still in good nick.
Best Electric Violin Brands
Some of the best electric violin brands have proven themselves in recent years, keeping their popularity strong amongst violinists worldwide. From my experience on the professional stage, these are the brands that I continue to trust.
NS Design
NS Design builds the best electric string instruments in the world. It knows what its customers are looking for and uses state of the art technology to create violins, violas, cellos, and basses that produce a comparable sound to their acoustic versions.
Yamaha
Yamaha is a global corporation that began with organ repairs in 1887 in Japan. After 130 years of instrument making, Yamaha has set a quality benchmark with several of its instrument lines. It’s particularly well known for its line of electric instruments.
Wood Violins
This is a brand created by Mark Wood, a violinist raised in a classical music family who branched out into rock, re-inventing the electric violin world. Wood violins have a personal touch, and they were the first company to develop fretted electric violins.
Cremona
The Guangzhou Cremona Violin company (GCV) is a Chinese violin manufacturer founded in 1989. They make high-quality acoustic and electric violins, as well as violin outfits (that include a case, bow, and quality strings), which are perfect for beginners.
Cecilio
Cecilio violins are handcrafted in LA and come in great outfit packages in a range of sizes. This is a popular brand for beginners of both acoustic and electric violins who are looking for an affordable instrument with great features.
The Best Electric Violins Overall
The main factors in choosing the best electric violins overall for me were sound, quality, and functionality. Take a look at my top 5 picks.
NS Design CR
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: NS electric strings by D’Addario
- What’s included: Violin, detachable chinrest, padded soft case
- Material & finish: Solid maple with amber stain
- Best for: Professionals
The NS Design CR is in a league of its own. Available in both 4 and 5 string models, standard and fretted, it has an outstanding sound and functionality. It’s the leading electric violin on the market today.
✅ Best sound
✅ Easy tuning
✅ Available in 4 string, 5 string, standard, and fretted models
✅ High quality
❌ Only one color option
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
This is a diverse and unique violin that I’ve seen many violin colleagues love and rave about. It has my favorite sound of all of the electric violins on the market, and its diversity in models is a major plus.
NS Design WAV
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: NS electric strings by D’Addario
- What’s included: Violin, detachable chinrest, padded soft case
- Material & finish: Solid maple with stain in black, sunburst, and transparent red
- Best for: Beginners-professionals
The NS Design WAV violin is a simpler violin from NS Design, but it has a great sound. For beginners to professionals, this is a much-loved violin.
✅ Great sound
✅ Affordable price tag
✅ Several color options
✅ Lightweight
❌ Limited functionality and electronic effects
Why I Recommend It
I love this violin for its elegant simplicity. It’s available in both 4 and 5 string models and is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something in the mid-price range.
Yamaha SV-200
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: D’Addario Helicore
- What’s included: Violin, case
- Material & finish: Maple neck and spruce body. Offered in black, blue, red, and brown
- Best for: Intermediate-professionals
The Yamaha SV-200 is a violin designed to feel and sound just like an acoustic violin. It has easy amplification, perfect playability, and a dual-pickup configuration that boosts the dynamic range.
✅ Outlined shape/closest playability to acoustic violin
✅ Dual pickup system
✅ Several color options
✅ Available in 4 string and 5 string models
❌ High price tag
❌ Not as compact as other models
Why I Recommend It
This violin is great if you want an instrument that feels as close to an acoustic violin as possible. With its outlined shape, Yamaha has done a great job of making this violin feel natural.
Yamaha YEV
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: D’Addario Zyex
- What’s included: Violin, case
- Material & finish: Maple, spruce, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, and ebony. Available in natural wood finish and black
- Best for: Beginner-intermediate
The Yamaha YEV violin has a beautiful natural wood finish that’s perfect for classical violinists who want to begin exploring other genres. It’s available in both 4 and 5 string models and has a passive output.
✅ Natural aesthetic
✅ Great price vs quality
✅ Available in 4 string and 5 string models
❌ Passive pickup
❌ Not as compact as other models
Why I Recommend It
This violin has a passive pickup and output, which means no effects or reverb. Some might see this as a negative, but I love this violin because of its natural beauty and sound, which is unique for an electric violin. Plus, you can always plug in.
Wood Stingray SVX
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: Optional strings
- What’s included: Violin, case, rosin
- Material & finish: Poplar wood with ebony and composite fittings. Available in red and black
- Best for: Beginner-professional
Designed by pro violinist Mark Wood, the Wood Stingray SVX violin is fit for both violin enthusiasts and professionals. The Stringray model offers the highest quality and produces a warm, clear sound thanks to its Tru-Tone pickup.
✅ Available in 4 string, 5 string, standard, and fretted models
✅ Great price vs quality
✅ No batteries required
✅ Lightweight
❌ Feels least like an acoustic violin
Why I Recommend It
The look, sound, and quality of this violin is revolutionary for both professionals and beginners. It’s the most lightweight violin in its quality range and its design is well suited to rock violinists.
Best Electric Violin for Beginners
The best beginner electric violins have a feel that’s most similar to an acoustic violin, and they come in an outfit package. Playability and sound are key, but budget is too. This is my pick for the best electric violin for beginners.
Cecilio CEVN-2
- Available sizes: 1/32, 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 & 4/4
- Strings: Cecilio
- What’s included: Violin, case, bow, rosin, headphones, AUX cable, battery
- Material & finish: Solid maple body with ebony fittings. Available in black, blue, white, red, and yellow
- Best for: Beginners
With the largest size range available on the market, the Cecilio CEVN-2 electric violin is suitable for beginners no matter their age. This outfit package allows beginners to have everything they need to start playing.
✅ Low price tag
✅ Large size range
✅ Great outfit package
✅ Playability similar to acoustic violin
❌ Lower quality
❌ String setup is required
Why I Recommend It
For a violinist who wants to begin on an electric violin, this one is a great pick. It has an outlined shape that closely replicates the feel of a traditional violin, and the outfit package includes a bow. It’s the best beginner violin at a great price.
Best Professional Electric Violin
The best professional electric violin must meet the needs of a professional electric violinist’s lifestyle. Quality, durability, functionality, sound, and portability are all very important.
NS Design CR
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: NS electric strings by D’Addario
- What’s included: Violin, detachable chinrest, padded soft case
- Material & finish: Solid maple with amber stain
- Best for: Professionals
The NS Design CR violin was designed by professionals for professionals. It’s the leading electric violin on the market and is also available in several models depending on the violinist’s wishes.
✅ Best sound
✅ Easy tuning
✅ Available in 4 string, 5 string, standard, and fretted models
✅ High quality
❌ Only one color option
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
This is the best electric violin for professionals. If you’re looking for a standard 4 string or a 5 string fretted violin and you have the budget for it, this violin won’t disappoint.
Best Acoustic-Electric Violin
The best acoustic-electric violin needs to meet the criteria of great sound when played both acoustically or amplified. There are several models on the market today made from carbon fiber, and they’re worth checking out.
Mezzo-Forte Carbon Fiber Design Line
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: Evah Pirrazi green
- What’s included: Violin, padded case, external bow tube
- Material & finish: Carbon fiber
- Best for: Beginner-intermediate
The Mezzo-Forte Carbon Fiber Design Line violin by Mezzo-Forte sounds great both acoustically and amplified. With its carbon fiber body and elegant pickup and cable setup, this violin is a modern instrument that can accommodate versatile violinists.
✅ Durable in extreme conditions
✅ Warm sound
✅ Available in 4 string and 5 string models
❌ High price tag
❌ Passive pickup
Why I Recommend It
Buying an acoustic-electric violin is always a compromise, but the futuristic technology of this carbon fiber instrument gives it a sound that’s equally warm and deep when played both acoustically and amplified.
Best Budget Electric Violin
Maybe you’re a classical violinist looking to try out the electric violin without spending too much, or you might be a beginner on a tight budget. My pick for the best budget electric violin can cater to many, and it has great playability and functionality.
Cecilio CEVN-2
- Available sizes: 1/32, 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 & 4/4
- Strings: Cecilio
- What’s included: Violin, case, bow, rosin, headphones, AUX cable, battery
- Material & finish: Solid maple body with ebony fittings. Available in black, blue, white, red, and yellow.
- Best for: Beginners
The Cecilio CEVN-2 electric violin is suitable for beginners no matter their age. This outfit package allows beginners to have everything they need to start playing.
✅ Low price tag
✅ Large size range
✅ Great outfit package
✅ Playability similar to acoustic violin
❌ Lower quality
❌ String setup is required
Why I Recommend It
Cecilio offers several budget electric violins, but I think this is the best cheap electric violin for quality vs price. With an outlined shape, it feels similar to an acoustic violin, and it comes in a great outfit package.
Best 5 String Electric Violin
There are several electric violins that are offered in 5 string models. Luckily, the best electric violin on the market is one of them.
NS Design CR 5-String
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: NS electric strings by D’Addario
- What’s included: Violin, detachable chinrest, padded soft case
- Material & finish: Solid maple with amber stain
- Best for: Professionals
In a league of its own, the NS Design CR offers a 5 string model with outstanding sound and functionality. This violin was designed by professionals for professionals and is the leading electric violin on the market today.
✅ Best sound
✅ Easy tuning
✅ High quality
❌ Only one color option
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
The sound and functionality of this violin are simply state of the art, and the fact that this violin is offered in a 5 string model makes it that much better. A strong recommendation from me.
Best Fretted Electric Violin
Leading the pack again, NS Design has created a fantastic fretted violin. This is an absolute favorite among rock and pop violinists.
NS Design NXTa
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: NS electric strings by D’Addario
- What’s included: Violin, detachable chinrest, padded soft case
- Material & finish: Solid maple with black or sunburst stain
- Best for: Professionals
The NS Design NXTa is easy to play. It has an outstanding appearance and a great sound. Rock and pop violinists rave about this fretted electric violin.
✅ Best sound
✅ Easy tuning
✅ High quality
❌ Only one color option
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
Fretted violins are special, and not many brands offer them. If you have trouble hearing yourself on stage, the frets of this NS Design violin will definitely help you out. It’s a great overall sounding and functional violin.
Best Electric Violin for Kids
Kids need an instrument that’s easy to play, and a size range is extremely important for a growing violinist. The following violin replicates the feel of an acoustic violin perfectly.
Cecilio CEVN-2
- Available sizes: 1/32, 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 & 4/4
- Strings: Cecilio
- What’s included: Violin, case, bow, rosin, headphones, AUX cable, battery
- Material & finish: Solid maple body with ebony fittings. Available in black, blue, white, red, and yellow
- Best for: Beginners
The Cecilio CEVN-2 electric violin is great for kids of all ages. It comes in an outfit package that allows kids to have everything they need to start playing, and the size range is unbeatable.
✅ Low price tag
✅ Large size range
✅ Great outfit package
✅ Playability similar to acoustic violin
❌ Lower quality
❌ String setup is required
Why I Recommend It
Cecilio offers several budget electric violins, but I think this is the best for kids who are growing. I’ve seen several child beginners thrive on this violin and I’d recommend it to many.
What’s in an Electric Violin Box?
Unless you’re buying an outfit package from Cecilio or Cremona (which come with violin, bow, rosin, headphones, and case), most electric violins come alone in their box. Here’s what’s usually included.
Violin
The main event. Enjoy the shine of your brand new violin.
Headphones
Most electric violins come with headphones, but usually not of the highest quality. It’s a good idea to buy yourself a good pair of over-ear headphones for silent practicing.
AUX Cable
These are not always included, but they’re important for amplifying your violin. Don’t buy these cheap because they can often be faulty.
Padded Case
Most electric violins come in a soft padded case. They’re more durable than acoustic violins and therefore can be stored and carried in lightweight padded cases.
Electric Violin Brands to Avoid
I don’t have any particular brands in mind, but from my experience with electric instruments, I generally like to stay away from cheap, Chinese made instruments.
Electric Violin Parts & Accessories
There are endless accessories for electric violins and many with fantastic features that will enhance your performance. These are some of my favorites.
Carbon Fiber Bow
Electric violins are known to be more durable than their acoustic counterparts, and a carbon fiber bow is a great addition to make your setup even more durable.
Violin Mini Amp
Mini amps are perfect for playing at home or in a small band. With a mini amp, you can practice your setup and effects easily at home. When performing, you’ll need a proper full-sized amplifier.
Closed Ear Headphones
Either closed ear headphones or noise cancelling headphones are great for practicing silently. If you’re always on the go, or simply don’t want to disturb your neighbors, this is a great tip.
Violin Stand
If you’re playing on stage, there might be long periods when you need to set your violin down. Holding onto your violin for hours is no fun and for this, I recommend an electric violin stand.
Effects Pedals
There are multi and single effects pedals available for use with an electric violin. These are great for several effects including reverb, distortion, looping, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.
How Much Do Electric Violins Cost?
There are many electric violins available for all budgets, and it’s important to choose one that’s right for your budget and circumstances. The cost starts at about $100 and goes up to about $4,000.
Don’t worry, there’s absolutely an electric violin out there within your budget and for your needs.
What Are the Best Electric Violins?
These are my picks for the best electric violins. Sound, functionality, playability, aesthetics, and quality all come into play.
NS Design CR: Best for Professionals
This electric violin is best for professionals. Whether you’re looking for a standard 4 string or a 5 string fretted violin, this is an incredible instrument.
Wood Stingray: Best for Rock and Pop Music
This violin is great for rockstars. It has a unique aesthetic and has been specially designed for rock and pop violinists. It’s also available in a fretted version and a 5 string version.
Cecilio CEVN-2: Best Budget Violin
The best budget violin on the market, this electric violin offers everything you need. It has an outlined shape that will give you a familiar and natural feeling, just like your acoustic violin.
Where Are the Best Electric Violins Made?
A lot of the best innovations in electric violin making is coming out of Japan, Europe, and the United States. But, quality electric violins can now be found anywhere in the world.
What Is the Best Sounding Electric Violin?
NS Design CR is by far the best sounding electric violin.
Where to Buy Electric Violins
Choosing between buying online and in-store is sometimes difficult when it comes to instruments, and there are definitely benefits to both.
Amazon
Amazon.com offers great prices, as well as endless reviews from previous customers. You can buy and return easily, and it’s a good way to try an instrument out without leaving the house.
Online Music Retailers
Some of the best music retailers are Guitarcenter.com and Fiddlershop.com. They provide fantastic customer service and offer comparison videos about their violins to help make your decision a little bit easier.
Your Local Music Store
I always recommend going into your local music store to try out your instrument before buying. It’s useful to have a professional’s opinion, but not all music stores offer all electric violins, and this is something to take into consideration.
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Table of Contents
- What Is an Electric Violin?
- Types of Electric Violins
- Things to Consider When Choosing an Electric Violin
- Best Electric Violin Brands
- The Best Electric Violins Overall
- Best Electric Violin for Beginners
- Best Professional Electric Violin
- Best Acoustic-Electric Violin
- Best Budget Electric Violin
- Best 5 String Electric Violin
- Best Fretted Electric Violin
- Best Electric Violin for Kids
- What’s in an Electric Violin Box?
- Electric Violin Brands to Avoid
- Electric Violin Parts & Accessories
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- In Conclusion
In Conclusion
Unlike acoustic violins, the best electric violins in the world are available on the market for anyone to purchase. I strongly recommend looking at your budget and using this to your advantage.
Think about what you want to get out of your instrument. Is portability and silent practicing important? Or maybe aesthetics and functionality? There’s an electric violin out there for everyone.
If you have any experience with electric violins, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know which models are your favorites. If you know someone else who’s looking for an electric violin, why not help them out and share this post with them too?
