From Practice to Performance: Best Cheap Violins Under $200

Why Choose a Cheap Violin?

A cheap violin can be a great starting point for someone who wants to learn how to play the violin. If you’re a beginner or buying for someone (student or child), it makes sense to start with something affordable. You don’t want to go broke while thinking about whether your child can really commit, right?

The thing is, you don’t need to sweep your wallet or bank account right away to get a good quality violin. You can actually find cheap violins under $200. Believe us, it can be more than enough for a student to learn from it.

Key Features to Look For

Truth is, not all cheap violins are the same. Some break quickly, and some are even harder to play. Some sounds nice, which will make you think, Is this really cheap? But here are some features you need to look for when shopping for violins.

• The instrument should be made of solid wood, NOT laminated wood. Solid wood sounds better. Manufacturers only choose laminated wood because it’s cheaper, but the sound? It’s blah.
• There should be a smooth fingerboard and the tuning pegs. It should turn easily without slipping, which is annoying.
• Check out the inclusions. Many $200 violins should have a full package. From case, bow, and rosin, it should be complete – complete enough to start playing.

Top Cheap Violins Under $200

Curious about the best cheap violins you can get for under $200? Check out these brands with beginner-friendly and playable offerings.

• Mendini: This is one well-known choice for beginners. It’s affordable and has a complete setup. Great for students and ready to play.
• Cecilio: This is a brand trusted for its solid construction and decent sound. Their beginner instruments use real wood, and the best part? It comes with a one-year warranty.
• Stentor: This is a bit more expensive, but very reliable – tested and proven. You can see that most music schools use this brand.
• Eastar: This brand excels when it comes to value. Their accessories and outfits include different accessories and well-loved by students and parents alike.

It’s not hard to find these brands out there. You can find it at the local store near you and online.

New or Used?

When buying a cheap violin, you may ask yourself. New or used? Here’s our take.

New violins often come with a warranty and are ready to play out of the box. Hidden damage? That’s something you shouldn’t worry about.

Used violins can be a better value, too. You might find a higher-quality instrument for less money. But we always recommend being meticulous when going for used instruments.

Where to Buy

Here are some places where you can shop for a cheap violin:

Local music store near you: Practice the art of trying the violin personally, and don’t be shy to ask questions about its construction or warranty.

Trusted online shops: Some websites, like Fiddler.com or Amazon, offer many cheap or beginner violins. Of course, visit stores with good reviews and return policies, just in case it’s not the right fit.

Conclusion

A cheap violin under $200 can be fairly ideal for someone starting. It doesn’t actually matter if you purchased a new or used one; just make sure you choose something playable and reliable.