Are you interested in getting a new electric violin? Or maybe you just want to upgrade the one you currently have.
No matter the reason you have stumbled upon this article, we are sure what you are about to read will be very helpful in your quest to find an electric violin.
In this short article we are going to briefly cover everything you need to know about the electric violin.
Not only will we review the best electric violins currently on the market, but we will also answer important questions such as what exactly is an electric violin, how to choose the best one, and the difference between an electric, silent, and acoustic electric violin.
Ready to learn about the electric violin? Let’s get this party started!
What Is an Electric Violin?
Let’s start this off by breaking down what an electric violin is. An electric violin is exactly what it sounds like, an instrument that can produce sound electronically.
Electric violins, due to their electronic signals, can often produce a sound that is much brighter, and louder, than an acoustic violin.
The great thing about an electric violin is you have the ability to tweak and enhance the sound. And thanks to its plug and play capabilities, this type of violin is great for those who want to amplify their sound.
Understanding The Different Types of Electric Violins
Before we review the top 10 electric violins, let’s break down the three different types so you can understand what’s available to you.
“Pure” Electric Violins
Electric violins don’t have that traditional violin look. They instead have a modified body shape that is more modern and funky.
Their shapes will vary and can be everything from a moon shape to a narrow trapezoid. Some of their designs will make you think of the artist Prince.
While the tuning will usually be done via the tailpiece, these violins are still the standard length. This means they can be played just like a traditional violin.
Silent Practice Violins
Silent practice violins come with headphone jacks so that you can practice in silence. This is the perfect electric violin for those who are just learning how to play but want to keep things quiet.
Parents tend to love this type of electric violin as it allows the child to practice without keeping up a lot of noise.
We recommend everyone who is serious about playing the violin, invest in at least one silent practice violin.
Acoustic Electric Violin
The last type of electric violin is the acoustic electric violin. These types of violins can make sounds acoustically, as well as through an amplification system.
This is possible thanks to “pick ups”, which are small devices that convert the physical vibrations of the strings into electric signals.
An acoustic electric violin is great for those who want an instrument with good acoustics and amplification.
The Best Electric Violins - Top 10 Reviewed
Now that you understand the three different types of electric violins, let's dive in and review the top 10.
- Cremona SV-180E - Our Choice
- Yamaha YEV-105 - Runner-Up
- Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE - Best Acoustic-Electric
- Stagg EVN - Best for Silent Practice
- Stingray SVX4 - Coolest Looking
- Bunnel Next - Best Under $500
- Cecilio CEVN-2 - Best Under $200
- Cecilio CEVN-1 - Best for Beginners
- AW Electric Violin - Best Cheap
- Crescent EV - Best Under $100
Founded in 1989, Cremona is an award winning company that is known for making high quality violins.
The reason we put this model on the list is because it offers remarkable playability at a very affordable price.
The best way to describe this violin would be simple elegance. Violinists of all skill levels can benefit from its perfection and quality.
The Cremona SV-180E is also great for the complete novice who is just learning to play. Its playability and price make it a win win for all.
Pros
Cons
Yamaha is a very popular brand known for making all sorts of musical instruments. And while most of us know them for their pianos, they are also one of the best violin makers.
Yamaha’s philosophy is to create excitement all over the world when it comes to creating music. And needless to say, they have done a great job.
The Yamaha YEV-105 is great for musicians who want to make modern, new wave music. And while it is one of the more expensive electric violins on the market, a lot of violinists really love it.
Pros
Cons
Barcus Berry is a brand known for producing quality, reliable instruments. Their electric violins are handmade in Romania, and very stylish.
The Barcus Berry Vibrato-AE is the perfect violin for anyone who wants a violin that has a radical look. It's great for the violinist who does a lot of on stage gigs.
Pros
Cons
When it comes to silent practice violins, the Stagg EVN is one of the best. It is very common for this violin to be recommended by professional violinists, as well as violin instructors to their new students.
If you want to practice without disturbing those around you, the Stagg EVN is the violin you need.
It is one of the best silent electric violins on the market.
Pros
Cons
The Stingray SVX4 is a high end electric violin that was made famous by Mark Wood, an emmy award winning violinist and composer.
The Stingray SVX4 is great for beginners as well as professionals. It can help you rock out without breaking the bank.
Pros
Cons
The Bunnel Next is the best electric violin under $500. And if you are just getting started, it will provide you with everything you need to get the ball rolling.
While the Bunnel Next may be a little expensive to some, the included accessories and freebies make it well worth the price.
Pros
Cons
Looking for a violin that’s made using good quality materials, has a solid body, and is affordable? Well look no further than the Cecilio CEVN-2. This violin is all of that and then some.
It is easily one of the best entry level electric violins for under $200.
This violin is a great choice for those looking for a budget violin. It comes with everything you need to get your musical journey off the ground as quickly as possible.
Pros
Cons
Cecilio is one of the best brands when it comes to traditional and electric violins. Because of this, we consider them one of the best electric violin brands for beginners.
If you are a beginner on a budget, the Cecilio CEVN-1 is a great option. It is a great pick for those who are just learning to play the electric violin.
Pros
Cons
The AW Electric Violin is one of the best cheap electric violins on the market. It comes with aluminum alloy strings which are some of the most robust strings out there.
The AW Electric Violin is probably the cheapest electric violin model you can find. So if you are on a really tight budget, this would be your best option.
Pros
Cons
The Crescent EV is the best electric violin under $100. It is a great choice for students who are just starting out and looking for an affordable option.
This violin is also great for children who are starting to show interest in playing the violin.
The Crescent EV is a good option for someone who just wants to try out the electric violin.
Pros
Cons
Tips For Choosing The Best Electric Violin
When it comes to choosing an electric violin, there are 2 key factors you need to consider.
The first is design and your playing style. As you know by now, electric violins come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
You should therefore do a little research online before heading to your local music store. Doing so will give you the opportunity to get familiar with the various styles that are available to you.
So the big question you need to answer is what type of player are you? Are you the type of player who wants a simple instrument that doesn’t draw a lot of attention.
Or are you more of a rockstar and what something that’s cool and shiny?
Whatever suits your personal taste and playing style, that’s the type of electric violin you should go with.
The second thing you want to consider is tone and price. Violin tones can be categorized into 3 main categories. Dark, bright, and neutral.
And while the tone is often looked at as subjective, it is obvious that some electric violins have a more natural sound than others.
Luckily, with equalization and effects, you can tweak things to get the tone and sound you want.
For best results, take the time to figure out what your baseline tone is. You will notice that the more expensive the electric violin, the more natural it will sound.
What Are The Best Electric and Silent Violin Brands?
Most violinists and instructors have the brands they prefer. We are all different and will therefore have a different opinion about which brand is best.
It is very important you understand that opinions are just that, opinions. Each brand is different and will have its advantages and disadvantages.
It is your responsibility to do your own research to see which brands, and which models, will be best suited for you.
Our Final Thoughts
The purpose of this guide is to help you make a well informed decision when you are ready to purchase an electric violin.
In it we discussed what an electric violin is, the different types of electric violins, tips for choosing the best electric violin, and we even reviewed what we considered to be the top 10 electric violins currently on the market.
You now have the information you need to pick the best electric violin for your needs. And remember, the electric violin you pick is a personal choice.
While having certain features is important, at the end of the day it's about which violin speaks to you and gets you excited about playing.
When you invest in a violin that has captured your heart, making great music becomes a lot easier.