Whether you're an experienced musician or a beginner with a love for violin music, there are many reasons to pick up an electric violin. They allow you to practise quietly in a bedroom with headphones or plug into an amplifier and turn the volume to levels a traditional violin could never achieve. We'll take a look at some cheap electric violins for those looking to learn on a budget, as well as some premium-priced instruments for professional performers.
Aside from the visually striking designs, it can be difficult to determine which electric violin is best for you, so we've produced a handy buying guide to pair you up with the perfect instrument. We've scoured the web and reviewed some of the best electric violins in the UK from trusted brands like Yamaha and Stagg, all available from our favourite online shop - Amazon. There's something for everyone below!
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of electric violins available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Stagg | 2 ![]() Vangoa | 3 ![]() Yamaha | 4 ![]() Aliyes | 5 ![]() Stagg | 6 ![]() Fauge | 7 ![]() Aliyes | 8 ![]() Yamaha | 9 ![]() Zest UK | ![]() Lykos |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | EVN X Electric Violin | Full Size Silent Electric Violin Kit | Electric Performance Violin | Handmade Silent Electric Violin | EVN Electric Violin | Beginner Electric Violin | Handmade Acoustic & Electric Violin | Silent Violin | Electro Acoustic Violin | Electric Violin |
Features | An Affordable, Quality Option for Beginners, Complete With a Protective Hard Case | A Comprehensive Kit Available in a Range of Sizes That’s Perfect for Kids | One for the Serious Players With an Incredible Performance That Produces a Super-Clear Sound | Unique Handmade Electric Violins, Available in Multiple Different Designs | A Stylish, Eye-Catching Violin at an Affordable Price | A Bargain Bundle for Those Looking for a Simple Learning and Practicing Instrument | A Range of Unique, Handmade Violins That Function as Both Electric and Acoustic | A High-Quality Electric Violin for Professionals That Feels Just Like an Acoustic Instrument | An Affordable Hybrid Option for Fans of the Traditional Violin Design | An Affordable Budget Option for Those Curious About Learning |
Price | £184.27 | £89.89 | £759.00 | £239.99 | £166.85 | £77.41 | £209.99 | £920.00 | £99.99 | £63.99 |
Size | 4/4 | 1/4, 3/4, 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 |
Batteries Included | Yes | No | - | No | Yes | No | - | - | No | No |
Controls | Volume, tone | Volume, tone, on/off | Volume | Volume, tone | Volume, tone (high & low) | Volume, tone, on/off | Volume, tone | Volume | Volume, tone | Volume, tone |
Extras Included | Bow, hard case, straps, headphones, rosin | Bow, soft case, headphones, rosin, cables, extra strings, manual, note sticker, tuner | - | Bow, hard case, headphones, rosin | Bow, hard case, headphones, rosin | Bow, soft case, headphones, rosin, cable | Bow, hard case, cable, extra strings, extra bridge | Control box | Bow, hard case, rosin, extra strings, finger chart | Bow, hard case, rosin, cable |
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For those looking to learn the violin or are thinking of buying one for a child, it's essential to pick the right size instrument. Violin sizes are measured in fractions, with 4/4 being the regular size for adults.
For younger children, a smaller electric violin is better suited to their smaller hands and arms. A 1/2 size violin is generally suitable for children under 10, while 3/4 is slightly larger and better-suited for children aged 10-14.
However, age isn't the only factor to consider, as arm size is also important. Students with smaller, or longer arm lengths for their age need to take that into account. If you measure from your neck to the palm of your hand, and it's 60 cm or above, you will probably need a full-size violin.
Make sure you pick up the right size music stand as well!
Electric violins can be used with both an amplifier and headphones but will need a power source to work. Most will allow you to use batteries to power the instrument when using headphones. Not all electric violins will have batteries, however, as many professional, premium violins will require an external control box to play silently.
It's also worth keeping an eye out for the types of controls on each electric violin. Most will have a volume knob, but many will also have tone settings similar to an electric guitar. Those with batteries may also have an on/off switch to help you save power when it's not in use.
You may expect a violin to come with a bow, and most do, but don't take it for granted. You'll also want to keep an eye out for rosin, a resin used on the bow will enable the violin to sound as good as possible.
A case can also be a great way to keep your electric violin safe while travelling to lessons or rehearsals. Hard cases are more secure from knocks but weigh a little more than soft cases. You'll also want to ensure that you have enough cables to plug into effects pedals or amplifiers.
Add some percussion to your performance with a drum machine!
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£184.27
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | Yes |
Controls | Volume, tone |
Extras Included | Bow, hard case, straps, headphones, rosin |
£89.89
Size | 1/4, 3/4, 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | No |
Controls | Volume, tone, on/off |
Extras Included | Bow, soft case, headphones, rosin, cables, extra strings, manual, note sticker, tuner |
YEV104N
£759.00
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | - |
Controls | Volume |
Extras Included | - |
£239.99
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | No |
Controls | Volume, tone |
Extras Included | Bow, hard case, headphones, rosin |
£166.85
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | Yes |
Controls | Volume, tone (high & low) |
Extras Included | Bow, hard case, headphones, rosin |
£77.41
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | No |
Controls | Volume, tone, on/off |
Extras Included | Bow, soft case, headphones, rosin, cable |
£209.99
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | - |
Controls | Volume, tone |
Extras Included | Bow, hard case, cable, extra strings, extra bridge |
YSV104BRO
£920.00
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | - |
Controls | Volume |
Extras Included | Control box |
£99.99
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | No |
Controls | Volume, tone |
Extras Included | Bow, hard case, rosin, extra strings, finger chart |
£63.99
Size | 4/4 |
---|---|
Batteries Included | No |
Controls | Volume, tone |
Extras Included | Bow, hard case, rosin, cable |
Written and researched by David Sexton
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