Violin playing is a physical art with great traditions behind it. Vanessa Mae
Are you a beginner, intermediate or professional violinist? When it comes to buying a violin, your level will have a great impact on the price of a violin.
Violins are known to be quite a large and valuable investment meaning they can be quite expensive, but also a true treasure. The materials used to make violins as well as its accessories like the bow is what has such a big impact on the price.
Did you know that violins are traditionally made from three types of wood: spruce, maple and ebony?
Do I have enough money to buy a violin? Will I have to start saving if I want to upgrade my instrument? Should I make such a big investment on buying an instrument?
Are these questions resonating? You want to buy a violin that suits your needs and goals but still unsure of what would be the best option for you.
The truth is, different violins are made for different players. Therefore, taking this into consideration a difference in price will also play a role.
Today, we will be uncovering the truth about investing in such a valuable musical instrument like the violin. Whether you are a new player or a professional violinist, there are quite a few options and we will help you find the right violin.
Rent a Violin
Are you keen on learning how to play a violin but not sure if you want to pursue becoming a more advanced violinist?
Renting a violin might be a good option.
There are a few good reasons why renting instruments is better than purchasing one the first time around.
If you would like to learn how to play a stringed instrument, but unsure if you would like to play the violin, viola or cello, renting an instrument can give you the opportunity to try out any one of them before buying.
Renting is a good option if your child is an aspiring violinist and they are still young. This means you won’t have to purchase the next size up as your kid grows and this would apply for most stringed instruments including the guitar.
Beginner musicians often are unsure whether they would like to buy an instrument before starting with music lessons. So ‘trying before buying’ is a good option in this instance.
Most musical instrument rental shops require a deposit of approximately R250 for a violin. The monthly rental for a violin costs R140-R300 per month depending on your location and the type of violin you would like to hire. As you can see hiring a violin is definitely accessible and will be an acceptable option for those of you on a budget or for beginner violinists.
How Much Does a Violin Cost For Beginners?
Although it is a known fact that buying a violin can be expensive doesn’t mean you can’t get a good quality violin at an affordable price. There are a myriad of beginner violins available on the market in South Africa. They are also called ‘student violins’. You will also see a phrase used often, ‘violin outfit’.
A violin outfit is the ‘whole kit’. What normally is included in the price is the violin and its accessories:
- The violin
- Case
- Bow
- Rosin
It doesn’t matter what type of player you are, there will certainly be the perfect violin for you to start out with. Here is a list of the most popular violins available:
Lamour Violin
The Lamour maple and spruce violin is ideal if you are looking for something on a budget but still want something that carries a gorgeous natural sound. The Lamour violin is perfect for students aged 6+. If you buy a bundle with a brazilwood bow, rosin block, case and violin you can expect to pay approximately R1300 - R1500
The only extra thing you will need to buy is a violin tuner.
Stentor Student I 1400
The Stentor Student violin is the most popular beginner’s violins amongst students and is an ideal entry-level student outfit. It’s affordable, reliable in its performance and the music quality pristine - overall a fine buy.
The price range of these solid tonewood violins are between R2800-R3200.
Sandner Violin RV1
The Sandner violin dates back to 1924. Its maker, Franz Sandner, was very artistic and crafted his violin with precision and artistic perfection. If you don’t want to compromise on quality this is the perfect violin for you.
This violin is fine for teenagers and adults. A Sandner violin outfit will cost your approximately R2400.
How Much is a Good Violin For Intermediate Players?
As you advance in your musical skills you would also consider upgrading your instrument. Violins for intermediate or advanced players have a higher level of quality. This means when you play you can expect a richer tone. Higher quality also means a greater investment. You will be happy to know that there are a list of affordable yet qualitative violins to choose from for intermediate players.
Let’s have a look at these examples and their prices:
Stentor Conservatoire Violin
The Stentor conservatoire violin outfit is an ideal step-up instrument for students. They are also often recommended by teachers. This lovely instrument is affordable for intermediate players and you can enjoy a rich tone and great overall quality.
Their prices range between R5500 - R8500 depending on where you buy the violin. There are two Conservatoire models available, Conservatoire I and Conservatoire II. The Conservatoire II violin outfit has extra accessories and is a bit more pricey, R12 000.
Let’s move on to the violin prices for intermediate violinists.
Sandner Dynasty CV5 Violin
Are you about to embark on an orchestral journey?
If you are an intermediate player starting off your career as a violinist this violin might be the perfect fit for you. The price of this violin in South Africa will cost you R12 000. If you look in the right places you can find a demo model for R7300.
What is the Price of a Violin For a Professional Violinist?
When you have reached an advanced level of violin playing you will certainly begin to realise what a major investment it can be. Not only in terms of pricing but also in the quality of music that comes from the instrument you play. When you advance your musical skills you want the instrument you play with to match those skills respectively.
When you have reached a professional stage in playing you will be looking for something more authentic. Along with authenticity comes a substantially higher price.
Repair and care of your precious violin should also be considered in your expenses.
Let’s have a look at some more models for advanced players:
Sandner Dynasty Master MV4 Violin
Ideal for professional violinists, this Franz Sandner replica has a high quality setup and wonderful tone. This violin is for you if you want your violin to look as great as it plays and sounds. You can catch it at a price of R16 000.
Stentor Amati Violin 1995/A
This violin design started in 1964 by Nicola Amati. This beautiful handcrafted violin is a model of the original violin. It gives you superb features that can match your skills. If you are lucky you can find an original Amati for millions of rands, fortunately you can find the replica in South Africa for R23 100.
If you would like something more original you may go for a specially crafted violin by Bekker Violins, he crafts his own violins. So if you’re in the market for something unique this might be a good choice.
The Sandner and the Stentor are both replicas of antique craftsmanship, but if you are thinking of getting a true antique that’s a Stradivarius model you will have to search far and wide - all over the world. Besides this will be the greatest investment of your career. Maybe you will be fortunate enough to find a replica of a Stradivarius like the Il Cremonese 1715 Model Stradivarius Replica. I know you will find this beautiful violin in England where you will pay around R40 000.
Electric Violins
Electric violins have become quite popular amongst violinists, especially professional players.
Acoustic-electro violins give amplification for on-stage performers. What’s nice about an acoustic-electro violin is that it’s flexible, you can either play the acoustic version or you can plug it into an amplifier and blow your audience away.
The cheapest electric violin you will be able to find is R3 000 and they can go up all the way to R20 000.
Maybe if you buy a second hand or on sale electric violin you can get away with a cheaper price. If you’re a bargain hunter you can certainly get one on a budget but at a more affordable price - that is if the previous owner looked well after it and ensured it received proper maintenance.
How Does an Electric Violin Differ From an Acoustic Violin?
There are many differences between classical and electric violins, and some key aspects are detailed below.
Different Body Structures
The acoustic violin has a hollow structure with a sound box which serves to amplify the sound produced by the vibrations of the strings.
Electric violins are usually solid, and need to be connected to external speakers or amplifiers in order for their sound to be heard. This means that when an electric violin is not plugged in, an audience will not be able to hear its sound.
Natural and Electric Amplification
The bridge of the classical violin ensures that the vibrations of the strings are transmitted to the sound box. The bridge is found on the body of the classical violin and is held in place by the pressure of the strings.
Electric violins need to transcribe vibrations into electric signals which are fed through to amplifiers. This is done by means of sensors found under or inside the bridge of the violin. An electric violin’s sound quality will differ depending on the type of bridge it possesses and the number of sensors.
Design Options
Classical violins will always have the same look, as they need to meet strict design standards and sizing requirements.
On the other hand, with an electric violin only the main design elements of a violin have to be preserved. Designers are free to be guided by their imaginations for the rest, so these instruments can be made from any material and in any colour.
Consult Superprof to find out how much you'd be looking to pay for violin lessons for beginners. Or, you can google 'violin lessons near me'.
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This is such a helpful article
Hello Nkanyezi,
We’re so happy that you found this article useful.
Feels great coming back here having bought a Stentor 2 beginner on your advice. Thank you.
Hello Nkanyezi,
We wish you only the best on your musical journey!
Highly educational.
Hello Bongiwe
Thanks for your feedback! We’re glad you found this article useful.