How to Choose the Right Violin for Beginners

Learning the violin is an exciting journey. Whether you’re a parent signing your child up for their first lessons, a teen eager to join the school orchestra, or an adult finally chasing a lifelong dream, choosing the right violin is one of the most important first steps.

At our school, we often hear the same questions from new students: “Do I need to buy one right away?” “What size violin do I need?” “Are inexpensive online violins okay?” This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the right violin for a beginner. We’ll cover instrument sizes, quality levels, renting vs. buying, essential accessories, and how to make sure you set yourself—or your child—up for success.

Why the Right Violin Matters

The violin is a delicate, highly responsive instrument. Unlike some instruments where “any beginner version will do,” a poor-quality violin can actually hold a student back.

• Playability matters. Cheaply made violins often don’t stay in tune, have strings set too high, or produce a scratchy sound no matter how well you play. This can frustrate beginners and discourage them from continuing.

• Comfort matters. Violins come in different sizes. An instrument that’s too big will make it harder to learn proper technique and may even cause strain or pain.

• Sound matters. A violin that produces a warm, clear tone rewards the student’s effort and helps them hear progress.

Think of the violin like shoes: the wrong fit or poor quality can make the journey uncomfortable, while the right fit makes every step easier.

Step 1: Decide on Renting vs. Buying

For most beginners, especially children, renting a violin is a great starting point.

Renting a Violin

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost.

• Easy to switch sizes as a child grows.

• Usually includes basic maintenance and insurance.

• Music stores typically rent quality beginner instruments, properly set up by professionals.

Cons:

• Monthly payments add up over time.

• The instrument never belongs to you unless you later purchase it through a rent-to-own program.

Buying a Violin

Pros:

• One-time cost, no ongoing rental fees.

• The violin is yours to keep, practice on, and even resell later.

• Great option for adults who don’t need to size up.

Cons:

• Requires a larger upfront investment.

• If buying for a child, they may quickly outgrow the size.

• Buying online from the wrong source can result in poor quality.

Our recommendation: Rent if you’re unsure of long-term commitment or if the student is still growing. Buy if the student is an adult or if your child is already committed and ready for a personal instrument.

Step 2: Choosing the Correct Size

Violins come in several sizes, from 1/16 (tiny, for preschoolers) up to full size (4/4). Using the right size helps the student maintain good posture and hand position.

Here’s a quick guide:

Violin Size	Arm Length (approx.)	Typical Age Range
1/16	14–15 inches	3–5 years old
1/10	15–16 inches	4–5 years old
1/8	16.5–18 inches	5–6 years old
1/4	18.5–20 inches	6–7 years old
1/2	20.5–22 inches	7–9 years old
3/4	22.5–23.5 inches	9–12 years old
4/4 (Full)	23.5+ inches	Teens & Adults

How to measure: Have the student extend their left arm straight out (palm up). Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. Match the measurement to the table above.

Tip: When in doubt, choose the smaller size. It’s always easier to play a slightly smaller violin than one that’s too large.

Step 3: Understanding Violin Quality Levels

Not all violins are created equal. Here are the main categories you’ll encounter:

1. Factory-Made “VSO” (Violin-Shaped Objects)

• Found on large online retailers for $50–$150.

• Poorly made, won’t hold tuning, often unplayable.

• Avoid these—they cause frustration more than progress.

2. Student Violins (Beginner Level)

• Cost: $300–$700 (or rental $15–$30/month).

• Properly set up by luthiers (string height, bridge, pegs adjusted).

• Good sound quality for beginners.

3. Intermediate Violins

• Cost: $700–$2,000.

• Made with higher-quality wood, producing a richer sound.

• Best for advancing students ready to invest in better tone.

4. Professional Violins

• Cost: $3,000 and up (some priceless).

• Handmade by master luthiers.

• Not necessary for beginners, but something to aspire to.

Bottom line: Start with a properly set-up student violin, whether rented or purchased.

Step 4: Essential Accessories

When starting out, the violin itself isn’t the only thing you need. A complete beginner setup includes:

• Bow – Usually comes with the violin, but make sure it has quality horsehair.

• Case – Lightweight, protective, often included.

• Rosin – Applied to the bow hair to create friction against the strings.

• Shoulder Rest or Pad – Adds comfort and stability while playing.

• Music Stand – Encourages good posture and keeps sheet music at eye level.

• Tuner or Tuning App – Helps keep the violin in tune.

• Extra Strings – Beginner strings can break, so it’s good to have spares.

Some violin outfits (packages) come with everything included, while others require you to add accessories separately.

Step 5: Where to Get Your Violin

This decision can make or break your experience.

Best Options:

• Local music stores – Offer rentals, professional setup, and support.

• School partnerships – Some schools work with trusted violin shops.

• Reputable online shops – Shar Music, Southwest Strings, Johnson String Instrument.

What to Avoid:

• Large discount retailers – Many sell “VSO” instruments that are unplayable.

• Used violins from unknown sellers – While bargains exist, beginners can’t easily spot issues like warped necks or cracks.

Pro tip: Always make sure the violin is set up by a luthier (a string instrument specialist). Even a decent violin can play poorly if not properly adjusted.

Step 6: Involve Your Teacher

If you’re already signed up for lessons at our school, your teacher is your best resource when choosing a violin. They can:

• Recommend reliable rental programs.

• Help size the student correctly.

• Inspect an instrument before you buy.

• Suggest brands or models that fit your budget.

Many teachers even prefer students to wait until after their first lesson before committing to an instrument, so they can guide you from the start.

Step 7: Set Expectations

Finally, remember that no beginner violin, even a well-made one, will sound like a professional soloist’s instrument right away. The beauty of learning violin comes from progress: the joy of making the first clear note, then the first recognizable song, then full pieces of music.

Choosing the right violin gives you the best possible foundation for that journey.

Quick Checklist for Beginners

Before starting lessons, make sure you have:✔️ Correct size violin (rented or purchased)✔️ Bow and rosin✔️ Case✔️ Shoulder rest or pad✔️ Tuner or tuning app✔️ Extra set of strings✔️ Music stand

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right violin doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start by deciding whether to rent or buy, make sure you have the right size, and avoid the too-good-to-be-true “cheap” instruments online. A properly set-up student violin from a reputable source will make lessons more enjoyable and rewarding.

At Freeway Music, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our teachers can guide you in finding the perfect instrument so you can focus on what really matters—discovering the joy of music.

If you’re ready to begin your violin journey, contact us today to schedule your first lesson and let us help you find the right violin for you or your child.