6 Best Electric Violins In 2022 (Under $100 to Over $500)
If you’ve been searching the internet for a brilliant new electric violin, then I’m happy to say you’ve stumbled across the right place!
Maybe you’re a seasoned violinist or even a complete beginner.
Either way, the perfect electric violin for you is out there.
You just have to know where to look!
That’s where I come in.
I’ve scouted out the best electric violins on the market right now so that you don’t have to.
No matter your experience level or playing style, your perfect electric violin is on this list!
Snapshot: 6 Best Electric Violins In 2022
Shopping for a Great Electric Violin
Getting your hands on a good electric violin used to be challenging but they’re everywhere these days!
Now we have a different problem; we’re spoilt for choice because there’s so many out there!
It’s hard to tell which models are great value for money and which are useless. That’s why I always stick by the companies I know and trust. At least then, I know my new violin will arrive in one piece.
With acoustic violins, it’s pretty easy to know which models are worth your money. You know you’re onto a winner if they’re fantastically crafted from lovely tonal woods.
However, finding the perfect electric model is a little bit more tricky. Companies use a whole host of unique materials to experiment with sound and projection.
So, we have to be a little bit savvier in our searching! Thankfully, I love experimenting with new instruments and have tried a whole host of electric violins.
Don’t worry, you’re in good hands (if I do say so myself).
The Best Electric Violin in 2022
1. Yamaha YEV-104 Review – Best Overall
- This is an all-access electric violin: beautiful, light, easy and fun to play at an affordable price point
As I said earlier, when I’m shopping for a new instrument, of any kind, I always buy from companies I know and trust. That’s one of the reasons why this Yamaha model has taken first place. Everyone and their uncle has heard of Yamaha!
This is the best electric violin I’ve ever heard or played. It’s really something special.
Body & Neck
Here we have another, shall we say, odd-looking electric violin. Honestly, I just go wild when it comes to electric instruments. Take this time to express yourself!
I feel like the Yamaha YEV looks a bit like a guitar? Maybe that’s just me… Anyway, I think it’s gorgeous. In general, electric violins are a lot heavier than acoustic ones because of all the extra hardware. However, this one incredibly lightweight and it’s got fantastic playability.
It may look different from your standard violin, but it feels the same when you’re playing. The Yamaha YEV-104 showcases some brilliant craftsmanship as well. It’s made from eight kinds of tonal woods – maple, rosewood, spruce, mahogany, walnut, and ebony (woah, that was a mouthful).
When you are spending a little more on an electric violin, you should be looking for tonal woods. They give it an incredible tone without having to make any adjustments. Plus, they add to the violin’s organic aesthetic!
Bow & Hardware
Like most Yamaha violins, the YEV doesn’t come with a bow. It’s a little unfortunate but in the same vein, most people shopping for a high-end electric violin will already have an incredible bow. Plus, if you’re spending a lot of money on a new instrument, it’s good to know all of it is actually being spent on the instrument itself.
This model has all 100% ebony fittings so it’s incredibly durable as well. It does have fixed fine-tuners but I’ve never noticed any problems with buzzing with this violin so we’re all good on that front!
Electronics
The great thing about the Yamaha YEV is that it has a passive pickup. There’s no need for any batteries or preamps. That’s why it’s so lightweight! It also has a discrete volume control on the back as well. This model doesn’t have a tone adjuster. However, I can guarantee you won’t want to change its tone because it is to die for.
Although I like being able to control the tone of my violin as I play, I don’t need to mess with this one because I love how it sounds. If you do want to change the tone at all you can just do that from your amp!
Sound
I know I make quite a lot of big claims on these blogs (I can’t help it, I get carried away when I’m excited)! However, when it comes to this violin I’m deadly serious when I say this is the best sounding violin I’ve ever played.
I used to hate electric violins because I wanted to stick to my rustic folk roots but this one completely changed my mind. If you haven’t played it, you’ve got to give it a try. It’s unbelievable!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Maple, rosewood, spruce, mahogany, and walnut
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Yamaha strings, ebony tuning pegs, and fixed fine-tuners
- Bow: Not included
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
This gorgeous electric violin has the most amazing sound, it’s definitely the best one on the market
Final Thoughts on the Yamaha YEV-104
This is, without a doubt, my favorite electric violin overall. I love how it looks, I love how light it is and, most importantly I love how it sounds. It’s elegant, chic and would be perfect for taking on stage and dropping jaws!
2. Bunnel Shredder Electric Violin Review – Best Under $500
- [PROFESSIONALLY SET UP] Our 4/4 full size Bunnel EDGE electric violin produces a clear tone and huge amplification. Players love the rich and clear sound on this violin. This violin is professionally…
The Bunnel Shredder is an absolute gem from Kennedy Violins. I love Kennedy Violins because I trust their craftsmanship and service. They take the fear away from shopping for instruments online!
It may not be the ultimate winner but it’s definitely the best electric violin under $500.
Body & Neck
You will have had a shock to the system if you’re new to electric violins. When you’re searching for an amazing acoustic violin, it’s the materials and craftsmanship that you pay attention to. However, electric violins are quite different.
Their tone and volume mostly come from the strings and electronic components, so it can be difficult to know exactly what makes a great electric violin. For me, playability is key. I want the body to be lightweight and the neck to be comfortable enough for hours of playing. Fortunately, the Bunnel Shredder has all of the above!
Bow & Hardware
The Bunnel Shredder comes with a lovely Giuliani Brazilwood bow, strung with real horsehair. I love Giuliani bows because they’re really nicely balanced and I always find that they pick up rosin really well. However, if you’ve already got a brilliant violin bow, don’t worry, you can just use that one.
I used to think that an electric violin would need to be played with some sort of swanky, high-tech bow but, of course, I was wrong. Any old bow will do! I’m not usually a fan of fixed fine-tuners because of that annoying buzzing noise they tend to make. However, I actually prefer to have them on an electric violin.
Believe me when I say, if you’re even a tiny tad out of tune, the whole world will know! Electric violins sound a lot sharper so perfect intonation is key!
Electronics
When I’m shopping for an electric violin, I always look for battery-powered models. The last thing you want is to trip over your cable on stage and hit the deck! The Bunnel Shredder is fitted with a Piezo ceramic pickup which I love. However, it does have a ¼ inch jack if you’d prefer to plug it into an amp. The tone and volume can be adjusted from the sliders on the front of the violin.
I much prefer this design to those models that have them tucked away on the side somewhere. This way, you can adjust everything as you play! Also, the Bunnel Shredder is perfect for getting those practice hours in. It’s fitted with an ⅛ inch jack so you can plug your headphones in and give your flatmates some peace and quiet!
Sound
The Bunnel Shredder has an incredibly clear tone. It gives you crazy amounts of volume and I just absolutely love it. My favorite thing about this electric violin (and most other models, to be honest) is that you can adjust the tone. You can make it sound a little edgier or warmer, depending on what style of music you’re into.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Unclear
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude strings, ebony tuning pegs, and fixed fine-tuners
- Bow: Giuliani Brazilwood, horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Aluminum tailpiece, ebony chinrest
- Electronics: 9-volt battery, ¼ inch jack, ⅛ inch jack, Piezo ceramic pickup, and mini amp
The best electric violin with a precise tone, perfect for players of any experience level
Final Thoughts on the Bunnel Shredder
I think the Bunnel Shredder is the perfect electric violin for players of any level. It has brilliant playability and it’s so durable. It’s another of my favorite on-stage companions and I know you’ll love it too.
3. Bunnel Next Electric Violin Review
- [HIGH-QUALITY Electric Violin] Your new performance partner, The Bunnel Next has a clear tone and big sound. It is available in three finishes that highlight the beautiful flamed maple on both front…
Seeing as we’re talking about Bunnel’s, here’s another of my favorites. We all know how much I love a unique looking instrument! The Bunnel Next certainly isn’t for everyone, hence not taking the lead in this list but it would make any violinist after my own heart very happy!
Body & Neck
Here we have a rather strange looking body (sorry Bunnel). This model looks a little bit more like a lute than it does an electric violin! I mean, I think it looks beautiful but I know some of you are probably gagging at the thought (that was an exaggeration, I do hope no one gags whiles reading my blogs). The reason I like it so much (or, at least, the reason I like the way it looks) is that although it’s electric, it looks quite rustic.
Usually, the only thing that puts me off electric violins is that I love antique instruments so much. Electronic instruments tend to look quite futuristic and, to be quite honest, that’s just not my cup of tea. I’m sorry but aren’t those tear-shaped soundholes the cutest things you’ve ever seen?
Plus, I love the little dip for your shoulder, it makes playing that bit comfier!
Bow & Hardware
Like the Shredder, the Bunnel Next comes with the same Giuliani Brazilwood bow so I won’t repeat myself there. The great thing about buying an electric violin from Kennedy Violins is that they come already set up. I don’t know about you, but when a new instrument lands on my doorstep I just want to play it straight away!
The last thing I want to do is fiddle around with the strings and set the bridge up (maybe I’m just lazy but I’m guessing most of you feel the same). So, I love it when an order comes in from Kennedy Violins. They usually only need a little bit of fine-tuning then they’re good to go!
Electronics
The tone and volume adjusters are on the side of the Bunnel Next. That’s another reason why it didn’t take first place in my list of the best electric violins. However, I know a lot of people would prefer the controls to be out of sight. So, if you prefer more discreet electronics, you’ll love this violin.
It comes with the same Piezo ceramic pickup as the Shredder as well. So, you can either wire up to your amp or with the pickup; whichever you prefer!
Sound
To be honest, there’s not that much difference between the Shredder and the Next models in terms of sound. The tone can be adjusted, so it’s completely up to you how it sounds! It’s beautifully clear and produces so much volume. So, if you’re stuck between the two, this time it’s okay to make your decision solely based on looks. Either way, you’ll be getting a great-sounding violin.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Maple
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: D’Addario Prelude strings, ebony tuning pegs, and fixed fine-tuners
- Bow: Giuliani Brazilwood, horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Aluminum tailpiece, ebony chinrest
- Electronics: 9-volt battery, ¼ inch jack, ⅛ inch jack, Piezo ceramic pickup, and mini amp
A gorgeous, unique model, the perfect electric violin for someone who’s all about the looks
Final Thoughts on the Bunnel Next
If you’re looking for an electric violin to spice up your performance, this is the one. It sounds similar to the Bunnel Shredder but it’s just a little more edgy-looking and the controls are more discrete. I love it but I know it may be a little too unique for some.
4. Cecilio CEVN-1 Electric Violin Review – Best Value
The Cecilio CEVN-1BK is the perfect electric violin if you’ve got a tighter budget. I get it, you want to make sure you get the most out of every penny! I feel exactly the same. This model is ideal for anyone who’s looking for the best value electric violin.
Body & Neck
Remember when I said I wasn’t the biggest fan of those super futuristic models? I know it’s not all about looks but I love how Cecilio has kept the classic violin shape but given it a bit of a modern twist. The holes in the body of the violin give it a really chic look and, more importantly, make the violin super light.
Electric violins tend to have a thick, glossy lacquer. Now, I know I usually tell you guys to steer clear of anything this shiny, but the sound of an electric violin isn’t affected by its finish. I only ever let myself get attracted to shiny things when I’m shopping for electric instruments (it’s a real treat).
The only downside to a thick lacquer is the sweaty hand situation (which I talk about way too much, I know). That’s why I love the finish of the Cecilio CEVN-1’s neck! The shiny lacquer blends away beautifully leaving the maple wood exposed. We all know how much I love Cecilio’s craftsmanship!
Bow & Hardware
The Cecilio CEVN-1 comes with a lovely brazilwood bow. Again, it’s not the best bow on the market but it certainly does the job and it clings on to rosin nicely. You’ll also be glad to know this violin comes with all 100% ebony fittings.
Want to know my favorite part though?
The tuning pegs are matte. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “there she goes, blabbing on about aesthetics again”. However, matte pegs are so useful. You know that sweaty hand problem I get? (Of course you do, I never shut up about it!)
Well, matte pegs are much easier to grip. Let me paint the scene for you; so, you’re up on stage, you’ve just finished your first set and you’ve noticed your tuning has slipped slightly, you go to give your pegs a slight turn to adjust and BAM your sweaty hand slips right off! Have you been there or is that just me?
I think I need to get these hands seen to… Anyway, with matte pegs, that scenario will never happen!
Electronics
This little electric violin is battery powered and comes with a pick up (I’m not sure what make it is but it works great). The Cecilio CEVN-1 had volume and tone adjusters on the back. I’m not the biggest fan of the adjusters being on the back because I’m always scared I’ll accidentally knock them while I’m playing.
I’m pretty sure that’s just me being overly cautious, though! It also has a ⅛ inch jack for headphones and a ¼ inch jack if you fancy wiring it up to an amp for electric violins. It has everything you need to get started and at this price, I think it’s a great deal!
Sound
This electric violin sounds pretty classical if left to the default tone settings. That’s why I think it would be great for a classical soloist or an orchestral player. If you do prefer an edgier sound you can, of course, just adjust the tone to suit you.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Maple, available in black, white, blue, red, and natural
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Cecilio strings, ebony tuning pegs, and independent fine-tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood, horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
- Electronics: 9-volt battery, ¼ inch jack, ⅛ inch jack, and pickup
An incredibly affordable electric violin that doesn’t skimp on quality, the best value model on the market!
Final Thoughts on the Cecilio CEVN-1
When you’re looking for a more affordable electric violin, usually you’d have to compromise on something (like a poorer pickup or worse playability). However, the Cecilio CEVN-1 doesn’t skimp on quality and it’s under $200. That’s why I think this is the best value electric violin on the market today.
5. Cecilio CVNAE-330+SR Acoustic-Electric Violin Review – Best for Beginners
Hey beginners, this one’s for you! The Cecilio CVNAE-330+SR is an electric-acoustic violin, so it’s much closer to what you’re already used to playing. You’re going to love it!
Body & Neck
Whenever I get asked to recommend an electric violin for beginners, I always suggest trying this one from Cecilio. I know how frustrating it is when you order a new violin thinking you’ll be able to play it straight away and it turns out to be harder than you thought. That’s why I recommend going for an electric-acoustic first.
The tones will sound a lot more natural to you and you’ll have way less trouble getting to grips with your new instrument. The CVNAE-330+SR has incredible playability. The neck feels much the same as their beginner acoustic models, so you should be able to play it straight away.
Bow & Hardware
Like the previous model, the CVNAE-330+SR has 100% genuine ebony fittings, so it’s incredibly durable. I also love that it has independent-style fine tuners. On a completely electric violin, this doesn’t really matter but when it comes to electric-acoustic models it definitely does. Extra tuners can cause buzzing and you certainly don’t want that if you’re using the pickup. Let’s not deafen the audience!
Electronics
Again, I’m not quite sure what model of pickup Cecilio uses in their electric violins but, whatever it is, it sounds great. This violin also comes with a ¼ inch jack so if you do want to amp up you absolutely can. I’d suggest you start with the pickup and work your way up to a full-blown amp because trust me, it’s quite a transition.
The volume and tone adjusters are on the side, which is quite nice. I like that you can adjust the tone and volume as you play. That’s much easier for beginners because you probably won’t know what tones you like yet. Experimenting is key!
Sound
If you play the Cecilio CVNAE-330+SR without a pickup, it sounds nice, not great, but nice. Because it has that thick lacquer I was talking about, it sounds a tiny bit tinny on its own.
So, if you are looking for a violin that sounds just as good without a pickup as it does with one, you’ll probably have to spend a little bit more. However, when this violin is amped up it sounds great. Like the previous model on the list, it sounds pretty similar to a classical violin before any adjustments are made to the tone! Again, that’s great for beginners because you’ll pick things up quicker.
Plus, you can always start experimenting with different tones once you’ve got the hang of playing a different model.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Maple back and sides, spruce top
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Cecilio strings, ebony tuning pegs, and independent fine-tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood, horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
- Electronics: 9-volt battery, ¼ inch jack, ⅛ inch jack, and pickup
A great option to transition from Acoustic to Electric
Final Thoughts on the Cecilio CVNAE-330+SR
I definitely think this is the best electric violin for beginners. I know I’m cheating a little bit because it is an electric-acoustic model unless you never play it without the pickup *winks*. In all seriousness, I think any beginner would love this model because it makes the transition from acoustic to electric that bit easier!
6. Vangoa Black Vintage Electric Violin Review – Best Budget Option
- 🎻 [Satisfying Practice & Thrilling Perform] Vangoa silent electric violin perfectly fits beginners to bring quiet moments for families, during your learning time. With headphones, you can be…
Finding a fantastic electric violin for under $100 is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Seriously. This gorgeous model from Vangoa is the best budget option I’ve found and I know you’re going to love it!
Body & Neck
Finding cheap alternative instruments is one of my favorite things to do. I love the challenge! Plus, I think I’ve done pretty well this time. First of all, I love the combo of the classical violin shape on the right and the minimalistic (and by minimalistic, I mean non-existent because there’s nothing there) side. Remember when I said usually if you’re buying a cheaper electric violin you’d have to compromise on at least one thing.
Well, usually it’s the weight of the violin itself. It takes some really good craftsmanship to make a lightweight electric violin that can still do everything it needs to do! That’s why I’m so proud of myself for finding this Vangoa model for you guys. You can get those practicing hours in without getting cramp. Yay!
Bow & Hardware
I mean, I really can’t complain about this Vangoa electric violin. It’s got everything I usually look for – good quality ebony fittings, an unbleached Mongolian horsehair bow, AND independent fine-tuners (the cherry on top). I’m glad this model has independent fine tuners because they do cause a little bit of buzzing.
I’d probably take three off and just leave one on the E string. I’d also recommend switching out the strings for D’Addario Preludes or NS Electrics. The strings it comes with aren’t that great but at least they’re the easiest thing to change!
Electronics
This Vangoa electric violin comes with an active pickup, so you’ve got a 9-volt battery and a pickup installed in the body of the violin. The volume and tone controls are on the back. As you know, that’s not my favorite position for a tone adjuster but at this price, I’d gladly make the sacrifice.
Sound
The Vangoa Vintage Electric violin has a really beautiful tone considering how inexpensive it is. It has great clarity and a lovely bright voice! I’ve tried a couple of cheap electric violins in my time (and had some awful experiences but that’s a story for another time) so I know the Vangoa Vintage Electric is the best model you’ll get at this price point!
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Maple
- Neck & Fingerboard Material: Maple neck, ebony fingerboard
- Strings & Tuners: Vangoa strings, ebony tuning pegs, and independent style fine-tuners
- Bow: Brazilwood strung with unbleached Mongolian horsehair
- Nut & Saddle Material: Ebony
- Bridge: Maple
- Tailpiece & Chinrest: Ebony
A brilliantly lightweight and affordable violin, perfect for anyone on a budget
Final Thoughts on the Vangoa Black Vintage Electric
A good, affordable electric violin is very hard to come by so I’m pleasantly surprised by this model. The strings could do with changing but other than that I think this is absolutely the best budget option. The Vangoa Black Vintage Electric violin would be ideal for beginners or any violinist who fancies giving an electric model a whirl!
Electric Violinists Have More Fun
Whether you’re well versed in playing our four-stringed friend or a complete beginner, I hope I’ve given you some clarity where electric violins are concerned.
Maybe you’re a professional looking for the perfect on-stage companion, or a beginner who just wants to try out a different type of violin. Either way, I hope I’ve helped you find you’re ideal electric violin.
Since I started researching for The Sound Junky, I’ve enjoyed playing my electric violins much more. I’ve loved experimenting with different sounds and styles of music. Yup, I’m not so boring anymore! I can’t wait for you to experiment too.
Maybe electric violinists have more fun?
Let’s find out.
Further Reading:
Fiona is a musician and writer. When she’s not working, she’s either playing the ukulele or finding another instrument to add to her collection.
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