Top 10 Best Electric Violins On The Market 2023 Reviews

Guitars are not the only acoustic instrument that can be made electric. The best electric violins open up an entirely new sound world for the player. Now you don’t have to just sound like you play in a symphony orchestra. Electric violins are a great addition to groups playing in any genre. From rock to metal, and hip hop to jazz. Choose one of the ten best electric violins reviewed below and be amazed by the entirely unique sound that comes out of these instruments.

Interested in learning more? Read on.

And, if you want to read more about other unique electric instruments, check out this article.

Top 10 Best Electric Violins For The Money 2023 Reviews

1 Yamaha Model Sv-130sbl “Concert Select” Silent Violin

If you want the best electric violin you can find, try out the Yamaha Model SV-130SBL “Concert Select” Silent Violin. Yamaha is a big name in the instrument making the community. Just read through our articles here, here, here, and here to learn more about other great Yamaha Products. This is just a sampling of the reviews we’ve written on Yamaha’s products. Put Yamaha into the search bar on our homepage to find everything you need to know about the company.

Yamaha was founded in 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha built his first reed organ. The Japanese company was originally set up to create keyboard instruments. But, by 1965 they had branched into wind and other types of instruments. Yamaha also has a motorsports division. It is one of the oldest music instrument manufacturers out there, which means their products are good enough to stand the test of time.

But, that’s not all . . .

Yamaha’s Model SV-130SBL “Concert Select” Silent Violin is a 4/4 sized, black electric violin. It also comes in a navy blue color. Plus, Yamaha gives you all of the accessories you need to get started playing the instrument. You receive a case, bow, rosin, shoulder rest, earphones, cable, and 2 AA batteries with your purchase.

Don’t expect the SV-130SBL to look like a traditional violin. It has a classic shape on half of the instrument. The other half is missing. This provides an updated, modern look that blends well with the modern sound. Electric violinists will love this instrument.

Pros

• Great, modern sound.
• Modernist design in black or navy blue.
• Includes complete accessory package.
• Great instrument for any playing level.

Cons

• Not available from many sellers.
• Doesn’t look like an acoustic violin.

2 Yamaha Electric Violin-Yev105bl

Yamaha is such a highly respected brand that it makes sense multiple of their electric violins will be included on our top ten list. As mentioned above, Yamaha has a long and storied instrument manufacturing history. The company began way back in 1887. They originally focused on keyboard instruments, especially organs.

However, today Yamaha is known for so much more than just keyboards. The brand has a famous music school. They also make motor vehicles, like motorcycles, of all things. But, Yamaha’s instruments are really what makes the company stand out.

Keep reading . . .

Yamaha’s Electric Violin-YEV105BL is a beautiful teardrop-shaped instrument. It does not have even a hint of the traditional violin look. Except it does have a keyboard. Still, the sound that the YEV105Bl produces is clean and crisp. It is also very light and extremely easy to play. Beginner Electric violinists will love this instrument.

Also, the YEV105BL only needs an amplifier to work properly. So, you don’t have to worry about purchasing headphones, preamps, or the like. Just keep in mind, this instrument does not come with any accessories. You will have to purchase the amplifier separately.

Pros

• Only needs an amplifier to be played.
• Six different woods add beauty.
• Strong, clean, electrified sound.
• Light and easy to play.

Cons

• Price may be out of range for some.
• No accessories included.

3 Wood Violins Stingray Sv Series Electric Violin

Wood Violins are a specifically electric violin shop. That they specialize in electric violins means that their products are extremely high quality. Wood Violins has actually been making this type of violin for over twenty-five years. So, they were actually one of the first manufacturers to specialize in electric violins.

Today the manufacturer also makes electric cellos. Their instruments have been played by musicians like Judy Kang of the Lady Gaga band, Amy Serrano, Alex DePue, Jared Violin, and Mark O’Connor. You can see a list of other artists who play Wood Violins’ products here.

Also . . .

The high quality of Wood Violins’ products can be seen in the Stringray SV Series Electric Violin. If you want an electric violin that looks like an ax, then the Stingray SV Series Electric Violin is for you. It comes in both four and five-string varieties and black and red colors.

Plus, the Stingray SV Series has a great tone. Professionals can easily use this electric violin. Still, the instrument is not priced for professionals. But, the price tag is still quite hefty for someone one a budget.

Pros

• Unusual, rock look.
• Four and five-string varieties.
• Great sound.
• Lightweight composite and wood construction.

Cons

• Also, on the higher side of price.
• Case is nothing special.

4 Kinglos Dsza1201 Solid Wood Intermediate-A Electric/Silent Violin Kit

Kinglos is another electric violin shop. But, unlike Wood Violins, they manufacture electric cellos and double basses as well. Plus, a large number of acoustic instruments are made by the brand.

Kinglos is a Chinese company. Their full name is Shanghai Kinglos Musical Instruments Co. Ltd. They were founded in 2009. Their aim is to research, develop, design, and produce professional-level instruments for all players.

And . . .

With the DSZA1291 Solid Wood Intermediate-A Electric/Silent Violin Kit Kinglos has achieved their aim. Designed for an intermediate player, the DSZA1291 provides everything you might want in an electric violin. There is no electric violin music included. However, you will receive a case, bow, rosin, aux cable, should rest, extra bride, and set of strings.

Like many of the electric violins on our list, the DSZA1291 is a combination of composite and wood. It has only four strings. However, you have a lot of color and design options to choose from. Plus, it comes fully equipped with a pick-up system for easy playing.

Pros

• Very affordable.
• Arrives quickly.
• Lots of options to choose from.
• A great intermediate and beginner instrument.

Cons

• Made in and shipped from China.
• Does not include the required 9-volt battery.

5 Stagg EVN 4/4 MRD Silent Violin Set With Case

Stagg Music is more like Yamaha. The brand makes a wide variety of instruments and other musical equipment. You can find accessories like cables, adapters, cases, stands, racks, and tuners by the company. Plus, they create lighting and audio equipment. Finally, Stagg Music also makes guitars, basses, folk instruments, percussion instruments, and band and orchestra instruments. Really, there is almost nothing music-wise that you can’t get from Stagg.

Stagg was founded in 1995. The company is from Belgium. And, their “mission is to empower and inspire a lifelong journey in music.” With all of the music instruments and equipment described above produced by the company, it is safe to say that they are fulfilling that promise.

That’s not all . . .

Stagg’s EVN 4/4 MRD Silent Violin Set with Case is a full-sized violin. It comes with a number of accessories. These include a case, bow, rosin, headphones, and 9V battery. Thus, you get everything you need to get started. And, the price is quite affordable.

The EVN 4/4 MRD comes in a wide variety of colors to choose from. It has an s-shape and four strings. There are the expected four tuners to go along with the strings. And, Stagg includes a 2-band EQ and volume controls on the instrument. For an affordable electric violin to get you started, try the EVN 4/4 MRD.

Pros

• Lots of color options.
• Includes great accessories.
• Beautiful, S-shape.
• Very affordable for beginners.

Cons

• Heavier than other electric violins.
• Sound okay, but not the best.

6 Cecilio Cevn-2bl Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin

You’ve definitely run across the name Cecilio if you’ve read any of our other instrument reviews. If not, check out this, this, and this article to get started. Cecilio is not just an electric violin shop. As you can tell from our other reviews, the brand offers a wide variety of instruments. You will find strings, woodwind, and brass instruments from the company. Additionally, there are a lot of accessories for sale as well.

Cecilio was named after St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians. Thus, you can immediately tell the company’s lofty aims. What’s great about Cecilio is that they make great quality instruments that will not break your bank. Although these electric violins will not sound like a Stradivarius, they are still a great option for the beginner or intermediate student.

And . . .

Cecilio’s 4/4 CEVN-2BL Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin illustrates why we love this brand so much. This electric violin comes in multiple different colors. Plus, unusually, it also can be found in a ¾ size as well as a full size. So, younger students can easily play the CEVN-2BL as well.

The CEVN-2BL is one of the most affordable electric violins on our list. Plus, it comes with a one year warranty. And, you receive a hard case, wood bow, rosin, bridge, aux cable, and headphones in addition to your purchase. The electric violin itself has a traditional look. And, it is quite versatile.

Pros

• Extremely affordable price.
• Versatile design.
• Lots of colors to choose from.
• Available in ¾ size for younger players.

Cons

• No extra strings included.
• Quite heavy for a violin.

7 Barcus Berry 4-String Violin Bar-Aeg

If you want an electric violin shop steeped in history, then Barcus Berry’s instruments are the ones for you. The brand was founded in 1963. John Berry and Les Carvus developed the first-ever piexo-crystal pickup for instruments. Thus, Berry and Les Carvus initiated the modern electric musical instrument. Barcus Berry was founded to sell their invention.

Today, Barcus Berry makes pickups and preamplifiers for a variety of instruments. These include guitars, brass, woodwinds, pianos, and harps. Plus, they produce a line of electroacoustic violins as well. Finally, a major pro of Barcus Berry is that they are headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Thus, all of their instruments are American made.

Want to learn more . . .

Barcus Berry’s 4-String Violin BAR-AEG stands out from the pack. It is the only instrument on this list with an exact replica of a traditional violin. There are no open sides or weird angles. Instead, the BAR-AEG looks like a regular violin, except for the four different colors it comes in.

Plus, the BAR-AEG is made from extremely high-quality spruce and maple woods. One negative is that this particular instrument is made out of the country, in Romania. However, every violin is still inspected at Barcus Berry’s New York electric violin shop before being sold.

Pros

• Looks like a traditional violin.
• Great and clear sound.
• Inspected in the USA.
• Made from high-quality wood.

Cons

• On the more expensive side.
• Made in a Romanian affiliate shop.

8 Cecilio Cevn-1na Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin

Cecilio makes such amazing instruments for beginner and intermediate players that we had to include another of their electric violins on our list. The brand has been around for a number of years. They create everything you would need to make music. This includes strings, woodwind, and brass instruments. Plus, Cecilio makes a lot of accessories, like cases, bows, reeds, strings, and stands.

Plus . . .

Cecilio’s electric violins are all great. They are priced affordably for a new player or someone on a budget. Also, these instruments are lightweight and easy to play. The CEVN-1NA Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin is no different.

The CEVN-1NA comes in ¾ and 4/4 sizes, like Cecilio’s other electric violins. There are also six different colors to choose from. This electric violin as a classic violin shape, but the internals of the instrument are removed. No one will mistake the CEVN-1NA for an acoustic violin.

But, the sound of the CEVN-1NA is still quite clear. It also comes with a one year warranty. And, Cecilio includes everything you need to get started. You receive a hard case, wood bow, rosin, bridge, aux cable, a 9V battery, and headphones with the instrument. For ease of play and convenience, you have to choose the CEVN-1NA.

Pros

• Very affordable.
• Comes with everything needed to get started.
• Good sounds for the price.
• One year warranty protects purchase.

Cons

• Does not come tuned.
• Does not sound as full as an acoustic.

9 Stagg EVN 4/4 BK Silent Violin Set With Case

Another Stagg electric violin has made it on to our top ten list. If you remember from above, Stagg is a Belgian company. They have been around since 1995. And, they specialize in providing the most accessible and durable instruments and music accessories around.

Stagg is also active on Facebook. So, they are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Today, Stagg produces a number of different instruments, both acoustic and electric. Their guitars, basses, folk instrument, percussion instruments, and band and orchestra instruments are all geared towards the beginner/intermediate. If you want a reliable and affordable electric violin, Stagg is the company for you.

And, that brings us to . . .

For a great electric violin by Stagg try the EVN 4/4 BK Silent Violin Set with Case. Like the other Stagg electric violin on this list, the EVN 4/4 BK comes in multiple colors. The body is made from solid wood. Therefore, it will last a long time.

Additionally, the EVN 4/4 BK comes with a case, earphones, straps, etc. Everything you need to get playing right away. There is a 2-band EQ and volume controls as well. For the price, you really can’t beat the Stagg EVN 4/4 BK electric violin.

Pros

• Extremely affordable.
• Comes with 2-band EQ and volume controls.
• Solid maple body.
• Lots of color options.

Cons

• Not as good a sound as other instruments.
• Not a hard case.

10 Cremona Sv-180e Premier Student Electric Violin Outfit

Cremona is the last electric violin maker we will discuss in today’s review article. They were founded in the 1980s by Richard Keldsen. Although the name of the brand includes the famous instrument city of Cremona, Italy, the company is actually headquartered in San Francisco.

Cremona is known for making high-quality instruments for intermediate players. They specialize in violins specifically. But, Cremona violins run the gamut in terms of price. They could only be a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. It all depends on the make and model.

And, that brings us to . . .

The SV-180E Premier Student Electric Violin Outfit is an electric violin by Cremona. It has an elegant body. This is one of the only electric violins on our list to not come in a lot of different colors. The wood and composite pieces are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for everybody.

But, the SV-180E is not just about looks. It has a standard headphone jack, 1/8 inch mini line-out, and line-in jack. Everything about this electric violin is designed to fit the MENA standards at the Cremona workshop. So, if you have a student in your life that’s ready to experiment with electric violins, try out this product.

Pros

• Great for students.
• Built to MENA Cremona standards.
• Beautiful wood used.
• Lots of electric playing options.

Cons

• Doesn’t come with many accessories.
• Bridge isn’t great.

Best Electric Violin Buying Guide

As you look through the ten products mentioned above, you will want to keep a few things in mind. These will help you determine whether or not a specific product will work for you. In this buying guide, we discuss the three most important aspects of electric violins: size, what your purchase includes, and the number of strings.

Size

Like acoustic violins, electric violins come in a variety of sizes. The most common will be ¾ and 4/4 (or full size). If you are a normal-sized adult, you will likely need one of these two sizes. Children, especially very small children, may need a ½ sized violin.

Most electric violin shops will include a number of differently sized instruments for you to try. The sizing measures the distance between the top of the scroll and the bottom of the instrument. The longer the distance, the bigger the violin.

In order to measure what size electric violin to purchase, means your arm length from the shoulder to the middle of your left-hand palm. Then check the measurement you get with either the chart on this page or at your local electric violin shop.

Includes

Depending on your experience level playing an electric violin, you will need different types of accessories included. If you are a complete beginner, then you will likely need more things to get started. You will want to look for products that include a case, bow, cables, and shoulder rest. Rosin for the bow may also be a great addition. Essentially, you should look for an electric violin that will allow you to get started playing right away.

On the other hand, if you are an advanced player, you likely have all of the accessories you need. Therefore, you will only need the electric violin itself and maybe an extra bow or case. In our reviews of the ten best electric violins above we mention the accessories each product comes with. This should help you find a product that is ideal for your needs.

 

Number Of Strings

Traditionally, acoustic violins have four strings. However, electric violins are not as bound by the rules of acoustic violins. Therefore, you can find them with five or six strings. While higher numbers of strings can be found occasionally, you will find four or five strings most often.

Traditionally people tune violins to the notes E, A, D, and G from the top string. With the addition of the five-string, you get a low C string in addition to the standard E, A, D, and G. This increases the number of low notes the instrument plays, which only increases its versatility.

Often, the best electric violins will give you a four and a five-string option for the same model of instrument. You want this option because you don’t have to look for a new make or model of electric violin if you want to switch to an instrument with a different number of strings.

Conclusion

Other than electric guitars, electric violins are some of the most common electrified instruments you will find. There are a lot of brands in the electric instrument game. It can get confusing about which instruments are the best electric violins. That is why we’ve written this article. In it, you’ve got some tips about picking out the electric violin that’s right for you. Also, we’ve provided the top ten products we recommend.

Although any of the ten electric violins above will work perfectly for most players, our top choice is the Yamaha Model SV-130SBL “Concert Select” Silent Violin. This instrument has it all: sound, design, and playability. However, just keep in mind that you will pay for the excellence with the SV-130 SBL. Still, for intermediate or advanced players (or serious beginners), you can’t beat the Yamaha SV-130SBL.

5/5 – (90 votes)

Share: