Teaching a child how to play the violin has many benefits including better coordination, improves learning skills, and demonstrates patience and dedication. When it comes to learning something new though, children don’t always stick with it very long.
As a parent, this may leave you wondering if it is worth investing a lot of money into the violin and accessories. Luckily, there are violins created specifically for kids and beginners alike. To narrow down your options, here are the 6 best violins for kids.
1. Eastrock 3/4 Violin
- 3/4 violin
- hardshell case
- sturdy, wood stand
- chinrest
- tailpiece with 4 detachable nickel-plated fine tuners
- violin rosin
- electric tuner
- bridge
- dust removal cloth
- chicken winged bow with genuine, bleached horsehair
On top of that, the violin also includes a hassle-free warranty. If the violin is defective or damaged the manufacturer asks that you please contact them so they provide instructions for receiving a replacement. The case itself is protected by waterproof oxford cloth on the outside while the inside is lined with scratch-proof velvet-like material. The case is very lightweight making it easy to carry and store while still providing plenty of room for all of your accessories.
The wooden stand that is included durable and easy to put together with its simple two Y-shaped piece design. To provide additional protection, the stand is adorned with anti-slip padding on the cradle.
2. Eastar 1/2 Violin
The pearwood neck is left without paint to decrease sweaty hands and slipping while practicing. The body of the instrument has a matte finish to it and is also handmade. Although this set does not include a stand, it does include:
- EVA-3 1/2 violin
- hardshell case with storage
- Shoulder rest
- Inlaid finger guide
- tailpiece with 4 fine tuners
- violin rosin
- 2 bridges
- bonus violin string
- Mongolian horsehair bow
Partnered with a 12-month warranty, you can purchase knowing and defects will be handled properly. One of the best things about this violin is the finger guide. They are designed to help students learn how to appropriately hold their hands on the instrument while playing. However, some users mentioned that the muscovite stickers were not placed properly causing confusion while learning. On the other hand, users are consistently impressed by the beautiful sound this beginner-level violin produces!
3. Eastar 1/4 Violin
- EVA-3 1/4 violin
- hardshell case with storage
- Shoulder rest
- Inlaid finger guide
- tailpiece with 4 fine tuners
- violin rosin
- 2 bridges
- bonus violin string
- Mongolian horsehair bow
Being from Eastar, this 1/4 violin also includes their 12-month warranty and impeccable sound and design. When purchasing this item, keep in mind that previous users have complained that on top of the finger guides being misplaced, the instrument may need tuning before every use. Even though it is not a big inconvenience, tuning your violin properly can be difficult to do without a professional.
4. Eastrock 1/4 Violin
- 1/4 violin
- hardshell case
- sturdy, wood stand
- chinrest
- tailpiece with 4 detachable nickel-plated fine tuners
- violin rosin
- electric tuner
- bridge
- dust removal cloth
- chicken winged bow with genuine, bleached horsehair
5. Aliyes Distinctive Violin Set
Hand-carved using spruce wood, the body is carefully carved to provide a perfect vibration for optimal sound and performance. To make it easier to hold, this instrument allows you to adjust the weight of different parts of the violin. This set includes the following items:
- 4/4 violin
- hardshell case
- shoulder rest
- Alloy tailpiece with 4 integrated fine tuners
- violin rosin
- Ebony tuning pegs
- extra violin string
- bow
6. Eastar 3/4 Violin Set
- EVA-2 3/4 violin
- hardshell case with storage
- Shoulder rest
- Inlaid finger guide
- tailpiece with 4 fine tuners
- violin rosin
- 2 bridges
- bonus violin string
- Mongolian horsehair bow
Many users have complained about it being difficult to tune the violin. If you are having similar issues, try referencing Youtube videos or find a professional to assist you to prevent breaking any strings while tuning. However, you may need to see a professional regularly if you are unable to tune the violin yourself because users also stated that the tuning pegs do not stay in place in turn causing the instrument to not stay tuned for long periods of time.
How To Choose The Right Size Violin For Your Child
Violins actually come in 7 different sizes: 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full-size). Each size matches a specific violin size, you can reference the chart below to see what we mean:
1/16 = 13 1/4 inches or 33 1/2 centimeters
1/10 = 14 1/4 inches or 36 centimeters
1/8 = 15 1/4 inches or 38 1/2 centimeters
1/4 = 17 1/4 inches or 44 centimeters
1/2 = 19 inches or 48 1/2 centimeters
3/4 = 20 1/2 inches or 52 centimeters
4/4 = 21 1/4 inches or 54 centimeters
*It is recommended that you stick to the smaller size if the measurements are in between sizes. If the violin is too big, it will make it difficult for your child to learn properly because they will not be able to hold it correctly.
To determine the violin size that is appropriate for your child you will need a tape measure. Start by asking them to stand up straight while holding their left arm out to the side (it will be the opposite if your child is left-handed) with their palm facing upwards; as if they are holding a violin. Next, use the tape measure to determine the distance from the neck to where the wrist meets the hand. The results should match one of the sizes listed above. You will notice that we only reviewed 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size within our list. This is because these are the most common children sizes.
Setting Up Your Violin
Regardless of the violin you choose from our best violins for kids list, there will be some assembly and setup required before you can use the instrument. For beginners, you may want to search Youtube for videos that will show you how to set up your violin when you receive your violin. To give you an idea of what you will need to do, you typically have to complete the following when setting up a violin for the first time:
Step 1- Thoroughly inspect the violin body and bow for any imperfections or missing parts. Make sure the tuning pegs are not loose If there are any issues with the instrument, you should reach out to where you purchased it from to request a replacement.
Step 2- Assuming your violin arrived in mint condition, the next step will be attaching the chin and shoulder rests.
Step 3 – Even if your violin is new, you will need to restring the violin and make sure everything is clean. This may require adjusting the placement of the bridge as well.
Step 4 – Once the instrument has been restringed you may proceed by adding rosin to the bow. Apply the rosin to the bow’s horsehair using slow, small motions from top to bottom. You will need to keep applying rosin until the bow makes a sound when rubbed against the strings. Note: if dust comes off the horsehair when playing you most likely used too much rosin.
Step 5: Now you should be able to play the instrument and begin learning how to play!
If your violin is not set up correctly, it will be extremely hard to play and tune thus making it really difficult to learn. If you are not confident you can step the violin properly, you can always take it to a local music store and see if they can assist you.
Summary
Did you enjoy our list of the best violin for kids? If you have a child who has shown interest in playing the violin, the most important part about picking their first violin is getting the correct size. Once you know which size is appropriate for your child, it will be easier to narrow down which violin will work best for them.
