Have you or your child decided to start playing the violin? That’s awesome! So you may be wondering, how much do violins cost? This guide will answer all your questions about violin prices, including what to consider and how to choose the right violin for your budget.
While stringed instruments can be a little pricey, they can certainly be worth it! Best of all, a violin is also a good investment because it will appreciate in value over time, especially if you purchased a high-quality instrument.
Now, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how much a violin costs!
How Much Do Violins Cost?
Violin’s usually cost anywhere from $50 to $500 for a children’s violin and $600 to $5,000, or more, for a more advanced instrument. With that said, there are a lot of factors that play a role in how much a violin costs. And, often, you’ll be paying for a bow and a protective case, along with the violin.
So, when it comes to violin price, there are several things to consider, which we’ll go more into for you below:
- Renting a violin
- Violin quality
- Violin origin
- Other costs to consider
Renting a Violin
If this is your or your child’s first violin, we don’t recommend you invest too much right away. Not only do you want to ensure playing the violin is right for you, but a lot of hard use can go into learning violin basics. It’s also very common to outgrow your first violin in terms of size and skills. This is where renting a violin can come in handy!
If you don’t want to commit to purchasing even a more basic violin, you can always start by renting one. Rental costs can vary depending on provider and brand, but a good rule of thumb is to expect to pay between $15 and $50 per month.
Violin Quality
When you’re asking how much do violins cost, one of the most critical factors will be the quality of the violin. When we look at a violin’s quality, we mostly consider the wood age and workmanship. Usually, a violin that’s made with superior wood will run you at least $400.
Violin Origin
Violins are made all over the world. Where they’re from reflects in the violin price tag. For a long time, and even today, Italian violins were considered the best. This is why they cost several thousand dollars.
Today, most affordable violins were made in China. Long ago, these weren’t the best quality. However, that’s changed over the years. There are many excellent violin brands under $1,000.
Other Costs to Consider
When you’re asking how much do violins cost, there are other expenses to consider. You’ll need to keep up with maintenance and make sure you have essential violin accessories. Strings need to be replaced regularly and cost anywhere from $0.70 to more than $5 per string. You may also want a shoulder rest. There are affordable foam options and pricier wooden ones, too.
Final Thoughts: How Much Do Violins Cost
There you have it – everything you need to know about how much a violin costs. You’ll want to consider its quality, brand, and other expenses. And, don’t forget, you can always start with a more affordable option or renting a violin before making a more considerable investment.
You may also want to consider violin lessons. Regular practice and working with a professional teacher can help you (or your child) play like a pro in no time!
Photo by Joel Bombardier
Suzy S.