How Much Does a Violin Cost?
The cost of a violin can vary widely depending on the quality of the instrument and whether it is intended for beginners, students or professional musicians.
For beginners and students, violins are available at a range of prices, and many families choose to hire a violin instead of buying one straight away.
This guide explains typical violin prices and helps you decide whether buying or hiring is the best option.
Beginner Violin Prices
Beginner violins are usually the most affordable instruments and are designed for students who are just starting lessons.
Typical beginner violin prices:
| Instrument Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Entry level violin | £80 – £150 |
| Student violin | £150 – £400 |
| Intermediate violin | £400 – £1,000+ |
While lower-cost violins are widely available, they often require proper setup to play comfortably.
Why Violin Setup Matters
Many inexpensive violins are sold as basic packages and often arrive without proper setup. A correctly adjusted instrument is much easier to play and helps beginners progress more quickly.
| Common Issue | Effect on Playing |
|---|---|
| Strings set too high | Makes the violin difficult and uncomfortable to play |
| Poor quality strings | Thin tone and difficulty staying in tune |
| Stiff or poorly fitted pegs | Hard to tune accurately |
| Low-quality bow | Makes producing a clear sound harder for beginners |
Proper setup and better quality accessories make a significant difference to playability. Many violin hire packages include upgraded strings, checked setup, and essential accessories such as a shoulder rest and rosin.
Should Beginners Buy or Hire a Violin?
Many teachers recommend hiring a violin when starting lessons.
This allows students to learn on a properly prepared instrument without committing to buying straight away.
Advantages of violin hire
✔ Lower upfront cost
✔ Ideal for beginners unsure about long-term commitment
✔ Easy size exchanges for children
✔ Professionally set up instruments
✔ Includes bow, case and accessories
Typical Cost of Violin Hire
Violin Hire Costs
Hiring a violin spreads the cost over time and is often more affordable for beginners.
Typical violin hire costs:
| Hire Period | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly | £12 – £25 |
| Yearly | £180 – £300 |
Hiring also allows students to exchange violin sizes as they grow, making it a practical option for younger players who may need several different violin sizes during their early lessons.
Choosing the Right Violin Size
Children usually need smaller violins depending on their age and arm length.
Common sizes include:
You can see our full violin sizing guide here.
Violin Hire Options
We provide a range of violins suitable for beginners and students.
Available sizes include:
All instruments are professionally prepared and supplied with essential accessories, allowing students to start playing immediately.
Why Very Cheap Violins Can Be Difficult for Beginners
Very Cheap Violins and Common Problems
Some very low-cost violins (often under £100) are widely available online. While they may appear to be a budget-friendly option, they are often difficult for beginners to play because they have not been properly set up.
Common issues with very inexpensive violins can include:
- Poor setup, making the instrument harder to play
- Strings positioned too high above the fingerboard, requiring extra finger pressure
- Low-quality strings, which produce a weaker tone
- Stiff or unreliable tuning pegs, making tuning difficult for beginners
- Inconsistent bow quality, which can affect sound and control
For a beginner, these issues can make the violin feel unnecessarily difficult to play and may slow early progress.
Equipment Beginners Often Need
Essential Violin Accessories
In addition to the violin itself, most students will also need several accessories to play comfortably.
These typically include:
- A bow
- A protective case
- Rosin
- A shoulder rest to support good playing posture
Many entry-level violins sold online do not include good quality accessories, which can add extra cost when starting lessons.
Why Many Beginners Choose Violin Hire
Benefits of violin hire include:
- Lower initial cost compared with buying a violin
- Professionally set up instruments that are easier to play
- Accessories such as a case, bow, and rosin usually included
- The option to change violin sizes as a child grows
- Maintenance and string replacement often included in the hire package
For students who are just starting lessons, violin hire allows them to begin playing on a properly prepared instrument while spreading the cost over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a violin?
A beginner violin usually costs between £150 and £400, depending on quality.
Is it cheaper to hire a violin?
Hiring is often more affordable when starting lessons, especially for children who will need larger violin sizes as they grow.
What violin size do beginners need?
Children typically use smaller sizes such as 1/2 or 3/4 violins, while adults usually play full size instruments.
If you are starting violin lessons, hiring a violin is often the easiest and most flexible way to begin.