Can anyone recommend good student violin for under $500?

For around $500 you can get a good beginner instrument, be wary of anything under $300 as they are junk and will fall apart quickly, not to mention the poorer quality of sound that they typically produce. Most are also heavily varnished which keeps the instrument from properly vibrating, and the varnish will start to flake off. The cheap instruments have poor fitting parts, especially the pegs. Keep in mind that a good set of student strings costs at least $20, a bow $45, a case $45, a properly fit bridge at least $35, that's already well over $100 so there is no more room for the violin. A $200 violin being sold over the internet, costs the reseller $100-150, the manufacturer is making 20%, so that $200 violin is really a $80 violin...just a toy. As a repairmen for over 35 years working on instruments in all price ranges from $50 Skylarks to Ralph Greenhouse's Strad Cello, believe me when I tell you, don't waste your money on anything under $300. I personally don't care for instruments under $450, but there are a few that are serviceable.

As far as brands go, it is best not to go by brand names. Violins should be purchased by sound, not by name or by a description and picture on some website. Also, any adjustments or repairs that should be covered under warranty put you in a bind as you can't just go in and get things worked out in person. Two violins by the same manufacturer will have different sounds. Go to an actual violin shop, not a music store, and have them show you instruments in your price range. This way you can actually hold them and play them, if you don't play the shop will have someone there that can demonstrate them for you.

In the lower price range of instruments - under $500-600, the strings and bow usually need to be upgraded for best sound. I like the Pirastro Tonica strings for student instruments, and the bows that typically come with student instruments - those sold over the internet, are just afterthoughts.

One brand that is very consistent and that I sold and rented 1000's of over many years, is the Eastman model 80 or 100, both of which you can get in your price range. But again, play or listen to several of them to find what suits you best.

Always be wary of someone that posts a recommendation of an instrument that they sell, most of the time it is because they don't have access to but a few manufacturers of instruments. Dealers that only sell over the internet are to be suspect as they don't have a local reputation to uphold.

Good Luck and have fun

You can get a fairly decent beginner outfit for that. Your best bet is to visit a reputable violin dealer, one that guarantees what it sells. They can't afford to stock junk if they stand behind what they sell. There are many good brands so don't limit yourself to one or two that you've heard of.

When you shop in person you can actually see and hear the violins you're considering. And yes, dealers do advertise their own merchandise here, disguised as a recommendation. Find out where string players in your area shop and go there.

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I really suggest just renting. I was renting when I started. I think its around $20-30 per month. Then, after around 1 and a half, the violin is yours. The violins rented out at music stores are not too bad either... not amazing... but not bad at all.

Hope that helps!

Get the teacher first because then the teacher can advise you on what is the best violin for a beginner. The teacher will also advise you on what size of violin you need.

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