How to Choose a Violin
Shar Music has supplied string players from Ann Arbor, Michigan since 1962. Our student violins are set up and inspected by our team before they ship, so they arrive ready to tune and play. The right choice comes down to three things: size, budget and whether you want a complete outfit.
Violin Sizes: From 1/32 to 4/4
Violins come in fractional sizes so that younger players can reach the notes comfortably. We stock sizes from 1/32 and 1/16 for the youngest beginners up to full-size 4/4 for teens and adults, plus 7/8 on selected advanced models.
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Measure arm length: with the left arm fully extended, palm up, measure from the side of the neck to the middle of the palm.
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Between two sizes? Choose the smaller one. A violin that is too big makes good posture and intonation harder.
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Growing players usually move up a size every one to two years. Renting is a practical way to handle that.
See our violin size chart by age and arm length and the measuring video for step-by-step help.
Violins by Level and Price
| Level |
Who it suits |
Typical price |
Examples at Shar |
| Beginner |
First year of lessons, school orchestra |
Under $500 |
Franz Hoffmann® Amadeus violin and outfits |
| Step-up student |
Players with 2–4 years of lessons |
$450–$700 |
Franz Hoffmann® Concert and Danube |
| Intermediate |
Serious students, youth orchestras, auditions |
$750–$1,700 |
Carlo Lamberti® Sonata, Symphony and Classic |
| Advanced |
Conservatory students, adult amateurs, teachers |
$2,000–$5,500 |
Carlo Lamberti® Master Series, John Cheng®, Ming-Jiang Zhu, Snow |
| Fine & workshop |
Professionals and advanced players |
$5,500+ |
Lillo Salerno, Ryszard Osowski, Karl Joseph Schneider®, plus maker violins in our Fine Instruments collection |
Looking for a lower price? Check our pre-owned instruments. Electric and silent violins from Yamaha and NS Design are in Electric Violins, and fiddle setups are in Fiddles.
Violin Alone, Outfit or Deluxe Outfit?
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Violin only: the instrument without bow or case. A good fit if you already own a bow and case you like.
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Outfit: violin, bow, case, rosin, a shoulder rest (or a shoulder cushion for 1/16–1/10) and cleaning cloths. Everything needed for the first lesson.
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Deluxe outfit: everything in the outfit plus practice extras such as a tuner-metronome and a folding music stand, depending on the model.
Already have a violin? Upgrade with violin strings, violin bows, violin cases and shoulder rests.
Rent or Buy?
If you are not sure a child will stick with the violin, or they will outgrow their size soon, renting keeps the first cost low. SharWay is our rent-to-own program for players across the USA: you receive a brand-new instrument with no long-term commitment. Michigan residents can also choose MI Rentals, which offers free upsizes and exchanges. Compare both on our instrument rentals page.
Violin FAQ
What is the best violin for a beginner?
Look for a solid-wood violin that has been set up properly, with a correctly fitted bridge and smooth-turning pegs. The Franz Hoffmann® Amadeus, the entry point of the Franz Hoffmann line, has a solid spruce top and ebony fittings and comes in every size from 1/16 to 4/4.
How much should I spend on a first violin?
Our beginner outfits, with violin, bow, case and rosin included, cost under $500. Spending more makes sense once a student has played for a few years and their teacher recommends an upgrade.
Can I return a violin if it doesn't work out?
Yes. Instruments and outfits are covered by our 30-day guarantee. Return them in like-new condition with the original packaging for a full refund. Return shipping is paid by the customer.
Can someone help me choose?
Yes. Our string specialists, many of them players themselves, can help with sizing, comparing models and choosing strings. Call the Shar Customer Success Team at 800.248.7427.
