Upgrading from your first Violin to a better one may seem like one small step for mankind, but going from a beginner instrument to an intermediate Violin is a huge leap for the player. Possibly even bigger than the Intermediate to Professional instrument jump you are no doubt hoping to make as your skills develop.
At a later date, you will have gained enough knowledge for the Intermediate to pro stage. But now, it might all still feel a little new. And there are plenty of traps that you might fall into. Exactly what you are going to pay is very hard to pin down. That said, I will do my best to answer the question, “What Is The Average Cost Of A Mid-Range Intermediate Student Violin?”
Contents
The Build Quality
The materials used in the construction process will play a big part in how much student violins cost. But possibly as important will be the level of craftsmanship. Both of those will affect not only their cost but, more importantly to you, how they play and what they sound like.
For some, it will be possible to recognize the difference between Starter and Professional violins. But the Intermediate Violin sits in the middle. A little harder to detect good from not so good.
Is It Time for an Upgrade?
That is the first consideration. Has your current instrument served its purpose? Is it hard to develop and create the new techniques with the bow you are trying to learn on? Are other technicalities difficult to achieve, such as tremolo, for instance?
Only you will know. But when the time comes, the cost will not be cheap. You should start to save a little on the way through your progress on your current instrument.
Get the Best You Can
At your level, it will be a good idea to invest. It is going to pay dividends in the long run. And when you come to take the next step, the resale value will be a start for your pro instrument.
From Starter to Intermediate
You already have some experience with the violin. You will know what feels good, and you will be able to recognize a good sound. There are four categories you should focus on when upgrading from a starter to an intermediate violin.
Materials
Those used in the build are vital to the sound the Violin makes. Spruce is recognized as being the best wood for the soundboard. Whilst Maple is usually used for the back. The neck and other fittings like the bridge and the tuning pegs can be Maple or other hardwoods like Ebony. The neck should have a Rosewood fingerboard.
Quality
It should preferably be at least partly handmade. Cheaper violins are mass-produced, but higher levels should be able to show some form of quality workmanship. This is sometimes visible in any joins in the wood and the purfling on the body.
The Sound
Your upgraded instrument should show improved tonal qualities. But one big difference should be the range of those tones and what they offer.
Aesthetics
As these are higher quality instruments, Luthiers spend a little more time on them, ensuring a higher level of quality. They will often look nicer with a richer look to the body. You will notice the difference in how Intermediate violins look.
Extras
There are always extras to consider. Some may represent a major investment, in addition to the cost of an intermediate student violin. You may already have a good-quality hard case for your first violin. If you use a bag, then that will not be sufficient for a better quality instrument. A case is essential if you don’t already own one.
Check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Violin Cases fr some excellent options.
The Bow is another major investment you may have to make. And it’s an important consideration. It has a great impact on the sound you produce, and you should consider whether that also needs to be upgraded. Carbon fiber is the material of choice of many of the top players due to its flexibility and its responsiveness.
Our reviews of the Best Violin Bows should help you on your way to the bow of your dreams.
The Price Points
There are some very good violin brands, and it might be advisable to go with one of them. That way, you know you are going to be buying from a company that needs to protect its reputation. Yamaha is a good example. Their instruments, even down to the most cost-effective, are usually very good value for money and well-made.
When trying to answer, “What Is The Average Cost Of A Mid-Range Intermediate Student Violin?” it’s important to know that the price ranges will vary. I have included three models at the end of this article to give you an idea of those ranges.
One of them is more of a budget range violin. However, it is still a reasonable buy. Whatever you buy, every violin is unique. To get the very best out of it will need to be set up properly by a professional.
Some Set Their Own Prices
Different stores will price up the same instrument differently. So it is worth investing some time taking a look around. There isn’t much you can do about that, even though the manufacturers will sometimes advertise and recommend a price.
At the end of the day, the price will be dictated by the things we have already discussed. But you can expect to pay anything up to nearly $2000 depending on what you buy. That price or near to it will get you a handmade instrument of real quality.
Here are the examples mentioned earlier.
- Sky 4/4 Full-Size Vintage Hand-Made Hand-Crafted Acoustic Violin
- Yamaha Model 5 Violin Outfit 4/4 Size
- Yamaha Standard Model AV7 violin 4/4 Size Outfit
And if you are thinking about a new bow, a good carbon fiber one is the Viotti Carbon Fiber Violin Bow, Hand Crafted by Professional Violin & Bow Makers.
Need a Great Violin or Violin Accessories?
We have you covered. Check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Cremona Violins, the Best Student Violins, the Best Violin For Kids, the Best Electric Violins, the Best Violin Rosins, the Best Violin Strings you can buy in 2023.
You may also enjoy our guides to the Best Apps to Tune Your Violin, How to Replace Your Violin Strings, Tips For Tuning Your Violin, How Can I Learn to Play the Violin on My Own, How Many Different Types of Violins Are There, and A Guide to Choosing the Right Violin Strings for more useful information.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Mid-Range Intermediate Student Violin – Final Thoughts
Don’t sell your house; you don’t need to. There are quality instruments out there at a reasonable price.
You can take two paths with the Intermediate Violin. First, you can buy a slightly cheaper violin, but still a good quality instrument. And do this knowing that you will be probably upgrading within two or three years.
The second option is to buy the highest quality intermediate Violin you can afford. This may be more expensive than I have quoted. The advantage of this path is two-fold. Firstly, the instrument quality and sound will be superior. Secondly, it is going to last you much longer, even into the higher levels of play. So, take your time and choose wisely.
Until next time, let your music play.
