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10 Best Electric Violins 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

NS Design CR5 Violin

Sound Quality: polar directional piezo with dual-mode preamp
Build Material: maple body/neck, figured maple top, ebony
Weight: 10 pounds
Pickup System: polar directional piezo system
Design and Aesthetics: amber finish
Portability: not ideal for quick travel or street
Additional Features: precision fine tuners with auto string clamp

Chosen by 1317 this week

Yamaha Electric Violin-YEV104NT, Natural (YEV104NT)

Sound Quality: clean and simple
Build Material: six types of wood
Weight: 2.57 Pounds
Design and Aesthetics: sleek and modern look
Portability: compact (32 x 12 x 5 inches)
Additional Features: No batteries, headphones, or preamps

Yamaha YEV105BL Electric Violin, Black, 5 String

Sound Quality: Natural, resonant tone
Build Material: Six woods
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Design and Aesthetics: Sleek, modern
Portability: Plug-and-play

Yamaha Silent Series SV-200 Electric Violin - Black

Sound Quality: dual piezo pickups
Build Material: spruce, maple, ebony
Weight: 3.68 pounds
Pickup System: dual piezo pickups
Design and Aesthetics: sleek black finish
Portability: easy transport

Yamaha Silent Series YSV104 Electric Violin - Brown

Build Material: solid spruce body, maple neck
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Pickup System: piezo
Design and Aesthetics: powder-coated brown finish
Portability: lightweight

Pyle 4/4 Silent Electric Violin with Amplifier Kit, Solid Wood Fiddle with 10W Amp and Complete Accessories, Full Size Orchestral String Instrument For Beginner & Professional Use

Build Material: Maple top, linden body, ebony fingerboard
Weight: 9.3 pounds
Pickup System: Basic
Design and Aesthetics: Traditional look, smooth sunburst finish
Portability: Lightweight amp, includes hard case
Additional Features: 10W amp, headphones, tone and volume

Electric Violin Bunnel Edge Outfit 4/4 Full Size (Clear) (BLUE) — With Carrying Case and Accessories Included - Headphone Jack - Piezo Ceramic Pick-up from Kennedy Violins

Sound Quality: Piezo ceramic pickup
Build Material: Solid maple, ebony fittings
Weight: 9.48 pounds
Pickup System: Piezo ceramic
Design and Aesthetics: Polished Bombshell Blue finish
Portability: Fairly portable
Additional Features: Headphone jack, tone controls, accessories

Pyle Full Size Electric Violin Kit - 4/4 Solid Wood Silent Fiddle with Hard Case, Bow, Ebony Fittings, and Digital Tuner

Sound Quality: control tone and volume via knobs
Build Material: European maple, ebony, carbon fiber
Weight: 5.5 pounds
Design and Aesthetics: solid maple, sunburst finish
Portability: relatively lightweight
Additional Features: silent practice, amplifier, starter kit
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NS Design CR5 Violin

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,317
Sound Quality
Build Material
Weight

Most important from
2 reviews

Sound Quality
Delivers a beautifully rich and authentic tone that feels natural and closely mimics an acoustic violin experience.
Build Material
The solid build and quality preamp system ensure clear, rich electric sound suitable for both stage and studio.
Weight
Despite its sound excellence, the violin's heavier weight and bulk make it less comfortable for extended play or quick gigs.
Pickup System
The solid build and quality preamp system ensure clear, rich electric sound suitable for both stage and studio.
Portability
Comfort with the shoulder rest is highly individual; once properly positioned, it can provide excellent support and playability.
Additional Features
Fine tuners with automatic string clamping improve tuning stability, enhancing hassle-free setup.

The NS Design CR5 is a solidly built electric violin featuring a maple body and neck with a figured maple top, complemented by an ebony fingerboard and back, which together offer a quality feel and good durability. Its 5-string setup and alloy steel strings provide a broader tonal range than standard 4-string violins, appealing to players looking for versatility. The violin’s sound pickup relies on a polar directional piezo system paired with a dual-mode 9V active preamp, which helps capture a clear and rich electric tone that works well for stage or recording use. Weighing about 10 pounds, it is heavier than many acoustic violins, which might affect comfort during long play sessions or portability. Its amber finish is attractive and modern, but the size and weight make it less suited for quick travel or casual street performances.

Additional thoughtful features like precision fine tuners with automatic string clamping improve tuning stability and ease, which is great for players who want hassle-free setup. While it performs well as an electric violin with solid tone and build, its weight and bulk could be a downside for some users, especially beginners or those seeking a lightweight instrument. This model suits intermediate to advanced players who value build quality and sound flexibility more than ultra-light portability.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,317
Sound Quality
Build Material
Weight

Most important from
2 reviews

Sound Quality
Delivers a beautifully rich and authentic tone that feels natural and closely mimics an acoustic violin experience.
Build Material
The solid build and quality preamp system ensure clear, rich electric sound suitable for both stage and studio.
Weight
Despite its sound excellence, the violin's heavier weight and bulk make it less comfortable for extended play or quick gigs.
Pickup System
The solid build and quality preamp system ensure clear, rich electric sound suitable for both stage and studio.
Portability
Comfort with the shoulder rest is highly individual; once properly positioned, it can provide excellent support and playability.
Additional Features
Fine tuners with automatic string clamping improve tuning stability, enhancing hassle-free setup.
#2

Yamaha Electric Violin-YEV104NT, Natural (YEV104NT)

Rating
9.7
Sound Quality
Pickup System
Design and Aesthetics

Most important from
59 reviews

Sound Quality
Plays easily with good tonal quality.
Pickup System
A huge step up from previous models, with no need for batteries and no preamp buzz.
Design and Aesthetics
Battery free with clean sound and a very cool new look.
Additional Features
Ready to play out of the box, with a personalized touch from the seller.

The Yamaha Electric Violin-YEV104NT in Natural finish is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Its sound quality is reported to be clean and simple, which should appeal to violin players seeking a natural and organic amplified sound. The instrument is crafted from six different types of wood, contributing significantly to its resonant tone, which is a highlight for any electric violinist valuing depth in sound.

Weighing in at 2.57 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle and play for extended periods without causing fatigue. This is especially beneficial for performers who have long playing sessions. The design prioritizes visual appeal, with a sleek and modern look that stands out on stage. No need for batteries, headphones, or preamps makes it straightforward to use; simply plug it into an amplifier and you’re ready to go.

This simplicity can be a significant advantage for beginners or those who prefer hassle-free setups. However, the absence of a built-in preamp or headphone jack might be seen as a limitation for those who need these features for practice or specific sound adjustments. In terms of portability, its compact dimensions (32 x 12 x 5 inches) make it fairly easy to carry around. In conclusion, the Yamaha YEV104NT is well-suited for violinists who value a natural sound and elegant design, while its ease of use and lightweight build make it an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced players.

Rating
9.7
Sound Quality
Pickup System
Design and Aesthetics

Most important from
59 reviews

Sound Quality
Plays easily with good tonal quality.
Pickup System
A huge step up from previous models, with no need for batteries and no preamp buzz.
Design and Aesthetics
Battery free with clean sound and a very cool new look.
Additional Features
Ready to play out of the box, with a personalized touch from the seller.
#3

Yamaha YEV105BL Electric Violin, Black, 5 String

Rating
8.8
Sound Quality
Weight
Portability

Most important from
37 reviews

Sound Quality
Provides a great sound with minimal configuration, perfect for those who are transitioning from an acoustic instrument.
Weight
Super lightweight and fits perfectly in a regular full-size violin case, making it easy to handle and transport.
Portability
Super lightweight and fits perfectly in a regular full-size violin case, making it easy to handle and transport.
Additional Features
Plays like a 'normal' violin, with the added benefit of a five-string variant that offers a familiar lower fifth for viola players.

The Yamaha Electric Violin-YEV105BL-Black-5 String is a well-crafted instrument that stands out in the electric violin category. One of its key strengths lies in its sound quality, which is enhanced by the use of six different woods, offering a natural and resonant tone. This makes it particularly appealing for musicians who value a rich, organic sound even when amplified.

The design is sleek and modern, ensuring it is visually appealing, which is a big plus for performers who value aesthetics. Additionally, its lightweight build at 2.5 pounds makes it easy to handle and play, which can be beneficial during long practice sessions or performances. The portability of the violin is further enhanced by its plug-and-play capability, as it does not require batteries, headphones, or preamps, simplifying its use on the go.

Despite the lack of additional features such as built-in effects or advanced pickup systems, the ease of use and the focused design make it a great option for both beginners and intermediate players looking for a reliable and beautiful electric violin.

Rating
8.8
Sound Quality
Weight
Portability

Most important from
37 reviews

Sound Quality
Provides a great sound with minimal configuration, perfect for those who are transitioning from an acoustic instrument.
Weight
Super lightweight and fits perfectly in a regular full-size violin case, making it easy to handle and transport.
Portability
Super lightweight and fits perfectly in a regular full-size violin case, making it easy to handle and transport.
Additional Features
Plays like a 'normal' violin, with the added benefit of a five-string variant that offers a familiar lower fifth for viola players.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Violins

Choosing the right electric violin can be a rewarding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. Electric violins offer a range of features that can enhance your playing experience, from amplified sound to unique tonal qualities. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs and preferences.
Sound QualitySound quality is crucial because it determines how your music will be perceived by listeners. Electric violins can vary widely in their tonal characteristics, from warm and rich to bright and sharp. To navigate this, consider what type of music you play and what sound you prefer. If you play classical music, you might prefer a warmer tone, while rock or pop musicians might opt for a brighter sound. Testing different violins and listening to sound samples can help you find the right match.
Build MaterialThe material of the violin affects both its sound and durability. Common materials include wood, carbon fiber, and composite. Wooden violins often produce a more traditional sound and are preferred by many classical musicians. Carbon fiber and composite materials are more durable and can offer a unique sound, making them popular among contemporary players. Consider where and how often you'll be playing; if you need a robust instrument for frequent travel, a carbon fiber or composite violin might be ideal.
WeightThe weight of an electric violin can impact your comfort, especially during long practice sessions or performances. Electric violins can range from lightweight models to heavier ones with more features. If you plan to play for extended periods, a lighter violin can help reduce fatigue. However, heavier violins might offer more stability and additional features. Try holding and playing different models to see which weight feels most comfortable for you.
Pickup SystemThe pickup system is what captures the sound of the strings and converts it into an electrical signal. This is important for amplification and effects. There are different types of pickups, such as piezo and magnetic. Piezo pickups are common and provide a natural sound, while magnetic pickups can offer a more electric guitar-like tone. Think about the sound you want to achieve and whether you need versatility for different genres. Testing different pickup systems can help you decide which one suits your style.
Design and AestheticsThe design and aesthetics of an electric violin can influence your playing experience and stage presence. Electric violins come in various shapes, colors, and finishes. Some have a traditional look, while others are more modern and edgy. Your choice here can be guided by personal preference and the image you want to project. If you perform frequently, you might want a visually striking instrument that complements your stage persona. On the other hand, a more traditional design might be suitable for classical settings.
PortabilityPortability is an important factor if you plan to travel with your violin. Some electric violins are designed to be more compact and easier to transport. Consider whether the violin comes with a case and how easy it is to carry. If you travel often for gigs or practice sessions, a portable model can make your life much easier. Look for features like detachable parts or a lightweight design to enhance portability.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your playing experience and offer more versatility. These might include built-in effects, headphone jacks for silent practice, or wireless connectivity. Think about what features are important to you and how they align with your playing style. For example, built-in effects can be great for experimenting with different sounds, while a headphone jack is useful for practicing without disturbing others. Make a list of must-have features and see which models offer them.

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