BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Menu
 
Expert Shopper Music

Best black violin

Which black violins are best?

Wanting to learn how to play a musical instrument can be tough. There are thousands of instruments to choose from, but most tend to gravitate towards guitars, piano or drums. If you enjoy classical music or orchestral sounds, you might want to pick up the violin.

Everybody will be familiar with the natural or antique varnish, but there are also black violins available. They are obviously not as common as the traditional look, but if you’re looking for something that is eye-catching, the Bunnel Edge Electric Violin with Piezo ceramic pick-up will definitely turn heads.

What to know before you buy a black violin

The price is correlated to quality

You might want to get the best quality violin that you can, but you have to keep in mind that it will be really expensive. As with most musical instruments, the price will become higher as the quality improves. If you are just starting out or looking for a second violin, there is no need to get the best model on the market. It is better to start off with something more affordable until your skills improve, and then move up to something better.

Try before you buy

Shopping for a violin online will make this a bit tricky, but where possible, you should always try out a violin before you buy it. No two violins are the same, even if they are from the same maker, and they all have a different feeling and sound. You might enjoy the sound of one model but not the next, as each instrument has its own personality. 

Get the right size violin

Playing an instrument that you are comfortable with can help greatly improve your skill. Just like guitars and keyboards, violins also come in different sizes. You might see models advertised as 4/4 (full-size length of 23-inches) or 1/2 (length of 20-inches). Even if you are buying a violin online, it is crucial that you go to a music store to see which size and length are best for you. 

What to look for in a quality black violin

Construction quality and materials

Musical instruments depend on their construction to produce the best sound possible. An inferior violin will be made from cheap materials, which can give it a poor sound. They will also be harder to keep in tune and more difficult to play. A good quality violin will be made from robust wood or resin and will be able to stay in tune for a long time. 

Great sound and tone

There are a few ways to judge whether a violin is of good quality or not. If you can, as an example, see tiger-like stripes on the back wood panel, then you know it is constructed well. The other factor is the sound, and it should be loud. A good quality violin will have a lot of power and clarity behind every bow stroke. Equally important to the sound and tone, is to get a balanced bow.

Correctly shaped fingerboard, nut and bridge

While the construction material of the body plays a huge role in the overall sound and quality, so too do the individual components. You will be able to spot a good quality violin when it has a correctly shaped fingerboard, nut and bridge. Those are vitally important when learning to play a tune.  

How much you can expect to spend on a black violin

As with most musical instruments, the average price will depend on the maker and the overall quality. A black violin for a beginner will retail between $80-$150 but can be as high as $500. Higher-quality black violins, especially electric models, can retail for between $200-$400. Professional and concert violins retail for about $2,000.

Black violin FAQ

What is the difference between a violin and a viola?

A.

Does a black violin sound different from a natural varnish violin?

A.

What’s the best black violin to buy?

Top black violin

Bunnel Edge Electric Violin with Piezo ceramic pick-up

What you need to know:

What you’ll love:

What you should consider:

Where to buy: Amazon

Top black violin for the money

SKY VN201 Black Violin with Lightweight Case

What you need to know:

What you’ll love:

What you should consider:

Where to buy: Amazon

Worth checking out

Cecilio CVNAE Full-size Ebony violin

What you need to know:

What you’ll love:

What you should consider:

Where to buy: Amazon

 

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Charlie Frippwrites for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Share this post: