If you’re a violinist wanting to upgrade your setup, a completely new sound, or an instrument you can perform with easily on stage, an electric violin might just be what you need.

They come in loads of different styles, from simple, traditional aesthetics to more funky, unusual looks. So how do you decide which is right for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best electric violins to help you pick out the ideal model.

2. Hidersine HEV1 Electric Violin

Specifications

• Body: Spruce Top with Maple Back and Sides
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Genuine Ebony
• Pickup Type: Piezo under-bridge
• Preamp: Active (9v) with Volume and Tone
• Output 1: 3.5mm Jack output
• Output 2: 3.5mm Headphone output
• Input: 3.5mm Mic
• Accessories: Case, bow, and rosin

Pros

• EQ dials for a customised tone
• Extremely responsive piezo pickups

Cons

• Battery pack and controls are quite bulky

The Hidersine HEV1 is a versatile violin that ensures an excellent tone in various scenarios. Designed for both silent practice and amplified performances, its high-quality pickups replicate the resonance of a traditional violin, enabling confident practice without disturbance.

The violin suits a range of players, from students to professionals, boasting Hidersine’s renowned craftsmanship and a traditional scale that resembles acoustic violins.

For violinists wanting an instrument for experimenting or street performances, the HEV1 is perfect as it features a modern design combined with traditional construction standards. The instrument’s spruce top and maple back and sides contribute to its resonant tone when amplified, while ebony fittings ensure durability and authentic quality.

The violin incorporates a piezo pickup under the maple bridge, capturing nuances for external amplification or headphone use. With outputs for amps and headphones and a microphone input, its active preamp provides volume, bass, and treble controls. The 9V battery also makes it portable and ideal for outdoor use.

Making up the violin is a spruce and maple body, genuine ebony fittings, and a carbon composite tailpiece. The package encompasses a sturdy case with accessory compartments, handles, and backstraps, as well as a high-quality bulletwood bow featuring genuine horsehair and nickel fittings.

3. Hidersine HEV2 Electric Violin

Specifications

• Body: Birch with flamed maple veneer
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Genuine ebony
• Pickup Type: Piezo under-bridge
• Preamp: Active (9v) with volume and 2-band EQ
• Output 1: 6.35mm jack output
• Output 2: 3.5mm headphone output
• Accessories: Case, bow, and rosin

Pros

• A unique take on the traditional violin shape
• EQ dials for the exact sound you want

Cons

• Gloss finish isn’t as smooth and easy to slide/fret across as satin

The Hidersine HEV2 Electric Violin offers consistent and impressive tonal quality, adaptable to various playing scenarios. It’s an ideal practice instrument, accommodating both silent sessions through headphone use and amplified performances via its high-quality pickups.

The violin caters to a wide range of players, from beginners to more experienced musicians, embodying Hidersine’s commitment to quality craftsmanship.

For those after a louder performance, the HEV2 can be easily connected to an amp and can be manipulated through guitar pedals or computer effects. While designed for students, the HEV2 suits players of diverse skill levels, thanks to its traditional scale and construction, ensuring it’s accessible to those who are used to an acoustic violin.

Although boasting a contemporary appearance, the HEV2 maintains the high standards of acoustic instruments. Its birch body, layered with flamed maple veneer, contributes to a resonant amplified tone. Genuine ebony fittings for pegs, fingerboard, and chinrest ensure both authenticity and durability.

Equipped with a piezo pickup beneath the maple bridge, the Hidersine electric violin captures extremely detailed playing, whether projected through an amplifier or privately through headphones. The instrument features a preamp with volume and two-band EQ controls, enhancing sound customisation.

Included with the violin is a rectangular-formed styrofoam case with internal compartments, handles, and backstraps. A high-quality bulletwood bow, complete with genuine horsehair and nickel fittings, adds to the comprehensive ensemble.

The Hidersine HEV2 electric violin accommodates musicians seeking reliable tonal performance, versatility in amplification, and a modern yet traditionally-rooted playing experience.

4. Hidersine HEV3 Electric Violin

Specifications

• Body: Zebrawood laminate top and back, okoume Sides
• Fingerboard: Genuine ebony
• Pickup Type: Piezo under-bridge
• Preamp: Active (9v) with volume and 2-band EQ
• Output 1: 6.35mm jack output
• Output 2: 3.5mm headphone output
• Accessories: Case, bow, and rosin

Pros

• EQ controls for dialling in a customised sound
• Extremely lightweight and manoeuvrable

Cons

• Controls are on the front of the instrument, which some players might not like

The Hidersine HEV3 Electric Violin offers consistent and exceptional tonal quality, suitable for various playing styles. With the capability to practise quietly using headphones, thanks to its high-quality pickups, the HEV3 ensures a traditional violin sound without disturbing others. It caters to both practice and performance needs.

For musicians who want to be amplified, the HEV3 lets you connect to an amp or effects pedals for sound customisation. And while it’s designed as a student-friendly instrument, the HEV3 accommodates players of all levels, upholding Hidersine’s renowned craftsmanship.

The HEV3’s contemporary appearance aligns with traditional acoustic standards. The body, constructed from zebrawood laminate top and back with okoume sides, produces resonant amplified tones. Plus, the genuine ebony fittings for the pegs, fingerboard, and chinrest are extremely durable and can take years of frequent use.

The violin employs a piezo pickup under the maple bridge; this captures every nuance of your playing. Outputs include a 6.35mm large jack for amplifiers and a 3.5mm mini-jack for headphones, while the front-mounted preamp offers volume, bass, and treble controls.

Along with the violin comes a rectangular-formed styrofoam case with compartments, handles, backstraps, and a high-quality bulletwood bow with genuine horsehair and nickel fittings. It’s an electric violin that appeals to musicians seeking consistent tone, versatile connectivity, and a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.

5. Stagg Shaped Electric Violin Outfit

Specifications

• Body: Solid maple
• Neck: Solid maple
• Fingerboard: Ebonised
• Input 1: 3.5 mm (1/8″) mini jack input for CD or MP3 player
• Output 1: 3.5 mm (1/8″) mini jack output for headphones
• Output 2: 6.35 mm (1/4″) jack output
• Accessories: Bow, case, rosin, and headphones

Pros

• Balances a traditional shape with contemporary design
• Comes with a pair of headphones

Cons

• The bow is quite heavy

The Shaped Electric Violin by Stagg is ideal for violinists who want a more creative and unique playing experience, whilst consistently delivering an impressive tone.

With its capacity for near-silent practice via headphone connection, the violin emanates an acoustic-like sound, enabling confident practice without external disturbance. Conversely, when plugged into an amplifier, the instrument allows for a vibrant and expressive performance.

The violin’s unconventional body shape doesn’t compromise on the traditional feel, as it features a solid maple neck and body, finished with a lacquer. Its electronics introduce newfound versatility, providing volume control and a two-band EQ on the front, as well as a 6.3 mm output jack, a 3.5 mm headphone output jack, and an additional 3.5 mm input for playing along with music.

The styrofoam-shaped case, covered in black material, offers maximum protection, along with external pockets for sheet music. A round bow facilitates immediate play, while headphones cater to silent practice. Additional accessories are rosin, a 9v battery, and a jack lead for amp connection.

The violin’s compact scale length of 325 mm and total length of 590 mm makes it accessible and comfortable to play. Controls encompass a three-band equaliser with volume, bass, and treble control for easy and creative manipulation of your sound.

The Stagg Shaped electric violin is suitable for players seeking innovative sound options, affordability, and a contemporary design that maintains a touch of tradition.

6. GEWA EViolin Electric Violin Outfit

Specifications

• Body material: Solid wood
• Neck material: Maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Line out: 3.5mm jack
• Headphone output: 3.5mm jack
• Pickup: Active piezo
• Accessories: Hard case, bow, and rosin

Pros

• Ebony fretboard is usually reserved for more premium instruments
• Comes with a pair of headphones

Cons

• Limited controls

If you’re after a seamless stage performance, the Gewa EViolin Electric Violin Outfit is ideal. Its sculpted design combines a silent frame with a familiar shape, catering to violinists accustomed to acoustic instruments. The traditional bridge, tailpiece, and tuning pegs can all be serviced by a luthier, maintaining an authentic feel, whilst the violin’s neck, adorned with an ebony fingerboard, offers comfort and familiarity.

Featuring an integrated piezo pickup beneath the bridge, the EViolin captures a direct, clean tone that’s suitable for processing and experimentation. It’s perfect if you want to explore electronic music and effects integration. And while you’re doing so, the headphone jack is there to ensure quiet practice sessions.

The outfit encompasses rosin, a hard case, headphones, and a wooden bow, providing a comprehensive package for skill development.

As well as a 4/4 scale, solid wood body, Aubert Original bridge, and maple neck, there’s an ebony fingerboard and geared Wittner pegs that contribute to the instrument’s quality.

The Gewa EViolin Electric Violin Outfit caters to musicians seeking a bridge between acoustic and electric sounds. It allows for great stage presence and silent practice while offering comprehensive accessories for all-around development.

7. GEWA Novita 3.0 Electric Violin with Adapter

Specifications

• Body: Spruce and Maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Pickup: Piezo
• Output: 6.35mm jack and 3.5mm mini-jack

Pros

• Boasts a rich, resonant bass sound
• Includes an adaptor, so you can attach any standard shoulder rest

Cons

• Battery not included
• Controls and inputs are quite bulky

The Novita Violin by Gewa is built for demanding performances. Through a piezo pickup beneath the Aubert bridge, this violin is able to respond to all the fine details of your playing. The flexible placement of the pickup under either side of the bridge allows for easy tone customisation, and outputs enable you to plug into an amp or feed back through headphones – so you can go from rehearsal to stage without any stress.

The preamp, located at the back, facilitates volume control and bass and treble EQ adjustments.

Traditional materials meet modern design in the Novita; it’s crafted with a spruce top and maple back and neck, finished with a matte satin varnish. There are then quality fittings, such as Wittner geared tuning pegs, a Wittner Zurich chin rest, and a Wittner tailpiece, and these all elevate the instrument’s standard.

Thomastik Alphayue strings provide an instant response, playability, and a colourful tone, catering to students and various playing styles. These strings, with steel and synthetic cores, offer a reliable and consistent sound over time.

The Novita violin caters to players of varying styles and proficiency levels thanks to its versatility and quality materials.

8. Yamaha YEV 105 Series 5-String Electric Violin

Specifications

• Body: Spruce, mahogany, and maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Resin-impregnated wood
• Pickup: Built-in piezo-electric pickup
• Output: Passive output (Φ6.3 standard monaural)

Pros

• Hard-wearing, resonant maple, mahogany, and spruce body
• Shaped like a traditional violin, meaning it is compatible with shoulder rests and tailpieces

Cons

• Pricier than other violins on this list

The YEV105 Electric Violin by Yamaha stands out with a Möbius strip-like design, connecting the front and back seamlessly and highlighting the natural beauty of its tonewoods – a carefully selected blend of maple, mahogany, and spruce in a 5-layer construction.

It boasts a built-in piezo-electric pickup that faithfully captures your expressive bowing nuances, offering a rich and impactful sound. The selector switch toggles between direct pickup signal and output via the volume control, providing versatility in sonic output.

The YEV105’s traditional violin shape ensures compatibility with standard shoulder rests and tailpieces, making it a smooth transition for players accustomed to acoustic violins. In fact, this model received the ‘Best Bowed Instrument’ award at the 2016 MIA Trusted Music Store Awards, commending its contemporary style, framework, and high-quality pickup.

Yamaha’s reputation for precision and craftsmanship is exemplified in the YEV105. As a premium brand, Yamaha offers a free five-year extended warranty upon registration.

With a 4/4 size, maple neck, walnut side/frame, and spruce-mahogany-maple body construction, the instrument’s weight is just 580g, making it effortless to carry and perform with. Ebony chin rest, tuning pegs, and synthetic resin tailpiece with fine tuners complete the ensemble.

Comprising a distinctive design, tonal versatility, and well-considered features, the YEV105 electric violin is suitable for musicians seeking a contemporary yet familiar instrument that captures their unique expression.

9. Stentor Harlequin Electric Violin Outfit

Specifications

• Body: Solid carved spruce and maple
• Neck: Solid carved maple
• Fingerboard: Ebonite
• Pickup: Artec piezo
• Output: Jack socket for an amp or PA system
• Accessories: Case and P&H fibreglass bow

Pros

• Artec pickup responds beautifully and delivers a natural response
• Comes with a case and P&H fibreglass bow

Cons

• Limited controls

Stentor’s electric violins incorporate an Artec piezo pickup beneath the bridge. This is designed to preserve the instrument’s acoustic attributes while delivering a responsive and tuneful output. And thanks to tone and volume control knobs, the violin’s sound can be easily tailored.

The Harlequin model, constructed with a solid spruce top and solid maple back, ribs, and neck, conforms to orchestral standards. Ebonite components – pegs, nut, saddle, and fingerboard – ensure stability and warm tonality. The added benefit of integral adjusters on the tailpiece enhances tuning precision, streamlining the process.

Stentor, an established name since 1895, prioritises the early instrumental experience and provides affordable, quality violins. When going to and from lessons or gigs, the lightweight case included with the violin is incredibly convenient. It’s equipped with carrying straps and storage pockets for accessories, including shoulder rests and music.

10. Bridge Aquila Electric Violin

Specifications

• Body: Kevlar and carbon fibre composite
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Pickup: Piezo
• Output: 100mV nominal
• Accessories: Case and carbon fibre bow

Pros

• Delivers excellent tones even when unplugged
• Specially designed pickup and audio circuitry

Cons

• Quite pricy – more for intermediate/professional violinists

The Bridge Aquila Electric Violin perfectly fuses modern innovation with traditional craftsmanship, offering a balanced blend of acoustic richness and amplified clarity. Crafted from a combination of Kevlar and carbon fibre, the instrument’s lightweight hollow body produces an exceptional unplugged tone, ideal for quiet practice sessions.

When connected to an amplifier, the Aquila maintains an open and clear sound with remarkable depth and warmth, devoid of harshness or unwanted resonance. The strategically placed jack minimises cable interference, enhancing the overall connectivity experience.

As well as premium construction materials – a kevlar and carbon fibre composite – there are traditional ebony fittings, showcasing a bridge design that seamlessly integrates a piezo pickup. This thoughtful integration mitigates feedback concerns and preserves the violin’s natural sound quality.

The circuitry’s meticulous design ensures vibrant, noise-free amplification that matches the instrument’s acoustic character, even at higher volumes. The automatic activation of the active circuitry upon jack insertion, coupled with an impressive 3000-hour battery life, assures dependable performance during gigs and rehearsals.

The Aquila arrives almost ready to play, accompanied by a case that accommodates the included carbon fibre bow and accessories. Thomastik Dominant synthetic strings provide a versatile and balanced sound, akin to traditional gut strings but with enhanced dynamic range and resistance to environmental changes.

11. Yamaha SV250 Silent Violin

Specifications

• Body: Spruce and maple
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Pickup: Two piezo pickups (under bridge and inside bridge)
• Accessories: 2x AA 1.5V batteries and earphones

Pros

• Extracted control box gives you complete control over your sound
• Comes with headphones for quiet practice
• Extremely lightweight (500g)

Cons

• The most expensive violin on this list

The Silent Violin SV250 offers a refined solution for both stage performance and quiet practice. Crafted for versatility, its design combines sophistication with convenience. The detachable control box, wearable on your belt, ensures the violin remains lightweight and adaptable for stage performance.

The included pre-amp empowers players to achieve professional sound output effortlessly, with the option of battery power enhancing its flexibility. This violin caters to various venues and playing environments.

Designed for seamless practice, the SV250 facilitates late-night sessions through headphone connectivity. Its quiet practice feature is especially beneficial for gigging musicians, allowing you to practise in hotel rooms without disturbing neighbours. This violin promotes skill development, enabling practice with adjustable MP3 playback speed to refine techniques.

The Silent Violin delves into the realm of electric sound, offering a versatile tonal experience. Its two-pickup design, blending bridge and body pickups, produces a range of tones. The bright, electric bridge sound captures nuances, while the body pickup delivers the warmth of a traditional violin. This makes the instrument adaptable to multiple genres and performance styles.

Yamaha’s premium brand status is reflected in a complimentary five-year extended warranty upon registration.

Accessories like earphones and batteries further enhance its usability, making the SV250 an appealing choice for musicians seeking a versatile instrument that caters to both stage performance and focused practice sessions.