#1
Stentor Student II
Student violin outfit with bow and case · 4/4 full size, spruce top, maple back and sides, composite bow, case included, setup included$120–$160 usedBest for: Beginner students, school music programs, reliable affordable instrument
Stentor is a British violin maker with decades of experience — the Student II is the industry standard rental/beginner violin in school music programs. Stentor instruments are durable, hold up to regular use, and have a wood tone that is warm and forgiving. At $120–$160 used, a Stentor Student II is likely to have been played regularly in a school setting and may show cosmetic wear but should be musically solid.
What to check used: Check the bridge alignment and strings are not worn excessively — if the violin was heavily used in a school music program, the bridge may need re-setting ($50–$100 service). The bow will likely need hair re-hairing or replacement ($40–$80). Inspect the case for cracks or water damage. Verify the scroll and neck have no cracks.
#2
Mendini MV400
Student violin, Chinese made, complete outfit · 4/4 full size, spruce top, wood back, composite bow, case and rosin included, pre-setup$60–$90 usedBest for: Absolute budget entry, casual student, complete ready-to-play package
Mendini is a Chinese brand sold through major retailers and is the most budget-friendly legitimate violin. The MV400 comes with everything you need: violin, bow, case, and rosin. At $60–$90 used, it is an affordable entry point for someone uncertain if they will continue with violin.
What to check used: Chinese student violins have inconsistent build quality — inspect the finish for rough spots, the bridge alignment, and the strings for excessive wear. The bow is basic and the hair may be shed or unraveled. This violin will not sound beautiful, but it is playable. If the student is serious, they will upgrade after 1–2 years.
#3
Cremona SV-175
Student violin with bow and case · 4/4 full size, European wood, adjustable bridge, lightweight case, composite bow$150–$200 usedBest for: Serious student beginning lessons, warm tone, European construction
Cremona is a Romanian violin maker known for warm-sounding student instruments. The SV-175 uses European wood and has a deeper, more musical tone than budget Chinese violins. At $150–$200 used, Cremona represents a meaningful step up in tone quality.
What to check used: Cremona violins are softer wood and require careful storage — humidity fluctuations can cause small cracks. Inspect the scroll, neck, and upper bout for any fine fractures. The tone is warm but may lack projection in large venues (this improves with experience).
#4
D Z Strad Violin
Student/intermediate violin · 4/4 full size, solid spruce top, carved back, ebony chin rest and tailpiece, good projection$180–$240 usedBest for: Advancing student, audition preparation, better tone projection and response
D Z Strad is a Chinese maker focused on student/intermediate instruments with genuinely better materials and setup. The violin has solid spruce, more refined carving, and better projection than budget models. At $180–$240 used, D Z Strad bridges the gap between basic student violins and professional instruments.
What to check used: Verify the carving quality and the scroll work — D Z Strad uses more hand work than mass-produced violins, so quality varies. The setup should be checked by a luthier. The fingerboard should be ebony and the chin rest should be ebony for this price point.
#5
Fiddlerman Concert
Intermediate violin, hand-crafted · 4/4 full size, hand-crafted, flame maple back, solid spruce top, professional setup, quality case$180–$250 usedBest for: Advancing student, intermediate player, hand-made quality, excellent value
Fiddlerman is an online seller known for hand-crafted violins with genuine quality at affordable prices. The Concert model is their student/intermediate offering and is hand-crafted with attention to detail. At $180–$250 used, you are getting a hand-made instrument rather than factory production.
What to check used: Fiddlerman instruments come from individual luthiers, so quality can vary — inspect the overall finish and carving quality. The setup should be professional and playable immediately. Verify the case and bow are in good condition.
#6
Primavera 90
Budget student violin, complete outfit · 4/4 full size, spruce top, maple back, composite bow, lightweight case, rosin included$150–$200 usedBest for: Budget-conscious beginner, complete ready-to-play package
Primavera (Spanish maker) produces affordable student violins sold through retailers — the 90 model is a complete outfit with bow and case. At $150–$200 used, it offers better quality than Mendini while remaining affordable.
What to check used: Spanish student violins can have variable build quality — inspect the seams where the top meets the back for separation. The bridge should be straight and well-fitted. This is a starter violin; tone quality is basic.
#7
Scott Cao STV-017
Student violin, hand-made, Taiwanese · 4/4 full size, hand-made, flame maple back, solid spruce, professional setup, quality case and bow$200–$270 usedBest for: Serious student, hand-made quality, superior tone and projection
Scott Cao is a Taiwanese luthier known for hand-made violins with exceptional quality at prices that undercut European makers. The STV-017 is hand-made with good materials and professional setup. At $200–$270 used, it represents excellent value for a hand-made instrument.
What to check used: Scott Cao violins are genuinely hand-made by skilled luthiers — quality is high but each instrument is individual. Inspect for any finish imperfections or setup issues. This instrument will serve a serious student for years and may outlast more expensive models.
