If you’re wondering how much a violin costs or what you should expect to pay when buying a violin in the UK, you’re not alone.
At Normans Musical Instruments, we offer a wide range of violins to suit every player and every budget - from affordable beginner violins for young learners to intermediate and advanced instruments for progressing students.
Whether you’re buying your first student violin or upgrading to a higher-quality model, this guide will help you understand what to look for and how much you can expect to spend at each level.
Strings for Starting
It is no myth that the younger you can start learning a musical instrument, the better. The violin is no exception. I’m not saying that you can’t learn a musical instrument in your 90s. In fact, I positively encourage it! But, if the aural and physical dexterity and techniques required can be trained and finely tuned at an early age, you have all of your life to improve and perform!
Forenza Uno
The Forenza Uno Series offers outstanding value for money and is perfect for younger, complete beginners taking their very first steps on the violin. Built to the same specification as the Stentor 1018 range, this outfit is designed to help new players learn posture, bow hold and finger positions with ease - ideal for those early lessons where developing technique is more important than achieving a professional tone straight away.
Available in 4/4, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 sizes, the Uno features a traditional wooden body, good quality bridge, hardwood tuning pegs and fingerboard and an integral tailpiece with four fine tuners for easy adjustment. Supplied with a bow, carry case and rosin.
Priced under £60, the Uno Series is also a practical choice for growing children who will move through different violin sizes quickly, making it a smart and affordable option for the first stages of learning.
Best Student Violin Around £100
The Forenza Prima I Series is the next step up from the Uno range, offering improved tone and build quality while still remaining affordable. Priced at around £100, this violin outfit is ideal for beginners and school students who want a more responsive instrument that supports musical progress.
Each Prima I violin is carefully set up to produce a warm, balanced sound and to make playing comfortable and enjoyable for developing musicians. Featuring a hardwood fingerboard that withstands frequent practice sessions, ebony fittings, quality bridge, and integral tailpiece with fine tuners, this outfit provides reliable tuning and a pleasing tone for practice and performance.
Supplied with a durable case, bow and rosin, the Forenza Prima I gives new players an excellent foundation to continue learning and improving their skills.
"Prima" Donna - The Star of the Show
The Forenza Prima 2 Series is one of the most popular and best-sounding violins you can buy for under £150. Perfect for school use, ensemble playing or graded exams, the Prima 2 offers a richer, more resonant sound.
Built to the same specification as the Stentor II models, the Prima 2 is crafted from quality tonewoods with a solid ebony fingerboard, chinrest and tuning pegs, giving it a professional feel and reliable performance.
The carefully profiled bridge, premium strings and integral tailpiece with fine tuners help produce a superb tone and consistent tuning. These features make a real difference for beginners and developing players, as a responsive, well-set-up instrument builds confidence and supports faster musical progress.
Secondo to None - The Best Violin Under £200
The Forenza Secondo Series is the perfect choice for advancing violinists looking for a true step-up instrument - one that can take them confidently towards semi-professional or college orchestral level playing.
Built with the same attention to detail that defines the Forenza range, the Secondo stands out for its quality, reliability and exceptional sound. Crafted from carefully selected professional tonewoods, including a Grade A spruce top, ebony fingerboard and tuning pegs, this violin offers impressive projection and warmth of tone.
Priced at under £200, it represents remarkable value for its class - many players find themselves wishing they had upgraded sooner. Each outfit includes an upgraded horsehair bow, premium strings, rosin and a deluxe hard case, giving you everything you need to perform and progress with confidence.
Best Student Violin for Under £400
And now for the finalé - our high-end violins, designed for discerning players who want nothing but the best. No, not a Stradivarius, and surprisingly, not a Forenza this time!
Priced at under £400, the Stentor Conservatoire is a beautifully hand-crafted violin that offers exceptional quality and tone. Hand-carved from selected tonewoods with a flamed maple back and ribs, it combines elegance with superb craftsmanship. The solid ebony fingerboard and pegs, paired with upgraded strings, deliver a rich, sonorous tone that projects confidently yet blends seamlessly within an ensemble.
Whether performing in an orchestra or playing solo repertoire, the Stentor Conservatoire provides the depth, warmth and responsiveness that every advancing violinist will appreciate.
If you are looking for the best quality, best sounding and best value for money violin to suit your budget, you have come to the right place. From under £60 to over £300, you will not find a more suitable and great-sounding violin for your money.
Here at Normans Musical Instruments, our focus has always been on quality. Explore our full range of violins online or get in touch with our knowledgeable team for advice on finding the perfect instrument for you.
