In this post, I'll share how much violins typically cost and if violin is an expensive hobby.

Like most things, violins can range in price. Here's what you can expect to get in each of the following price ranges.

Under $100

Violins under $100 are typically found on online forums such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or in second hand stores. Although it is certainly possible to find a "hidden gem" in this category, typically these violins are poor quality. They might have a crack in the instrument, the bow hair might be extremely old or even non-existent, and in my opinion, it's not worth spending any of your money, even if it is a relatively low amount, on something that is broken or just extremely poor quality.

$100-$300

Violins within this price range can be found on more reputable online marketplaces such as Amazon. Within the violin community, we lovingly call these "VSOs" or "Violin Shaped Objects" because while they look like a violin, they typically do not come close to the quality of a decent student grade instrument. If at all possible, I suggest steering away from Amazon when it comes to purchasing a violin and go to a more reputable dealer, like the ones listed below.

$300-$750

This is where you are going to be able to purchase a decent instrument that will last you several years. I recommend purchasing an instrument from Fiddlershop, because their instruments are not only great quality, but also they have great customer service. I recommend the Fiddlerman Concert Violin Outfit and the Fiddlerman Artist Violin Outfit in this price range.

$1,000-$5,000

This is when instrument quality really goes up a notch. If you are someone who has played for awhile and is looking to upgrade your instrument, or pursue some side gigs or even an eventual career in music, this is what you should expect to pay. My violin is in this price range and has carried me through my Bachelors and Masters degrees in violin performance. I recommend the Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit in this price range.

$5,000+

Violins in this price range are high quality, professional grade violins.

Is violin an expensive hobby?

It can be, but it doesn't have to be. It all depends on your goals. If you just want to learn how to play some of your favorite tunes for fun, you can get a cheap violin and use free online resources to learn, which is very inexpensive. If you want to develop some true skills, then you'll likely want a slightly more expensive ($500-$1,000) violin, to enroll in an online program like Learn Violin Online, or take private lessons, which makes it a more expensive hobby. If you are a serious player and one day hope to play professionally, you'll need the best violin you can afford ($5,000+), private lessons from a distinguished teacher, high quality editions of music, music camp...the list goes on. In short, learning violin can be expensive, but it doesn't have to.

How much did your violin cost, and do you feel it was worth it?