AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 3/4 and 7/8 Violins 2026
The top pick is Gewa Ideale Violin Set 3/4 SC CB ($396). Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-V Violin Set 3/4 gives you the most for the money at $167. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 37 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 3/4 and 7/8 ViolinsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size3/4 size
You get a 3/4 size violin with a solid European spruce top and solid European maple back and sides. It comes with a carbon bow and a case you can carry on your back, so you have what you need to start. It suits a child or youth player moving up to a 3/4 instrument who wants a complete set in one box.
Pros
- Fully solid violin with solid European spruce top and solid European maple back and sides
- Ebony fretboard, ebony pegs and ebony chinrest for a dressed-up look and feel
- Hand-applied red-brown natural resin spirit-based varnish with inlaid purfling
Cons
- Full-size case is bulky for a young player to carry around
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$396 now$396€355 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 size violin set with a solid European spruce top and solid European maple back and sides. You also get an ebony fingerboard, pegs and chin rest, plus a Massaranduba bow and a case with backpack straps. It suits a young player who wants a complete, ready-to-play kit built from solid wood.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top gives the violin a traditional build
- Back and sides made of solid European maple
- Ebony fingerboard, ebony pegs and ebony chin rest
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$356 now$356€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-V Violin Set 3/
4 Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
- Size3/4 size
If you are a young player who needs a 3/4 violin, this set gives you everything in one box. You get a solid-wood violin with an ebony fingerboard, a carbon bow, and a hard-shell case to keep it safe. It is a good pick for a child or youth starting out, or for a player who wants a complete, ready-to-go kit.
Pros
- Solid-wood violin with slightly flamed wood for a nice look
- Gold-brown hand-applied spirit varnish gives it a warm-toned finish
- Ebony fingerboard, chinrest and pegs for a classic build
48AudioFu
Index↓ 40.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$279 · Aug 17$167 now$167€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS200 V3/
4 SE Violin Set Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
- Size3/4 size
This Alfred Stingl set is a solid 3/4 violin with a spruce top and flamed maple back. It comes with a wooden bow and a practical black case. The fine tuners help keep it in tune easily. It's a great choice for a young player looking for a sturdy instrument without the extra cost of electronics.
Pros
- Solid 3/4 violin body offers strong resonance
- Flamed maple back and sides add visual appeal
- Spruce top provides bright and responsive tone
Cons
- No electronics or pickup system mentioned
- Missing specific brand name for sound profile
48AudioFu
Index↓ 17.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$267 · Aug 17$221 now$221€198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This 3/4 violin comes in a solid wood body with a nice flamed maple top. The hand-applied varnish gives it a warm, golden look that feels special. While the metal tailpiece is sturdy, you'll need to buy a bow and case separately. It is a great affordable choice for a young player ready to start practicing.
Pros
- Solid wood construction offers stability and resonance
- Slightly flamed maple adds visual character and depth
- Hand-applied spirit varnish provides a warm, unique tone
Cons
- Metal tailpiece can alter string vibration and tone
- Fine tuners require more maintenance than pegs
47AudioFu
Index↓ 20.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$556 · Aug 17$444 now$444€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This Gewa Pure set is a solid, budget-friendly option for young violin students or those just starting out. The spruce top delivers a surprisingly good sound for the price, and the included accessories make it a complete package. It's a great way to get a playable instrument without a huge investment.
Pros
- Solid spruce top provides a surprisingly resonant and clear tone.
- Ebony fingerboard and pegs offer decent playability for a student instrument.
- Massaranduba bow is a step above basic composite bows in responsiveness.
Cons
- Varnish appears thin and may be prone to wear with enthusiastic playing.
- The included chinrest is a basic, somewhat uncomfortable design.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$261 now$261€234 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
The Gewa Allegro is a solid choice for young, developing violinists or beginners seeking a well-built instrument. The use of European tonewoods and hand-varnishing provides a surprisingly mature sound for its price point, offering a good foundation for future musical growth. It's a reliable starter violin that won't break the bank.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top delivers surprisingly warm and resonant tone.
- Ebony fingerboard and pegs offer a smoother playing experience and better tuning stability.
- Hand-varnished finish enhances the wood's natural beauty and acoustic projection.
Cons
- The spirit varnish, while attractive, can be a bit thick and may require adjustment over time.
- While decent, the included bow is a basic model and a significant upgrade would be beneficial.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$267 now$267€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
The Gewa Ideale 3/4 is a solid starter instrument for younger or smaller-framed players. The use of solid tonewoods, particularly the spruce top, gives it a surprising amount of projection and a pleasing tone. It's a well-balanced package that offers good value for the money, especially for students progressing beyond a basic beginner violin.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top delivers surprisingly resonant and clear tone.
- Ebony fittings offer excellent response and a refined feel under the fingers.
- Hand-varnished finish enhances the wood's natural projection and aesthetic appeal.
Cons
- The medium flame maple back, while attractive, isn’t the highest grade available.
- The included bow is serviceable, but a higher-quality bow would significantly improve tone.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$312 now$312€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 violin with a solid European spruce top and solid European maple back and sides. It has an ebony fingerboard, Wittner tuners and chinrest, and comes with a bow, a backpack-style case and rosin. It suits a young player who wants a complete starter outfit in one package.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top, the wood most violins use for their top
- Solid European maple back and sides with a slightly flamed back
- Wittner fine tuners, fine tuning pegs and chinrest, plus a Milo Stamm bridge
Cons
- Only a 3/4 size, so it suits younger players rather than adults
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$390 now$390€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
The Gewa Maestro 1 is a really solid option for a student violinist needing a step up from a beginner instrument. The use of solid tonewoods and quality fittings like the ebony chinrest and Aubert bridge give it a surprisingly mature voice, and it feels comfortable to play. It's a sweet spot in terms of quality and affordability for aspiring young musicians.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant, warm tone.
- Well-flamed maple back and sides enhance projection and clarity.
- Ebony fittings contribute to a refined feel and improved response.
Cons
- Hand-applied varnish, while beautiful, can exhibit noticeable color variation between instruments.
- The included bow, while functional, won't match the violin's tonal potential long-term.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$412 now$412€369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 37 3/4 and 7/8 violins
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Yamaha V5 SA34 Violin Set 3/4Yamaha · 2 finishes46Stable$464€416$464€416Check ↗
- 12
Gewa Maestro 2 Violin 3/4Gewa46Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 13
Gewa Sonata Violin Set SC / MB 3/4Gewa46Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 14
Gewa Sonata Violin Set SC / CB 3/4Gewa46Stable$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 15
Gewa Sonata Violin Set OC / MB 3/4Gewa46Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 16
Gewa Maestro 1 Violin Set 3/4 OC CBGewa46Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 17
Gewa Sonata Violin Set OC / CB 3/4Gewa46Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 18
Gewa Maestro 6 Antiqued Violin 3/4Gewa46Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 19
Gewa Maestro 2 Violin Set 3/4 OC CBGewa46Stable$619€554$619€554Check ↗
- 20
Hamaril Violin Set 1B 3/4Hamaril45Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 21
Stentor SR1400 Violinset 3/4Stentor44↓ 7.7%$174€156$174€156Check ↗
- 22
Gewa Pure Violinset HW 3/4Gewa43↑ 5.8%$183€164$183€164Check ↗
- 23
Stentor SR1018 Violinset 3/4Stentor41Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 24
Yamaha V3-SKA 3/4 ViolinsetYamaha41Stable$353€316$353€316Check ↗
- 25
Yamaha V7 SG34 Violin 3/4Yamaha41Stable$926€829$926€829Check ↗
- 26
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-190-V Violin Set 3/4Alfred Stingl by Höfner40Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 27
Hidersine Venezia Antiqued Viol. Set 3/4Hidersine40Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 28
Hidersine Venezia Finetune Viol. Set 3/4Hidersine40Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 29
Roth & Junius Estudio Violin Set 3/4Roth & Junius39Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 30
Stentor SR1542 Violin Graduate 3/4Stentor39↑ 3.7%$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 31
Roth & Junius Europe Antiqued Violin Set 3/4Roth & Junius39Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 32
Karl Höfner H11-V Violin 3/4Karl Höfner39Stable$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 33
Thomann Classic Violinset 3/4Thomann38Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 34
Artino European Wood Violin Set 3/4Artino38Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 35
Franz Sandner 601 Violin Set 3/4Franz Sandner38Stable$1,283€1,149$1,283€1,149Check ↗
- 36
Stentor SR1550 Conservatoire 3/4Stentor37↑ 7.9%$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 37
Hidersine Vivente Violin Set 3/4Hidersine36↑ 8.7%$278€249$278€249Check ↗
3/4 and 7/8 Violins by the numbers
Measured across all 43 models we track, not a sample.
Median $412 — half of all 3/4 and 7/8 violins here cost less.
most common · 43 models
How to choose the best 3/4 and 7/8 violins
Wood Quality
Spruce top and maple back/sides are the standards, but even within those categories, grain tightness and figuring dramatically impact tone. A tighter, more even grain on the top will generally give you more headroom and a clearer, less muddy sound - crucial for nuanced playing. Don't be fooled by pretty figuring; it's the quality of the wood that matters.
Setup & Playability
Action (string height) is critical. Too high, and it's a struggle to play; too low, and you'll get buzzing and intonation issues. A decent setup from a luthier or experienced shop is worth the investment - it can transform a mediocre instrument into something usable.
Bassbar & Soundpost Placement
These are the secret sauce. A poorly fitted bassbar will choke the instrument's low-end response, resulting in a thin, weak tone. The soundpost's position is everything for tone projection and resonance; even slight adjustments can dramatically alter the sound.
Varnish & Finish
A thick, gummy varnish can deaden the tone. Ideally, you want a thinner, more resonant finish that allows the wood to breathe. This isn't always possible on cheaper instruments, where corners are cut, but it's something to listen for - a muffled sound is a red flag.
Bow Quality
Don't skimp here! A bad bow will make even a good violin sound awful. Look for a bow with decent hair quality (horsehair, not synthetic), a responsive camber (the curve of the bow), and a comfortable grip. A stiff bow will kill your articulation and dynamics.
Buying guide
So, your little one's ready to start their violin journey, or maybe you're a smaller-framed player looking for something a bit more manageable? 3/4 and 7/8 violins are fantastic options, but stepping into this market can be overwhelming. Forget the marketing hype - let's cut through the noise and find an instrument that'll actually inspire playing and develop good technique, without breaking the bank (or sounding terrible).
Honestly, a lot of 3/4 and 7/8 violins in the super-cheap range are just... rough. You'll often find compromises in wood quality and setup. It's better to spend a little more on something that's properly set up and has decent wood than to buy a 'beautiful' instrument that's a pain to play and sounds lifeless.
Consider buying used from a reputable dealer - you can often get a much better instrument for your money, and they'll usually do a basic setup.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 43 3/4 and 7/8 violins from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a 3/4 and 7/8 violin?
They're different sizes, primarily intended for different age ranges and arm lengths. 3/4 is generally for ages 8-12, while 7/8 is for ages 10-14, but it really depends on the individual. Always have the player physically hold and try the instrument.
Can I use a 3/4 violin if I'm an adult?
Sure, if it's a comfortable size for you! Smaller-framed adults sometimes prefer them for comfort. Just make sure the scale length isn't too short, as it can affect intonation.
What should I look for in a bow?
Beyond horsehair, look for a bow that bends smoothly and evenly when drawn. A responsive bow will allow for more nuanced expression; a stiff bow will feel clumsy and limit your dynamics.
Is it worth paying for a setup?
Absolutely. A proper setup - including bridge adjustment, soundpost placement, and action adjustment - can dramatically improve the playability and tone of any violin, especially cheaper ones. It's a non-negotiable.
What does 'warm' vs. 'bright' tone mean for a beginner?
Warm generally means a rounder, more mellow tone with a good low-midrange presence. Bright can mean a more cutting, sometimes harsh tone. For a beginner, a warmer tone is often easier to listen to and more encouraging to play.
