AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 3/4 and 7/8 Violins for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Yamaha V7 SG34 Violin 3/4 ($926). Gewa Sonata Violin Set OC / MB 3/4 gives you the most for the money at $556. Franz Sandner 601 Violin Set 3/4 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 37 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size3/4 size
The Yamaha V7 SG34 is a solid choice for a serious young student or a budget-conscious adult beginner. Its all-solid wood construction provides a much richer tone than many entry-level instruments, and the included accessories make it ready to play straight out of the box – a great value for the price.
Pros
- Solid wood construction delivers a surprisingly resonant and warm tone.
- Hand-carved spruce top enhances projection and responsiveness.
- Ebony fretboard and fittings contribute to a refined feel and durability.
Cons
- The oil-based finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and requires careful maintenance.
- The included bow, while functional, is likely a step below the violin's quality and may need upgrading later.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$926 now$926€829 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This violin uses solid spruce and maple for a bright, clear tone. The ebony fingerboard feels nice under your fingers. It comes with a case and a wooden bow, making it ready to play right away. Great for students or small rooms who want solid wood sound without the cost of full-size instruments.
Pros
- Solid spruce top provides strong acoustic response
- Solid maple back and sides add resonance
- Ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability
Cons
- No mention of bridge material or endpin
- String brand is synthetic core only
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$725 now$725€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a solid choice for a young player. The spruce top sings well, and the maple back looks nice. It comes ready to play with good strings and a fine tuner. It suits kids who want a reliable instrument without extra gear.
Pros
- Full solid spruce top provides strong vibration
- Better flame veneer maple on back and sides
- Orange-brown spirit varnish adds depth
Cons
- Full solid back and sides not specified
- Bow is not included in the package
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$668 now$668€598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
The Franz Sandner 601 is a well-regarded student violin set, offering a surprisingly mature tone for the price. The solid spruce top and maple back provide a balanced sound, and the Pirastro Tonica strings are a real bonus. This is an excellent choice for serious young players transitioning from smaller instruments or beginners looking for a quality, reliable setup.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, responsive tone, ideal for developing ears
- Maple back and sides contribute warmth and projection, a mature sound for a student instrument
- Pirastro Tonica strings offer a pleasing, full sound—a significant upgrade from basic sets
Cons
- The included bow, while functional, is a basic model and may benefit from an upgrade later
- Spirit varnish, while traditional, can be a little thick and may dampen the tone slightly
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,283 now$1,283€1,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 size violin set, so it suits a young player who has grown past the smaller sizes. You get a solid European spruce top and solid flamed European maple back and sides, with ebony fittings and an Aubert Mirecourt bridge. A GEWA carbon bow, rosin and a GEWA case come in the box, so you have everything you need to start playing.
Pros
- Back and sides are solid, well flamed European maple
- Top is selected solid European spruce
- Includes a GEWA carbon bow, rosin and a GEWA violin case
Cons
- Hand-applied varnish means slight colour differences are possible
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$619 now$619€554 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
The Gewa Maestro 6 is a solid choice for younger or intermediate players looking for a well-built violin. The solid spruce top and ebony fittings contribute to a surprisingly rich sound for its class, and the antique finish gives it a nice aesthetic. It’s a great value for a student violin, offering a step up from entry-level instruments.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant and mature tone.
- Diospyros crassiflora ebony fingerboard and pegs offer excellent response and durability.
- The spirit-based lacquer provides a warm, attractive finish and good protection.
Cons
- The 'antiqued' look might feel a bit artificial to some purists.
- While Larsen strings are decent, an upgrade would unlock even more tonal complexity.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$613 now$613€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 size violin set, made for a younger player or a smaller frame. You get a solid spruce top, solid flamed maple back and sides, and ebony parts, plus a carbon bow and a case with rucksack straps for carrying it around. It suits a child or youth who needs a complete set to start with, and it is handmade in Gewa workshops across Europe.
Pros
- Back and sides are solid, beautifully flamed European maple
- Solid European spruce top gives the body a strong base
- Ebony fingerboard, ebony pegs and ebony chinrest, plus a Milo Stamm bridge
Cons
- Hand-applied varnish means slight colour variations may occur
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 22Aug 22$579 now$579€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This 3/4 violin uses solid spruce and maple to sound bright and warm right out of the box. It comes with a good bow and case, making it ready to play immediately. The hand-applied varnish adds a nice touch of traditional craftsmanship. This set works well for students who want a sturdy, reliable instrument without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top provides strong fundamental response
- Solid European maple back and sides offer balanced resonance
- Thomastik Dominant strings ensure reliable intonation and tone
Cons
- No electronic pickup is available for silent practice
- Lack of detailed setup notes in the product description
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$613 now$613€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a full 3/4 size violin set, so it suits a young player who is ready to move past a small starter instrument. You get a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, along with ebony fingerboard, pegs and chinrest. It also comes with a bow and a case with backpack straps, so you can start playing and carry it to school or lessons right away.
Pros
- Back and sides are solid, beautifully flamed European maple
- Solid European spruce top gives the front a strong, classic base
- Ebony fingerboard, pegs and chinrest, with inlaid purfling
Cons
- Hand-applied varnish means slight colour variations may occur
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 22Aug 22$556 now$556€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
The Gewa Maestro 1 is a solid choice for younger, developing players or those on a budget looking for a step up from a beginner instrument. The European tonewoods offer a surprisingly mature tone, and the included accessories are decent enough to get started. It's a well-rounded package that provides good value for the money.
Pros
- Solid European maple back/sides provide warmth and resonant projection.
- Hand-applied spirit varnish enhances tonal complexity and beauty.
- Aubert bridge and Wittner tailpiece offer excellent responsiveness and tuning stability.
Cons
- The included rosin might need upgrading for optimal bow response.
- While well-made, the Gewa case is fairly basic and lacks premium protection.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$556 now$556€498 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
Gewa Sonata Violin Set SC / CB 3/4Gewa46Stable$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 12
Hidersine Venezia Antiqued Viol. Set 3/4Hidersine40Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 13
Gewa Sonata Violin Set SC / MB 3/4Gewa46Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha V5 SC34 Violin 3/4Yamaha · 2 finishes46Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 15
Roth & Junius Europe Antiqued Violin Set 3/4Roth & Junius39Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 16
Gewa Ideale Violin Set 3/4 SC CBGewa · 4 finishes57Stable$396€355$396€355Check ↗
- 17
Gewa Allegro Violin Set 3/4 SC MBGewa · 3 finishes54Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 18
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-V Violin Set 3/4Alfred Stingl by Höfner48↓ 40.2%$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 19
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS200 V3/4 SE Violin SetAlfred Stingl by Höfner48↓ 17.2%$221€198$221€198Check ↗
- 20
Karl Höfner H7-V Violin 3/4Karl Höfner47↓ 20.1%$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 21
Gewa Pure Violinset EW 3/4Gewa46Stable$261€234$261€234Check ↗
- 22
Gewa Allegro Violin 3/4Gewa46Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 23
Gewa Ideale Violin 3/4Gewa46Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 24
Gewa 100th Anniversary Violin 3/4Gewa46Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 25
Gewa Maestro 1 Violin 3/4Gewa46Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 26
Gewa Maestro 2 Violin 3/4Gewa46Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 27
Hamaril Violin Set 1B 3/4Hamaril45Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 28
Stentor SR1400 Violinset 3/4Stentor44↓ 7.7%$174€156$174€156Check ↗
- 29
Gewa Pure Violinset HW 3/4Gewa43↑ 5.8%$183€164$183€164Check ↗
- 30
Stentor SR1018 Violinset 3/4Stentor41Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 31
Yamaha V3-SKA 3/4 ViolinsetYamaha41Stable$353€316$353€316Check ↗
- 32
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-190-V Violin Set 3/4Alfred Stingl by Höfner40Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 33
Roth & Junius Estudio Violin Set 3/4Roth & Junius39Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 34
Stentor SR1542 Violin Graduate 3/4Stentor39↑ 3.7%$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 35
Thomann Classic Violinset 3/4Thomann38Stable$166€149$166€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
Tonewood Quality
Forget about generic spruce and maple. Advanced players need to hear the difference - a responsive top that blooms with dynamics, a back and sides that offer warmth and projection without muddiness. Cheap instruments often use low-grade, kiln-dried wood which lacks character and sustain.
Varnish & Resonance
A thick, plasticky varnish chokes the sound. We're after a thinner, more flexible varnish that allows the wood to breathe and resonate freely. This directly impacts articulation and how easily you can get complex bowing patterns to sing.
Neck Profile & Setup
A comfortable neck profile is critical for advanced techniques - shifting, vibrato, and intricate passages. A poor setup (high action, uneven fingerboard) will cripple your playing. Expect to have any new instrument professionally set up, regardless of price.
Bass Response & Projection
Those chamber music gigs or band rehearsals demand a violin that can cut through the mix. You need a solid low-end thump, not a thin, reedy sound. Look for instruments with a well-figured back that contributes to projection and a fuller tone.
Bridge & Soundpost Placement
These seemingly minor details have a massive impact on tone and responsiveness. A poorly fitted bridge or soundpost can drastically dampen the violin's potential. It's a sign of quality craftsmanship when these are precisely aligned.
Buying guide
So, you've outgrown the student violins, huh? A 3/4 or 7/8 isn't just a size thing - it's about stepping up your game. We're not talking about instruments for beginners here; we're looking at options that can handle the nuances of advanced playing, whether you're cutting through a folk ensemble, laying down tracks in a studio, or just demanding more from your practice. Let's find you something that sings, not just squeaks.
Don't be fooled by flashy aesthetics. A beautiful violin isn't necessarily a good violin. The biggest corner cut on cheaper instruments is almost always in the wood and varnish - that's where the tone suffers.
Invest in a good luthier to set it up properly; it's cheaper than lessons to correct a bad setup. Spend a little more for a violin that responds to your touch and allows you to express your musicality.
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?
A 7/8 is slightly larger than a 3/4, bridging the gap to a full-size. It's often a good option for taller players who find a full-size unwieldy but still need more projection and a deeper tone than a 3/4 provides.
Can I use a 3/4 violin for professional gigs?
Absolutely, if it's a quality 3/4. Many excellent players use smaller sizes for comfort or stylistic reasons. Just make sure it has the tonal projection and responsiveness to handle the situation.
What should I look for in a setup?
Low, even action is crucial. The fingerboard should be perfectly straight, and the soundpost should be correctly positioned. A good luthier will also check the bridge angle and string spacing.
Are carbon fiber violins a good option for advanced players?
They can be. They offer consistent performance and are less susceptible to humidity changes, but they often lack the warmth and complexity of a traditional wood violin. It's a trade-off - reliability versus tonal character.
Is it worth buying a vintage violin?
Potentially, but be very careful. A poorly restored or misrepresented vintage violin can be a nightmare. Get it thoroughly inspected by a trusted expert before you commit - it's an investment, not a gamble.
