Best Electric Violins and Violas Under $500 2026
Affordable electric violins and violas under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
GENRES & STYLES:
For Contemporary
For Rock
For Pop
For Jazz Fusion
For Recording Studio
For Live Performance
#1
⭐
4.4/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS160 EV Electric Violin
Live Performance
Recording Studio
Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• No feedback when amplified
✓ PROS
- • Consistent electronic output
- • Modern genre versatility
✗ CONS
- • Requires amplification system
- • Electronic dependency
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS160 EV Electric ViolinElectric ViolinSolid spruce topMaple sidesMaple backEbony pegsEbony...
⭐
4.4/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 207733
$417
#2
⭐
4.4/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Thomann Europe Electric Violin 4/4 BK
by
Thomann
Pop
Rock
Contemporary
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
- • Modern genre versatility
- • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
- • Lacks acoustic resonance
- • Electronic dependency
Thomann Europe Electric Violin 4/4 BKViolinAcoustic violin with integrated Piezo pickup systemSize: 4/4Solid spruce...
⭐
4.4/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 247248
$438
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Thomann Europe Electric Violin 4/4 NV
by
Thomann
Jazz Fusion
Live Performance
Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Consistent electronic output
✓ PROS
- • Silent practice with headphones
- • Modern genre versatility
✗ CONS
- • Not suitable for classical orchestra
- • Lacks acoustic resonance
Thomann Europe Electric Violin 4/4 NVViolinAcoustic violin with integrated Piezo pickup systemSize: 4/4Solid spruce...
⭐
4.9/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 247242
$438
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Stentor SR1515DPA Electric Violin Set
by
Stentor
Live Performance
Recording Studio
Pop
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
- • No feedback when amplified
- • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
- • Different bowing response
- • Requires amplification system
Stentor SR1515DPA Electric Violin SetElectric Violin 4/4 SetArtec piezo pickup with tone and volume...
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 479824
$428
#5
⭐
4.6/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Thomann Europe Electric Violin 4/4 WH
by
Thomann
Contemporary
Rock
Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
- • Modern genre versatility
- • No feedback when amplified
✗ CONS
- • Requires amplification system
- • Lacks acoustic resonance
Thomann Electric Violin 4/4 WHViolinAcoustic violin with integrated Piezo pickup systemSize: 4/4Solid spruce topSolid...
⭐
4.6/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 247241
$472
#6
⭐
4.9/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Stentor SR1515A Electric Violin Set
by
Stentor
Jazz Fusion
Contemporary
Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
- • Modern genre versatility
- • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
- • Lacks acoustic resonance
- • Not suitable for classical orchestra
Stentor SR1515A Acoustic Electric Violin SetElectric Violin 4/4 SetHandmadeMade from solid tonewoodsFingerboard:...
⭐
4.9/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 479822
$483
How to Choose the Best Electric Violins and Violas
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced electric violins and violas typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
