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Best Electric Violins and Violas Under $5,000 2026

Affordable electric violins and violas under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Contemporary For Rock For Pop For Jazz Fusion For Recording Studio For Live Performance
BRANDS: Harley Benton NS Design Yamaha Gewa
Bodo Vosshenrich Electrola Ergo E-Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Bodo Vosshenrich Electrola Ergo E-Viola 16"

by Bodo Vosshenrich
Recording Studio Rock Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Modern genre versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Effects processing capabilities
  • • Consistent electronic output
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Electronic dependency

Bodo Vosshenrich Electrola Ergo E-Viola 16"Electric ViolaScale: 16"Electric viola with vibrating body and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 563764
$3,069
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR4-VA-AM Amber Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

NS Design CR4-VA-AM Amber Viola

by NS Design
Contemporary Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Consistent electronic output
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Electronic dependency

NS Design CR4-VA-AM Amber ViolaElectric 4-String ViolaWith active pickup system and headphone outputFingerboard made of...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 194927
$4,499
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fidelius HK-6 Stag Beetle Violin 6-str - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fidelius HK-6 Stag Beetle Violin 6-str

by Fidelius
Pop Contemporary Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • No feedback when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Electronic dependency

Fidelius HK-6 Stag Beetle Violin 6-str6-String ViolinWith extravagant stag beetle body shapeWittner fine tuning...

⭐ 5.0/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 454107
$3,069
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fidelius F-Trad-5 Electric Violin 5-str - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Fidelius F-Trad-5 Electric Violin 5-str

by Fidelius
Live Performance Rock Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Consistent electronic output
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback when amplified
  • • Modern genre versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

Fidelius F-Trad-5 Electric Violin 5-str5-String Electric ViolinWith traditional body shapeWittner fine-tuning pegsLight...

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 454100
$2,409
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha SV-255 Silent Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Yamaha SV-255 Silent Violin

by Yamaha
Jazz Fusion Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Consistent electronic output
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing response
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

Yamaha SV-255 Silent ViolinSilent Violin5-stringThe traditional oval shaped neck gives a natural feelWeight similar to...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 247291
$2,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT4a-VA-SB Viola Satin Sunb. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

NS Design NXT4a-VA-SB Viola Satin Sunb.

by NS Design
Live Performance Contemporary Pop
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent electronic output
  • • Modern genre versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing response
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design NXT4a-VA-SB Viola Satin Sunburst4-String ViolaWith special shoulder supportDual Mode Output-Battery-Free...

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 402029
$2,629
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR5-VN-PB Electric Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

NS Design CR5-VN-PB Electric Violin

by NS Design
Rock Jazz Fusion Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • No feedback when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Different bowing response

NS Design CR5-VN-PB Electric ViolinElectric 5-String ViolinWith active pickup system and headphone outputIntegrated...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 407904
$4,609
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR4-VN-SG Electric Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

NS Design CR4-VN-SG Electric Violin

by NS Design
Contemporary Jazz Fusion Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback when amplified
  • • Consistent electronic output
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing response
  • • Electronic dependency

NS Design CR4-VN-SG Electric ViolinElectric ViolinElectric 4-String ViolinWith active pickup system and headphone...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 407900
$4,334
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-VN-SB-F Fretted Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

NS Design NXT5a-VN-SB-F Fretted Violin

by NS Design
Rock Recording Studio Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent electronic output
  • • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Requires amplification system
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design NXT5a-VN-SB-F Fretted ViolinFretted violin5-String modelFretted ebony fingerboard (Diospyros melanoxylon)Dual...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 404640
$2,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YEV105 Pro NBR Electric Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Yamaha YEV105 Pro NBR Electric Violin

by Yamaha
Contemporary Rock Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Consistent electronic output
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent electronic output
  • • Modern genre versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Requires amplification system
  • • Different bowing response

Yamaha YEV105 Pro NBR Electric ViolinElectric 5-String ViolinFurther development of the YEV 105 model with approx. 550...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 597894
$2,013
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT4a-VN-BK-F Fretted Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

NS Design NXT4a-VN-BK-F Fretted Violin

by NS Design
Recording Studio Live Performance Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Consistent electronic output
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

NS Design NXT4a-VN-BK-F Fretted ViolinFretted ViolinPolar pickup systemPizzicato /Arco switchScale: 330 mmFretted ebony...

⭐ 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 286880
$2,684
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-VN-BK Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

NS Design NXT5a-VN-BK Violin

by NS Design
Recording Studio Jazz Fusion Pop
Key Feature:
• Modern genre versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Modern genre versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Electronic dependency
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design NXT5a-VN-BK Violin5-String Electric ViolinPolar pickup systemPizzicato/Arco switchEbony fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 404645
$2,519
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fidelius F-Trad-4 Electric Violin 4-str - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Fidelius F-Trad-4 Electric Violin 4-str

by Fidelius
Pop Live Performance Rock
Key Feature:
• No feedback when amplified
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Modern genre versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

Fidelius F-Trad-4 Electric Violin 4-strElectric ViolinWith traditional body shapeWittner fine-tuning pegsLight metal...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 454098
$2,167
Buy at Thomann View Details
Bodo Vosshenrich Electrola Standard E-Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Bodo Vosshenrich Electrola Standard E-Viola 16"

by Bodo Vosshenrich
Rock Contemporary Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Consistent electronic output
✗ CONS
  • • Electronic dependency
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

Bodo Vosshenrich Electrola Standard E-Viola 16"Electric ViolaWith 16" scaleElectric viola with vibrating body...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 563727
$2,739
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR5-VN-SG Electric Violin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

NS Design CR5-VN-SG Electric Violin

by NS Design
Jazz Fusion Pop Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Consistent electronic output
✓ PROS
  • • Effects processing capabilities
  • • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing response
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

NS Design CR5-VN-SG Electric ViolinElectric ViolinElectric 5-string violinWith active pickup system and headphone...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 407906
$4,609
Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

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