6 Best Full Size Violins For Teens That Music Teachers Recommend

Your teen has been sawing away on that 3/4 size violin for years, and suddenly, their teacher says the magic words: "It’s time for a full-size." This is a milestone, a sign that their dedication is paying off and their skills are growing right along with their arms. But choosing that first full-size instrument can feel like a major leap, shifting from a rental or a basic starter model to a more significant investment in their musical journey.

Choosing Your Teen’s First Full-Size Violin

Moving to a 4/4 or full-size violin isn’t just about a bigger instrument; it’s about providing your teen with a tool that can match their advancing abilities. A fractional-size violin is built to get a child started, but a quality full-size instrument is designed to produce a richer, more complex tone. It allows for the nuance and expression they’re now learning in their lessons. This is their chance to develop their unique musical voice.

Making the right choice comes down to honestly assessing where your teen is on their path. This isn’t about predicting if they’ll be a professional musician. It’s about matching the instrument to their current level of commitment and skill. Before you start shopping, have a candid conversation with their music teacher, who will have the best insight into your child’s technical needs.

Consider these key factors:

• Demonstrated Commitment: Does your teen practice without constant reminders? Do they genuinely enjoy playing in their school orchestra or for family? An instrument in the $600-$1200 range is a reasonable investment for a student showing consistent effort.
• Teacher’s Input: Your child’s teacher knows what to listen for. They can recommend specific brands or local violin shops (luthiers) known for quality setups, which is just as important as the violin itself.
• Your Family’s Budget: Be realistic. A well-made student violin is an investment, but you don’t need to spend thousands. The goal is to get the best possible sound and playability within a budget that feels comfortable for your family.

Stentor Conservatoire: A Reliable Step-Up Violin

You’ve seen your teen progress steadily through their lesson books. They’ve moved beyond "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and are now tackling pieces with more complexity. They need an instrument that can keep up, but you’re not quite ready for a conservatory-level price tag. The Stentor Conservatoire is the quintessential "step-up" violin for this exact scenario.

For decades, teachers have recommended the Stentor brand for its reliability and solid construction. The Conservatoire model offers a significant improvement in tonal quality over most basic rentals or beginner outfits. It’s crafted from solid tonewoods—spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides—which gives it a warmer, more resonant sound that will inspire your teen to practice.

This violin is a workhorse. It’s durable enough to handle the daily trip to school orchestra and responsive enough for private lessons. It provides the developing musician with an instrument that won’t hold them back, making it easier to produce a clear, pleasing sound. This boosts confidence at a critical stage where frustration can often lead to quitting.

Cremona SV-500: Quality for the Serious Student

Perhaps your teen is starting to live and breathe music. They’re practicing for honor orchestra auditions or spending their free time looking up new pieces to play. When you see that spark of genuine passion, it’s time to consider an instrument that can truly sing. The Cremona SV-500 is designed for this dedicated student.

This model represents a clear jump in craftsmanship. It typically features higher-quality, aged tonewoods and a more refined level of detail in its construction. The result is an instrument with greater projection and a more complex, nuanced tone. Your teen will discover that the violin responds more sensitively to their bowing technique, allowing for a wider range of dynamics and emotional expression.

Investing in a violin like the SV-500 tells your teen that you see and support their hard work. It’s an instrument that can carry them through high school and even into college auditions. While it’s a higher price point, its quality ensures it holds its value better than more basic models, making it a sound long-term investment in their growth.

Franz Hoffmann Amadeus: A Teacher-Approved Choice

Sometimes, the best choice is the one that music teachers trust year after year. You want a violin that is known for being easy to play right out of the box, with a pleasant, forgiving tone that encourages students to keep going. The Franz Hoffmann Amadeus violin consistently earns praise from educators for exactly these reasons.

This instrument is specifically designed to help a student sound good. Its setup is often very playable, meaning the strings aren’t too high off the fingerboard, which reduces finger strain for a teen who is practicing longer pieces. A violin that is comfortable and produces a sweet sound helps a student focus on technique and musicality, rather than fighting the instrument to make a decent note.

The Amadeus is a fantastic middle-ground choice. It offers a clear, warm tone that is a definite step up from a beginner model but remains at a very accessible price point for families. It’s a safe, reliable, and highly-recommended option that removes the guesswork and provides a solid platform for intermediate skill development.

Yamaha V5SC: Consistent Tone and Playability

Your family values practicality and consistency. Maybe this violin will be passed down to a younger sibling in a few years, or maybe you just want an instrument you know will perform reliably day in and day out. Yamaha has built a global reputation for exceptional quality control, and their V5SC acoustic violin is no exception.

Known for their consistency, a Yamaha violin will sound and feel very similar from one instrument to the next. This reliability is a huge asset for a student. They get a well-made, durable instrument with a clear, focused tone that blends beautifully in an orchestra setting. Yamaha instruments are also known for holding their tuning well, a small but significant detail that saves a lot of frustration during practice time.

The V5SC is sold as a complete outfit, including a quality wood bow and a durable, protective case. This makes it a convenient and practical choice for busy families. You’re not just buying a violin; you’re buying peace of mind, knowing you have a dependable instrument from a trusted brand that will support your teen’s musical education without fuss.

Eastman Strings VL200: Handcrafted for Advancing

Your teen is developing a discerning ear. They’re starting to talk about the "color" of the sound and can hear the difference between a good instrument and a great one. For the student who is becoming a true musician, the handcrafted quality of the Eastman Strings VL200 offers a new level of artistic possibility.

Eastman is highly respected for bringing traditional, by-hand luthier techniques to student instruments at an attainable price. The VL200 is often made with beautifully flamed maple and aged woods, finished with an antique-style varnish. More than just looks, this careful craftsmanship results in a violin with a rich, complex, and powerful tone that has real personality.

This is an instrument that can grow with a serious student for many years. It has the tonal potential to respond to advanced techniques as your teen masters them, from subtle vibrato to powerful bow strokes. Choosing a handcrafted instrument like the Eastman VL200 is an investment in your teen’s potential for musical expression.

Kennedy Violins Louis Carpini G2: A Complete Outfit

The logistics of buying a new instrument can be overwhelming. First the violin, then you need a good bow, a protective case, rosin, and more. For parents who want a high-quality, all-in-one solution without the stress of sourcing accessories, the Kennedy Violins Louis Carpini G2 outfit is a fantastic option.

Kennedy Violins has built a strong reputation for customer service and for providing excellent, well-matched "outfits." The Louis Carpini G2 is praised for its warm, rich tone that often sounds like it belongs on a more expensive instrument. It’s a significant step up from a typical beginner package, offering a violin that is capable of producing a truly musical sound.

What makes this a standout choice is the quality of the entire package. The outfit typically includes a genuine Brazilwood bow (a major upgrade from fiberglass) and a sturdy, protective case. Getting a well-matched bow is crucial, as it has a huge impact on sound production. This complete, teacher-approved package ensures your teen has everything they need to succeed from day one.

Final Considerations: Renting vs. Buying a Violin

Even if your teen seems committed, the jump to a full-size violin can bring up the age-old question: should we rent or buy? There’s no single right answer, but here’s a framework to help you decide. Renting is a low-risk trial period. If your teen is just moving to a full-size and you want to give it six months to see if their commitment sticks, renting is a perfect choice. Many music shops offer rent-to-own programs where your rental payments can be applied toward a future purchase.

Buying is a long-term investment in their skill. If your teen has been playing for 3+ years and still enjoys it, buying is almost always more cost-effective. The monthly payments on a rental can add up quickly, often surpassing the purchase price of a great step-up violin within two years. Owning the instrument can also give a teen a greater sense of responsibility and pride, which can be a powerful motivator.

When you buy a quality student instrument from a reputable brand like the ones listed here, you’re also investing in an asset. These violins have decent resale value. You can often sell them to another family with a budding musician or trade them in at a violin shop for credit toward an even better instrument down the road. It’s not just a purchase; it’s a step on a continuing musical ladder.

Ultimately, the best full-size violin is the one that your teen will be excited to pick up and play every day. Involve them in the process, listen to their teacher’s advice, and choose an instrument that fits their current dedication and your family’s budget. This purchase is a wonderful way to acknowledge their progress and support them as they continue to explore the beautiful world of music.