Top Electric Violin Brands for Exceptional Sound and Style

Electric violins have gained remarkable popularity among musicians due to their innovative sound and versatility. Several brands stand out in the industry, each offering unique features that cater to a wide range of playing styles and budgets. From beginner models to professional-grade instruments, these brands have consistently delivered high-quality sound and cutting-edge technology. Explore the list below to discover the best brands that make electric violins a joy to play.

Illustration of electric violin

Best brands of electric violin in 2025

Yamaha

Yamaha, with a 23.9% market share in 2020, stands as a leading producer of electric violins, offering models like the YEV series, known for their affordability and quality, and the SV series, praised for their lightweight design, with the SV-250 and SV-255 weighing only 500 and 530 grams, respectively. The innovative YEV series, which won the iF Gold Award in 2017, combines different woods like spruce, mahogany, and maple and also features a passive dual-piezo pickup for a natural sound, and an easily accessible volume control. Yamaha also offers high-end YEV Pro models that have a hollow-body with A.R.E technology for enhanced sound and playability, appealing to both professionals and those seeking silent practice options. You can explore their range of electric violins on their website.

NS Design

NS Design, founded in 1990 by Ned Steinberger, is a premier brand for electric violins, offering models with innovative Polar™ pickup systems that capture both arco and pizzicato techniques, and they come in 4 and 5 string configurations, with options like the professional CR Series and the more affordable NXTa Series, making them a top choice for musicians seeking exceptional tone and playability.

Bridge

Since 1995, Bridge has established itself as a premier electric violin producer, crafting instruments that represent over 30% of the market share in some regions, with the innovative design of their 'Aquila' model from 2010 receiving high praise, and their total sales increasing by 15% in the last year, solidifying their commitment to quality and performance; explore their catalog.

Wood Violins

Wood Violins, founded by Mark Wood, a Juilliard-trained electric violinist, is considered a premier manufacturer of electric violins, often called the "Stradivarius of electric violins," known for its innovative designs, including the Viper model with its patented chest support system, which was first created in 1968. The company, run by string players for string players, claims to have made the most significant change to the violin in 400 years and has been putting instruments into the hands of violinists for over 30 years, with the market for violins in the Asia-Pacific region growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2024 to 2031. You can explore their product line on their official website.

Zeta

Zeta, founded in the late 1970s, stands as a highly regarded electric violin producer, with their innovative designs, like the Jazz Fusion model made famous by Jean-Luc Ponty in the mid-1980s, featuring a unique bridge with two piezo pickups per string. After a brief closure in 2010, Zeta was acquired in 2012 by Steve Carlson, bringing 30+ years of musical instrument manufacturing experience and moving production to Bozeman, Montana, where they continue to craft high-quality instruments such as the Strados Modern with its patented bridge pickup and internal preamp providing over 1,000 hours of battery life, solidifying their reputation for excellent sound and playability. You can find more information at Zeta Violins official website.

Stagg

Stagg, established in the 1970s, is recognized as a producer of affordable electric violins, with the EVN series being a popular choice, featuring solid maple bodies, fine tuners, and built-in preamps for headphones, often including a soft case, bow, and rosin; while some users find the bow to be of lesser quality, the instruments themselves are considered well-made and suitable for beginners, with a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from customer reviews, offering a balance of quality and value for musicians, and the brand is available in over seventy countries.

Cecilio

Cecilio is recognized as a popular brand for electric violins, offering a range of instruments with a metallic finish, often favored by beginners for their affordability and decent sound quality, with some models featuring fine tuners and a 9V battery-powered pickup. While some reviews note potential issues with headphone jacks, many find the build quality and playability to be suitable for practice, making it a popular choice with a high sales volume on sites like Amazon and eBay. It is available in various colors and styles, like black metallic, blue, and yellow, and also in different sizes such as 4/4, the full size. Despite being considered an entry-level brand, many users have found the strings to be decent and easy to tune, making it a good value for the price, especially with proper setup. You can explore their offerings further at Cecilio's official website.

Barcus Berry

Barcus Berry, a brand with over 40 years of experience, is recognized as a top producer of electric violins, beginning with their first piezo crystal transducer in 1963. They offer models like the Vibrato-AE series, known for its quality and affordability, which are hand-crafted in Romania and feature built-in bridge piezo pickups for excellent sound. Additionally, the BB-100 Legendary series provides a more professional option with higher quality materials and an American-made bridge pickup, establishing them as a leader in acoustic-electric instruments.

Harley Benton

Harley Benton, a house brand of Thomann, has emerged as a notable contender in the electric violin market, offering instruments with features like built-in piezo pickup systems and solid spruce tops. Though they are not typically listed as a top brand alongside Yamaha or NS Design, the brand does provide budget-friendly options with a variety of models, such as the HBV series. While they may not be the most frequently recommended for beginners, Harley Benton violins are a popular choice for musicians looking for an affordable electric instrument. You can explore their range of electric violins.

Harley Davidson Instruments

While Harley-Davidson is renowned for motorcycles, the Harley Benton brand, often confused with it, is a distinct entity that produces electric violins. The HBV 990AM model stands out as a popular choice for both beginners and experienced players alike due to its active pickup system and versatile sound. Many models are available for purchase on Thomann's website. Although some reviews from 2012 have noted that older models, such as the HBV 400, can be heavy, this brand provides an accessible entry point with good value for money. Often including a case, bow, and other accessories, these violins are practical options for practice and performance. Although there are other top brands such as Yamaha, NS Design, and Bridge Instruments that offer high-quality electric violins, Harley Benton remains a favorable choice for its affordability and comprehensive packages.