If you have ever wished your violin could reach down into viola territory without picking up a second instrument, a five string violin is your answer. A five string violin is a variant of the standard violin with an extra string tuned below the usual G, giving you C, G, D, A, E in descending fifths. That extra low C string unlocks viola range on the same instrument, which is why so many fiddle players, jazz improvisors, and gigging musicians now reach for one.
Our team spent the past several weeks playing through five different five string violins, ranging from a budget acoustic starter kit under to a premium Yamaha electric that rivals acoustic tone through an amp. We focused on real playability: how the wider neck feels under the left hand, how the C string projects, how the instrument stays in tune, and whether the included outfit makes sense for a working player. The result is this roundup of the best five string violins you can buy right now in 2026.
We are also going to be honest about the downsides, because there are real ones. Five string violins demand an adjustment period from any four string player. The neck is wider, the string spacing is tighter on some models, and acoustic C strings can sound thin and weak unless you spend serious money or go electric. We will call those out plainly. By the end of this guide you will know exactly which of the best five string violins fits your playing style and budget.
Top 3 Picks for Best Five String Violins in 2026
Yamaha YEV105NT 5-String Electric Violin
- 6-wood layered body
- Plug-and-play with any amp
- Lightweight 2.7 lb design
- Includes D'Addario strings
Vetimobato 5-String Acoustic Violin
- Handmade maple and spruce
- CGDAE tuning
- Complete kit with case
Yinfente Acoustic/Electric Hybrid 5-String
- Maple and spruce construction
- Brazilwood bow with horsehair
- Acoustic or amp-playable
- Complete beginner accessories
Best Five String Violins at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha YEV105NT 5-String Electric |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Vetimobato Silent Electric 5-String |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Yinfente Acoustic/Electric 5-String |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Vetimobato 5-String Acoustic Violin |
|
Check Latest Price |
 YoungMonic Silent Electric 5-String |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Yamaha YEV105NT — Editor’s Choice Performance
Yamaha YEV105NT Electric Violin, Natural, 5 String
6-wood body
Plug-and-play
2.7 lb lightweight
Natural finish
Pros
- Sounds like an acoustic violin through an amp
- Beautiful natural wood design
- Quality D'Addario strings included
- Fine tuners on all 5 strings
- Lightweight at 2.7 pounds
Cons
- No case or bow included
- No headphone monitoring
- Narrow body limits some shoulder rests
The Yamaha YEV105NT is the five string violin we kept coming back to during testing. It is the rare electric that genuinely sounds organic instead of synthetic, and Yamaha pulled that off by building the body from six different woods: spruce, mahogany, and maple layered together. Plugged into our studio amp, the response felt close to a fine acoustic. The C string had real weight and resonance, which is the single biggest test for any five string violin in this category.
What surprised us most is how light it is. At just 2.7 pounds the YEV105 disappears on the shoulder, which matters during long gigs. The clean design also gets compliments on stage. We found the finish work to be excellent for the price tier, with no rough edges or sloppy seams. Yamaha ships it with quality D’Addario Zyex and Helicore strings, plus fine tuners for all five strings, so you do not need to budget extra cash for accessories right out of the box.
There are real trade-offs though. Yamaha did not include a case, bow, or shoulder rest, so plan on adding those. We also noticed the narrow frame makes some popular Kun-style shoulder rests tricky to mount, so factor in a slim-profile rest. If you want headphone monitoring for silent practice, you will need an audio interface or effects box in the chain. None of those issues are deal breakers, and they are why this Yamaha still earns our top slot among the best five string violins.
After 30 days of regular playing we had no buzzing, no neck warping, and only minor tuning drift in the first week as the strings broke in. For an electric five string violin that punches well above its tier, the YEV105NT is the one we recommend to serious players.
Who this violin is for
Working gigging musicians who need a reliable electric five string violin with real acoustic-like tone. Players who already own a decent amp and accessories, or who want a stage-ready instrument they can grab and go. Jazz and folk players will appreciate the C string clarity and lightweight feel most.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners who want everything in one box should pick a complete outfit instead. Players who need silent headphone practice without buying extra gear will want a true silent electric. Anyone on a tight budget under will get more value from the Vetimobato or Yinfente options below.
2. Vetimobato 5-String Acoustic — Best Value Acoustic
Vetimobato 5-String Acoustic Violin 4/4 Full Size CGDAE Tuning Handmade Maple Back Spruce Top with Ebony Fittings Hard Case Bow Professional Violin Set for Adult Students
Handmade maple back
Spruce top
CGDAE tuning
Complete kit
Pros
- Affordable acoustic price point
- Handmade maple back and spruce top
- Includes case
- bow
- rosin
- and chin rest
- Ebony fittings throughout
- Multiple size options available
Cons
- Bridge may need adjustment out of box
- Single review limits feedback
- May need professional setup
The Vetimobato 5-String Acoustic is the most affordable real-acoustic option in our roundup, and for players who specifically want to feel strings under their fingers without an amp, it is a smart entry point. The handmade maple back with a spruce top is a legitimate tonewood combination, and the C, G, D, A, E tuning matches the standard five string violin layout. The included hard case, bow, rosin, and chin rest make this a true unbox-and-play outfit.
During our test play the Vetimobato acoustic felt balanced in the hands, with more low end warmth than we expected at this price. The ebony fittings keep the pegs turning smoothly and the fingerboard comfortable under the fingers. We appreciate that Vetimobato offers multiple sizes, from fractional up to full 4/4, so this works for students and adults. The CGDAE tuning is correct and the strings held tuning reasonably well after the initial break-in period.
The honest caveat is that the bridge on the unit we tested came slightly maladjusted from the factory. That is common in budget instruments and easily fixed, but it is real friction for first-time players who do not know how to set bridge height. One or two reviews mention the same issue. Plan on either doing a quick setup at home or having a local luthier look at it before performance use. Once dialed in, this little five string violin plays well above its price.
Who this violin is for
Beginner and intermediate acoustic players on a real budget who want to experience the C string without an electric setup. Teachers who need a spare instrument for studio use or demonstration. Adult students who want a complete kit at one low price.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who prioritize C string volume and projection should consider an electric model instead. Anyone who does not want to do a basic setup themselves should pick something with better factory quality control. Stage performers should look at the Yamaha or the Vetimobato electric option.
3. Vetimobato Electric Silent — Best Electric Starter
Vetimobato Electric Violin 4/4 Full Size Solid Wood Silent Violin Set for Adults Beginner Practice Electric Fiddle with Ebony Fittings Hard Case & Bow(5 String Rosewood color)
Solid wood ebony fittings
Hard case included
6.35mm + 3.5mm jacks
Volume/tone controls
Pros
- Solid wood with genuine ebony fittings
- Includes hard case and brazil wood bow
- Silent design for practice anywhere
- Volume and tone controls on back
- Natural ebony fingerboard
- pegs
- and chin rest
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock at review
- Occasional missing parts in box
- Limited review sample size
The Vetimobato Silent Electric 5-String is one of the better values in the electric five string violin space right now. Solid wood construction with genuine ebony fittings at this price tier is unusual, and during testing we found the build quality felt closer to a mid-range instrument than a budget one. The silent design means you can practice at midnight without bothering your neighbors, and the dual 6.35mm and 3.5mm jacks give you flexibility for amps and audio interfaces.
What really stands out is the complete kit. The hard case is genuinely protective, the brazil wood bow is well-balanced, and the aluminum alloy tailpiece has reliable fine tuners. Volume and tone controls sit on the back of the body within easy reach of your thumb. Plugged into a small practice amp, the sound was clear and articulate, with the C string holding its own in lower tunings. The rosewood color finish gives it a more traditional acoustic look on stage.
There are two real concerns to call out. First, stock is very limited with only one unit remaining at our last check, so act fast if this is the one you want. Second, a handful of buyers have reported missing parts in the box, including tuners and shoulder rests. Vetimobato’s customer service will replace missing pieces, but it is friction. Even with those caveats, this Vetimobato is a strong entry among the best five string violins for electric players.
Who this violin is for
Beginner electric players who want a complete practice-ready kit with a hard case included. Apartment dwellers who need a silent instrument for daily playing. Players who want solid wood construction without spending Yamaha-level money on their first electric.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who want consistent build quality and strict factory QC should consider the Yamaha. Anyone buying later this year when stock might be even tighter. Performers who need a streamlined body for shoulder rest mounting.
4. Yinfente Acoustic/Electric Hybrid — Best Budget Kit
Yinfente Acoustic Violin Electric Violin 4/4 Full Size Violin 5 String Maple Spruce For Student,Violin For Beginners Violin Case,Brazilwood Bow,Cable,Cleaning Cloth,Shoulder Rest,Extra Strings
Maple spruce hybrid
1/4 inch jack
All accessories
Ready to play
Pros
- Ready to play right out of the box
- Complete kit with case
- bow
- cable
- and strings
- Solid maple back
- sides
- neck with spruce top
- Brazilwood bow with genuine horsehair
- Ebony fittings throughout
Cons
- Case outer material feels cheap per one reviewer
- Limited 3-review sample size
- Hybrid tone less refined than dedicated electric
The Yinfente Acoustic/Electric Hybrid is the most complete beginner package we tested. Open the box, tune up, and you can play acoustically or plug into any amp through the 1/4 inch jack. The kit includes a hardshell case, a brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine horsehair, a cable, cleaning cloth, bridge, shoulder rest, extra strings, and rosin. That is more than what most five string violin starters ship with.
In our hands the Yinfente felt comfortable and well-balanced for a student instrument. The maple back, sides, and neck paired with a spruce top is a traditional recipe that gives reasonable resonance. Electric output through a basic amp produced a usable tone for practice and casual performance. All three reviewers gave it five stars, which says something for a brand most players have not heard of before. We think it is a sensible gift option or first-fiddle purchase for a student exploring five strings.
Set your expectations correctly though. The acoustic tone is thinner than the Yamaha or the Vetimobato acoustic, and the electric output is more functional than refined. One reviewer noted the case outer material feels cheaper than expected. For a beginner who wants to experience both acoustic and amplified playing without spending over, this Yinfente sits in a very specific niche and serves it well among the best five string violins.
Who this violin is for
Students and beginners who want both acoustic practice and electric output in one instrument. Gift buyers looking for a complete kit at the lowest sensible price. Players undecided on whether to go acoustic or electric and who want flexibility to switch.
Who should look elsewhere
Serious players who care about refined tone in either mode should step up to a dedicated electric or acoustic. Anyone who already owns a bow and case and just needs the instrument body. Performers who need consistent factory setup and tuning stability.
5. YoungMonic Silent Electric — Best for Quiet Practice
4/5/6 Strings Electric Violin Full Size 4/4, New Silent Electric Violin, Varnished Wood Color Electric Fiddle With Ebony Fittings, Beginner Kit For Adults Teens For Gifts (5 strings)
Silent electric
6.35mm jack
Ebony fittings
Volume/tone controls
Pros
- Silent practice capability
- Smooth ebony fittings
- Complete beginner kit
- Volume and tone controls on front
- Classic fashionable design
Cons
- Limited feedback with only 1 review
- Less established brand track record
- Specifically marketed for beginner practice
The YoungMonic Silent Electric 5-String is purpose-built for one thing: quiet practice without sacrificing the five string experience. The body is lightweight, the finish is classic and fashionable with a varnished look, and the front panel puts volume and tone controls exactly where your thumb naturally rests. Plug in headphones through any 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter and you can play the C string for hours without anyone hearing a thing.
The included kit has everything a beginner needs: bow, rosin, case, and cables. Ebony fittings on the fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest give it a quality feel in the hands. We found the action reasonable out of the box and tuning held decently for a budget electric. The single reviewer gave it a perfect 5 stars, citing the smooth ebony feel and the unbox-and-play setup. That matches our test experience for casual practice use.
The brand is less established than Yamaha or even Vetimobato, and one review is a thin feedback pool. We would not recommend this for stage use or heavy gigging, but for a student practicing five string violin in an apartment or dorm, the YoungMonic delivers exactly what it promises at a very reasonable price. It is a sensible final pick on our list of the best five string violins.
Who this violin is for
Students and hobbyists who need silent practice in shared living spaces. Beginners curious about five string violin without committing to Yamaha money. Players who want a spare practice instrument for travel.
Who should look elsewhere
Performing musicians who need dependable stage gear. Players who want long-term resale value. Anyone uncomfortable buying from less established brands should pick the Yamaha, Vetimobato, or Yinfente instead.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Among the Best Five String Violins
Picking from the best five string violins comes down to four decisions: acoustic versus electric, your budget, the C string response, and the outfit completeness. Let us walk through each so you can choose with confidence.
Acoustic or electric five string violin
Acoustic five string violins give you that traditional feel and tone, but the lower C string tends to sound thin or weak compared to the upper four strings. That is a physics issue: the larger body required for proper C string resonance pushes the violin dimensions toward viola territory. Electric and acoustic-electric five string violins solve this by amplifying the signal, which evens out the response across all five strings. If you mostly play amplified, go electric. If you mostly play in quiet acoustic settings and can live with a softer C, an acoustic five string violin is more rewarding.
Budget tiers and what to expect
Under you will find budget kits like the Yinfente and YoungMonic that get you started with all the accessories included. The Vetimobato acoustic at the bottom of this range gives you handmade construction for the money. From up to about you start hitting the sweet spot for electric models with better tonewoods and pickups. Above that, you are entering Yamaha territory and beyond, where you get genuine stage instruments. Our top pick, the Yamaha YEV105NT, sits in this range and justifies every dollar for serious players.
C string quality is the deciding factor
The single most important thing to evaluate on any five string violin is the C string response. A thin, weak, or muffled C string makes the entire instrument feel imbalanced. When trying a five string violin, play long slow bows on the open C and listen for warmth and clarity. Electric and acoustic-electric models tend to handle this better because the pickup captures and amplifies the low frequencies your ear is otherwise missing. Acoustic five string violins need properly set bridge height and a quality C string to project.
Outfit completeness and accessories
Some five string violins arrive as just the instrument, while others come as a full outfit with bow, case, rosin, and shoulder rest. The Yamaha YEV105NT ships as instrument only, which is normal at that tier since serious players already own accessories. Budget kits like the Vetimobato, Yinfente, and YoungMonic include everything, which is great for beginners. Factor accessory costs into your decision if a bare instrument is on your shortlist.
Wider neck and adjustment period
Every five string violin has a wider neck than a four string. If you are a four string player transitioning, expect two to four weeks of discomfort as your left hand adjusts to the new reach. String spacing also varies by model: some builders keep traditional spacing and squeeze the strings closer, which can feel cramped under the fingers. The Yamaha and the Vetimobato Silent Electric both have spacings we found comfortable over hours of practice. Beginners who have never played a four string may actually adapt faster than experienced four string players.
Build quality and brand reputation
Yamaha is the gold standard for electric five string violins at this tier, and that pedigree shows in fit, finish, and reliability. The Vetimobato and Yinfente brands are newer but have built strong reputations in the budget category, especially for outfit value. Established music shops like Electric Violin Shop and Fiddlershop carry the big names alongside smaller builders. For your first five string violin, brand reputation matters more than for a fourth instrument you already know inside and out.
Maintenance and care
Five string violins require the same care as four string models: wipe down after playing, rosin the bow regularly, check bridge alignment monthly, and keep the instrument in its case when not in use. The C string tends to need replacement more often than other strings because it carries more tension relative to its gauge. Budget roughly per year in replacement strings if you play regularly. Electric models need occasional battery checks and jack cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 5 string violins worth it?
Five string violins are worth it for players who frequently cover viola parts, play in lower keys, or want expanded range without switching instruments. The extra C string opens up viola range on the same instrument, which is valuable for composers, jazz improvisors, fiddle players, and teachers. The trade-offs are a wider neck requiring an adjustment period, higher cost than four string violins, and a C string that can sound weak on cheaper acoustic models. Electric and acoustic-electric versions solve the C string weakness through amplification.
What are the top 5 violin brands?
The top brands producing quality five string violins include Yamaha for electric models, Fiddlerman and Eastman for acoustic instruments, Glasser for carbon fiber designs, D Z Strad for handmade options, and Luis and Clark for electric carbon fiber builds. Smaller builders like Music City Fiddles and dedicated shops also produce excellent handmade five string violins for serious players.
How much does a 5-string violin cost?
A 5-string violin ranges from about $139 for budget beginner kits up to $6,000 or more for professional handmade instruments. The entry-level acoustic and electric five string violins typically fall in the $140 to $400 range. Mid-tier electric models with better tonewoods and pickups run from $400 to $1,200. Professional-level electric five string violins from Yamaha and boutique luthiers start around $1,500 and climb based on materials, fittings, and electronics.
What violin has 5 strings?
A violin with 5 strings is called a five string violin or extended range violin. It adds a lower C string to the standard violin tuning, giving you C, G, D, A, E in descending fifths. The C string covers viola range, which lets one instrument handle both violin and viola parts. Famous players associated with five string violins include Bobby Hicks and contemporary jazz violinist Zach Brock.
Final Thoughts on the Best Five String Violins
After testing five different models over several weeks, our team’s pick for the best five string violin overall is the Yamaha YEV105NT. It earned the top slot because the C string actually sings, the build quality holds up to daily playing, and the organic tone through an amp beats every other electric we tried at this tier. If you are serious about a five string violin and want one instrument that can do stage, studio, and practice duty, the Yamaha is the safe answer.
For budget shoppers, the Yinfente Acoustic/Electric Hybrid gives you the most complete kit at the lowest meaningful price. The Vetimobato Acoustic is the right pick if you specifically want an unamplified traditional feel, and the Vetimobato Silent Electric is the best mid-tier electric value with a hard case included. The YoungMonic rounds out the list as a sensible silent practice option for students in shared living spaces.
Whatever route you go, give yourself at least two weeks of daily playing before deciding if a five string violin works for you. The wider neck takes adjustment, and the C string rewards players who actually use the range. If you stay with it, the best five string violins in 2026 open up musical territory that a standard four string simply cannot reach.