Molly Ayala
Electric violins are violins equipped with an electronic output of their sound. They are designed to avoid feedback from the resonances of the hollow body under high amplification. Electric violins may use magnetic, piezoelectric, or electrodynamic pickups. Unlike acoustic violins, they do not have a resonance chamber, which is why they cannot generate feedback. The sound of an electric violin is often described as rawer or sharper than that of an acoustic violin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Construction | Thick plastic instead of thin glued wood |
| Sound | Zero resonance, relatively quiet |
| Price | Entry level decent electric violins are about $800 |
| Use case | Preferred in rock, pop and some avant-garde genres |
| Use case | Used to reinvigorate music education |
| Use case | Preferred when one cannot make a lot of noise |
| Use case | Preferred when ruggedness is required |
| Use case | Preferred when one wants to avoid feedback |
| Use case | Preferred when one wants to achieve a good sound output |
| Use case | Preferred when one wants to avoid the weight and balance issues of an acoustic violin |
| Use case | Preferred when one wants to avoid the hassle of a practice mute |
| Use case | Preferred when one wants to avoid the hassle of amplifying an acoustic violin |
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What You'll Learn
Electric violins are designed to avoid feedback from resonance
Electric violins are designed to be amplified, and they produce no sound if they are not. This is because their body is solid, unlike the hollow body of an acoustic violin, which acts as a resonance chamber. The body of an acoustic violin is important for increasing the sound output of the instrument and making the conversion of string energy to sound more efficient. The bridge and body of the violin transmit some of the vibrational energy of the string into the air as sound.
However, the solid body of an electric violin means that it has no body resonance at all. This means that there is little difference in the sound between poor and excellent bowing, which can make it difficult to develop a good tone. The lack of resonance also means that effects such as amplification, distortion, and reverb distort the natural sounds of the violin and make it too difficult to learn to produce a good tone.
Additionally, the use of a microphone with an acoustic violin can lead to feedback, as the microphone picks up the vibrations of the resonance chamber. However, since electric violins do not have a resonance chamber, they cannot generate feedback.
Overall, the design of electric violins without a resonance chamber helps to avoid feedback and allows for easier amplification and the application of effects. However, it can also make it more challenging to develop a good tone and can distort the natural sounds of the violin.
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They are equipped with an electronic output of sound
Electric violins are equipped with an electronic output of sound. This means they are intentionally made to be electrified with built-in pickups, usually with a solid body. The term can also refer to a violin fitted with an electric pickup, although "amplified violin" or "electro-acoustic violin" are more accurate descriptions. Electric violins have been used in one form or another since the 1920s, with jazz and blues artist Stuff Smith being credited as one of the first performers to adapt pickups and amplifiers to violins.
Electric violins are a great option for those who want to practice discreetly, as they produce relatively little sound compared to their acoustic counterparts. They are also impervious to temperature and humidity, making them a rugged and durable option for musicians who travel frequently.
The pickups used in electric violins can be magnetic, piezoelectric, or electrodynamic. Magnetic pickups require the use of violin strings with ferrous (iron-containing) metal wraps or cores. Piezo pickups, which attach to the bridge or resonance chamber, are preferable as they don't directly affect the violin's structure. Electric violin pickups with one sensor per string provide more accurate sound reproduction.
Electric violins can also have extra pickups installed in the tailpiece for additional amplification of string resonances. The signals from these pickups are then processed electronically, similar to an electric guitar, to achieve the desired sound. This allows for the creation of effects chains, which can enhance the overall sound output.
Overall, electric violins offer a unique set of features and capabilities that make them a versatile and appealing option for musicians, particularly those seeking a discreet, durable, and electronically customizable instrument.
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They are rugged and durable, made from plastic
Electric violins are built with rugged and durable construction, often made from plastic. This makes them ideal for musicians who travel or play in various environments, as they are impervious to temperature and humidity changes. The plastic body also makes electric violins lightweight, which is advantageous for players who perform standing up or have to carry their instrument for long periods.
The solid plastic body of an electric violin is also a key feature for avoiding feedback issues when amplified. The resonances of the hollow body of an acoustic violin can cause feedback when amplified with a microphone, which is not an issue for electric violins. The plastic body of an electric violin does not have the same resonance chamber as an acoustic violin, so it produces relatively little sound on its own. This makes electric violins a good choice for those who want to practice discreetly or in places where they can't make a lot of noise.
However, the lack of a resonance chamber means that electric violins rely on electronic processing to achieve their sound output. This can be more complicated than with an acoustic violin, as players need to manage several parameters, including acoustic and electrical amplification, and potential interferences. The sound of an electric violin is also different from that of an acoustic violin, with a "rawer" or "sharper" tone that is preferred in rock, pop, and some avant-garde genres.
While the plastic body of an electric violin offers many benefits in terms of durability and feedback resistance, it may not be suitable for players who are seeking a more traditional violin sound or experience. The resonance chamber of an acoustic violin is integral to its timbre (tone colour), and the feedback issue can be managed by using pre-installed pickups instead of a microphone for amplification.
Overall, the rugged and durable construction of electric violins, often made from plastic, makes them a versatile and reliable option for musicians who need an instrument that can withstand various environments and provide a discreet practice experience.
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They are quiet and discreet, ideal for practice
Electric violins are ideal for discreet practice as they are relatively quiet. Unlike acoustic violins, electric violins do not have a resonance chamber. Instead, they are equipped with an electronic output of their sound and have built-in pickups. They can also be fitted with an electric pickup. This means that electric violins do not generate feedback, which can be an issue with acoustic violins.
The lack of a resonance chamber in electric violins results in a "rawer" or "sharper" sound than an acoustic violin. This raw sound is preferred in rock, pop, and some avant-garde genres. Electric violins are also used in jazz and blues performances.
The electric violin's sound is produced by the vibration of its strings, which is converted into an electrical signal by the pickups. The pickups have one sensor per string, allowing for more accurate sound reproduction. However, classical violinists may be disappointed with the sound of electric violins as it does not resemble the natural sound of an acoustic violin.
The weight and balance of electric violins can also be bothersome for some players, and the fixed shoulder rest may be uncomfortable. Additionally, the strings of an electric violin may need to be made of steel, and specific types of bows and rosin may be required. Despite these considerations, electric violins are a good option for those seeking a quiet instrument for discreet practice.
For those who want to continue using an acoustic violin but need to reduce the volume, a practice mute is an alternative option to an electric violin.
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They are versatile, used in rock, pop, and orchestra
Electric violins are incredibly versatile instruments, used in a wide range of musical genres, from rock and pop to orchestra. While the violin is traditionally a classical instrument, electric violins are more commonly used by non-classical musicians in genres such as rock, pop, metal, hip hop, electronic music, jazz, folk, and even experimental music.
In rock music, the electric violin is often favoured for its "rawer" or "sharper" sound, which can be achieved through electronic processing and the use of effects such as distortion and delay. Artists like Urban Blitz of the protopunk rock band Doctors of Madness have used the electric violin to great effect, while Tracy Silverman and Daniel Bernard Roumain have popularized "looping" techniques, using loop pedals to layer sounds and create original compositions for electric looping violin. Electric violins are also commonly used in folk rock, with artists like Dave Swarbrick, and folk metal bands like Turisas and Korpiklaani featuring the electric violin prominently in their compositions.
Pop music has also embraced the electric violin, with bands like Zox, Operator Please, Doll Factory, and Yellowcard incorporating it into their sound. Electric violins can be particularly effective in pop music as they can be easily processed and integrated into modern production techniques. The electric violin has also found a home in musical theatre, with composers like Andrew Lloyd Webber using it to create dynamic and contemporary sounds.
But the electric violin is not just for popular music. It has also been used in orchestra settings, with compositions specifically written for electric violin and orchestra, such as "The Dharma at Big Sur" by Tracy Silverman and "Concerto for Amplified Violin and Orchestra" by the Nashville Symphony. Electric violins are also being used in music education, with programs like Mark Wood's music camp combining rock and orchestra to give students a new appreciation for both classical and contemporary music.
Overall, the electric violin is a versatile instrument that has found a place in a diverse range of musical genres. Its unique sound and experimental nature make it a popular choice for musicians looking to push the boundaries of their art, whether in the realm of rock, pop, orchestra, or beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric violins do not have a resonance chamber. They are equipped with an electronic output of their sound and are usually solid-bodied.
Electric violins were created to avoid the feedback issue that acoustic violins with resonance chambers face.
Electric violins have built-in pickups that convert vibrations into an electrical signal.
Electric violins may use magnetic, piezoelectric, or electrodynamic pickups.
Electric violins are more portable, rugged, and versatile. They are also easier to amplify and apply effects to compared to acoustic violins.
