Trystan Casey
Electric violins differ from their acoustic counterparts in several ways, including the absence of a resonating chamber, which affects the sound and feel of the instrument. This also means that electric violins require amplification to be heard. As with any stringed instrument, the pitch of an electric violin can be affected by the ambient humidity and temperature, so it is important to tune the instrument regularly. Tuning an electric violin is similar to tuning an acoustic violin, but there are some differences in the tools and techniques used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuning | Tuning forks, piano applications, or electric tuners can be used to tune electric violins. |
| String tension | New strings tend to go out of tune quickly and adjust faster. |
| Bridge | The bridge is held in place by string tension and should be checked when tuning. |
| Setup | Electric violins bought from local shops usually come pre-tuned, while those bought online may require setup. |
| Sound | Electric violins lack a resonating chamber, resulting in reduced resonance. |
| Amplification | Electric violins require amplification devices, such as amplifiers or preamps, to produce sound. |
| Tuning machines | Electric violins have tuning machines on the headstock and fine-tuners on the tailpiece for minor adjustments. |
| Standard tuning | The standard tuning for a 4-string electric violin is G, D, A, and E from lowest to highest string. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric violins require an amplifier to be heard
Electric violins differ from their classical counterparts in that they are made of solid material and do not have resonance chambers. This means that they require an amplifier to be heard. Without an amplifier, an electric violin will produce a very quiet sound or no sound at all.
Amplifiers are essential for electric violinists as they allow them to be heard by their audience. The sound produced by an electric violin travels through the amplifier and then through the air until it reaches the violinist and the audience. This journey is longer than that of a classical violin, which produces sound through the vibration of its strings and body.
There are various ways to amplify an electric violin. One way is to use an amplifier or mixing console, which typically has a 6.35 mm jack. Another way is to use a preamplifier designed for headphones, which usually has a 3.5 mm jack. Some electric violins come with built-in preamplifiers, allowing violinists to practise silently without disturbing others.
It is worth noting that the sound produced by an electric violin through an amplifier is different from that of a classical violin. It is often described as rawer or sharper, making it popular in bands and rock music. Additionally, the effects of amplification can distort the natural sound of the violin, making it more challenging for beginners to learn proper intonation and bowing techniques.
While electric violins can be amplified using various methods, it is generally recommended that beginners start with a classical violin to develop a good tone and technique before transitioning to the electric violin.
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Tuning pegs are used to reach the desired note
Tuning an electric violin is an important part of the setup process. The violin body and strings will adjust depending on the ambient humidity and temperature, so the violin will go out of tune over time. New strings will also go out of tune faster, and more often, than older strings.
To adjust the strings, you must first place the violin in a comfortable position. This could be on a flat surface, on your shoulder as if playing, or upright on your lap. We recommend placing it on your lap as this gives you easy access to the tuning pegs.
To lower string tension, gently turn the tuning pegs anticlockwise. Lowering the string tension loosens the strings, so you can then tighten and raise the tone to your desired note by turning the pegs clockwise. Push the peg into the pegbox while turning to prevent it from slipping. Continue adjusting slowly until the string’s pitch matches the note on your tuner or closely aligns with the reference tone.
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Fine tuners are used for minor adjustments
Electric violins, like all violins, require regular tuning. Fine tuners are an essential component of violins that allow violinists to make precise pitch adjustments. They are especially useful for beginners, who are still learning the skill of tuning with pegs, but are also used by seasoned musicians for quick, accurate tuning during practice and performances.
Fine tuners are small metal screws located on the tailpiece of a violin. They are a relatively new invention from the early 1900s. While some violins have a full set of four fine tuners, others have only one on the E string. The number of fine tuners can be adjusted based on the player's preference and skill level. Fine tuners are particularly effective for metal-core strings, such as the E string, which are more sensitive and responsive to small adjustments.
If a string is extremely out of tune, you may need to use the pegs to make significant adjustments before fine-tuning with the fine tuners. This is also necessary if a fine tuner has been wound right down to the end of the screw and needs to be loosened. When using pegs, always tune from below the note, up to prevent string breakages.
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Electric violins don't have a resonating chamber
Electric violins, like their acoustic counterparts, need to be tuned. However, unlike acoustic violins, electric violins do not have a resonating chamber. This is because they are equipped with an electronic output of their sound and have built-in pickups, usually with a solid body. The solid-body construction of electric violins makes them less susceptible to environmental changes, such as ambient humidity and temperature, which can cause acoustic violins to go out of tune.
The lack of a resonating chamber in electric violins gives them a "rawer" or "sharper" sound than an acoustic violin. This raw sound is often preferred in rock, pop, and some avant-garde genres. The timbre or tone colour of an acoustic violin is due to the resonances of its hollow body, which can cause feedback when amplified on stage. Electric violins, on the other hand, rely on electronic components to produce sound, such as magnetic or piezoelectric pickups.
Piezoelectric pickups are the most common type, capturing the vibration of the strings directly and converting them into an electronic signal. Magnetic pickups, similar to those in electric guitars, are less common and offer a distinct sound. Electric violins can be connected to amplifiers, effect pedals, and sound systems, allowing musicians to experiment with different sounds and effects. This makes them suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and experimental music.
The design of electric violins can vary significantly from acoustic violins, with some featuring minimally designed bodies and others more elaborate and futuristic shapes. The lack of a resonating chamber also contributes to the modern and experimental nature of electric violins, setting them apart from the traditional acoustic violin. Electric violins are often seen as more durable and accessible to players of all levels, making them a popular choice for musicians who travel frequently or perform in different venues.
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Tuning apps are available for mobile phones
Yes, electric violins need to be tuned, and there are several ways to do this. One way is to use a tuning fork to tune the strings. Another way is to connect your electric violin directly to a tuner, such as a Korg, which has a 1/4 plug.
There are several tuning apps available for mobile phones, including the TonalEnergy app, which is available for $3.99 on both Apple and Android devices. This app includes a tuner, metronome, sustained tone (drone), and recording features, and can be used all at the same time. The app is sensitive to a wide range of pitches and has different "difficulty" settings, allowing you to set how close to the pitch you need to be to be considered in tune. It also includes a smiley face for positive reinforcement when you're in tune.
Another option is the iStroboSoft app, which is the priciest in the top five, at $9.99 for both iOS and Android. This app comes from a company known for its strobe tuners, which are said to be the most accurate and precise type of tuner. It is sensitive to a wide range of pitches and includes a noise filter (iOS only) so you can tune yourself specifically, even in a group. The strobe display may be a matter of personal taste, as some people love it while others find it distracting.
A free option is the BOSS Tuner app, which brings the company's trusted technology to the digital world. This app is perfect for musicians who are used to using BOSS tuners, as it has a very similar visual setup to their physical tuners. The Pano Tuner app is another free option that is ready to use straight after installation.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric violins are usually tuned using a tuner, which can be easily downloaded as a mobile application or bought from Amazon. Tuning an electric violin is similar to tuning an acoustic violin, but electric violins do not use the traditional classical violin tuning pegs. They use guitar tuning pegs to hold the strings, which makes the process easier and more durable. The standard tuning for a 4-string electric violin is G, D, A, and E from the lowest to the highest string.
If you are making minor adjustments, such as a fraction of a semitone, use a fine tuner. Clockwise motions increase pitch, while counterclockwise motions lower it. If you are adjusting the pitch using tuning pegs, do so in small increments to avoid accidentally breaking the string. New strings tend to go out of tune quickly at first, but this should improve after several hours of playing.
You can tune your electric violin by ear by first tuning it to a reference note, such as that of a tuning fork or a tuned piano or keyboard. You can also tune your electric violin acoustically by playing it unplugged to get comfortable with the instrument before plugging it in.
