Trystan Casey
The world of music is ever-evolving, and violinists are no longer restricted to the classical style of playing. Today, violins are used in a wide variety of musical styles, from country to jazz to rock, and electric violins have become more prevalent. There are several ways to electrify an acoustic violin, including using a microphone or a pickup (also known as a transducer). The pickup is a small, metallic device that is usually wedged on the side of the bridge and converts sound vibrations into electric signals that are augmented through an amplifier. The other option is to buy an electric violin, which is a solid-body instrument that requires an amplifier to produce a loud enough sound for performance.
How to turn an acoustic violin electric
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acoustic violin amplification | Previously, violin players could only amplify their instrument by playing directly in front of a microphone |
| Electric violin options | Purchase a "pure" electric violin, or turn your acoustic violin into an electric one using a pickup |
| Violin pickup | A "violin pickup" can be mounted onto an existing acoustic violin to turn it into an electric one |
| Violin pickup mechanism | The pickup transcribes the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal that is then amplified |
| Amplification | Electric violins require an amplifier to produce sounds loud enough to perform |
| Amplifier options | Options include a bass guitar amplifier, mini-amp, or a regular amp |
| Headphones | Can be connected to the output jack of the amplifier |
| Effects | Various sound effects can be used to transform the sound of the electric violin |
| Feedback | Amplified acoustic violins have the greatest problem with feedback, which is greatly reduced in electric violins without a hollow body chamber |
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What You'll Learn
Using a microphone
A freestanding microphone is usually placed on a boom stand and angled towards the sound source. This method is similar to using a microphone in front of a large crowd. However, in a larger concert setting, the microphone can pick up sounds from other sources.
A small microphone can be attached to the side of the violin over the bridge area. This method produces a more natural sound as it captures the sound of the soundboard and the 'bite' when the strings are plucked or bowed. The VC4099 Clip for Violin is a good option for attaching a microphone to the violin. It fits over the edge of the violin and can be adjusted to fit different widths. The clip can be used with a gooseneck to allow for flexible positioning of the microphone.
When using a microphone, it is important to consider the placement and direction to optimize the sound. Moving the microphone closer to the violin will increase the low-end response. The microphone can also be pointed towards the F-hole for more volume. Additionally, the soundboard of the violin can reflect sound from other sources, so be aware of the microphone picking up unwanted sounds.
Microphones can be a good option for capturing the natural acoustic sound of the violin. However, they may be more prone to feedback and picking up ambient noise compared to other methods like piezo pickups.
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Using a pickup
Acoustic-electric violins are another option, featuring permanently installed pickups for added convenience. Temporarily-mounted pickups can be more variable with their sound since slight differences in placement occur each time the instrument is mounted. An Allen key or screwdriver is often needed to mount a pickup, so an acoustic-electric bypasses this issue. However, an acoustic-electric violin has a solid body, which is much heavier than a hollow body and reduces the risk of feedback.
When using a pickup, you can also use guitar pedals and other non-traditional violin gear to modify the sound. If you want a coloured sound, you can use an electric guitar amp, which will provide more opportunities to alter the violin's sound.
Some violinists prefer the Yamaha VNP-1 acoustic violin pickup, as it can be fitted almost invisibly, maintaining the appearance of the instrument.
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Acoustic-electric violins
The first method is to use a microphone. This can be done by placing a freestanding microphone near the violin, similar to how sound is amplified in a recording studio. However, in a larger concert setting, this method may pick up sounds from other sources. Another option is to use a mini microphone that is attached to the violin, usually mounted on the side of the instrument over the bridge area. This produces a more natural sound as it picks up the sound more directly.
The second method is to use a pickup, also known as a transducer. Pickups are small, metallic devices that are attached to the side of the bridge of the violin. They capture the sound vibrations and convert them into electric signals that are then amplified through an amplifier. Pickups are becoming the preferred method for violin amplification, especially for those venturing into non-classical genres. They offer greater mobility to the performer, allowing them to move around the stage without being restricted by a boomed microphone. Additionally, they are relatively inexpensive, with prices starting at around $10 for a basic pickup and $200 or more for a higher-quality option.
It is important to note that amplified acoustic violins tend to have more feedback issues compared to electric violins with solid bodies. Feedback refers to the squealing or low rumbling sound that occurs due to the "feeding back" of the electrified sound through the instrument's pickup system.
When choosing an electric violin, it is recommended to consider your musical goals and preferences. Electric violins offer a wide range of tonal possibilities and suit various musical styles such as rock, jazz, pop, and contemporary experimental music. The aesthetic of the instrument is also an important factor to consider, as electric violins can vary significantly in shape and design compared to traditional acoustic violins.
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Amplification methods
There are several ways to amplify an acoustic violin. The first is to use a freestanding microphone, which is the traditional method of amplifying any acoustic instrument. However, this method can be inconsistent and may pick up ambient noise.
A more modern approach is to use a pickup, which is a small, metallic device that is attached to the violin's bridge and converts sound vibrations into electric signals. Pickups can be temporary or permanent and are generally inexpensive, with prices starting at $10. They are also more mobile, allowing the violinist to move around the performance space without being tied to a microphone.
Another option is to use an electric violin, which has a built-in pickup system. These violins have a solid body and produce very little sound on their own, requiring amplification to be performed. They may have a traditional violin shape or a modified, narrow trapezoid shape.
When amplifying an acoustic violin, it is important to consider the type of amplifier used. Acoustic guitar amplifiers are often chosen for their ability to create a large, uncoloured sound, while electric guitar amplifiers can be used to colour the violin's sound. Additionally, effects processors and stomp boxes can be used to add reverb and other effects.
Finally, it is worth noting that some electric violins, such as the Yamaha SV-150 Silent Electric, allow the violinist to plug into a headset, providing a private amplified sound for practice.
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Electric violin models
There are several ways to electrify an acoustic violin, including using a microphone or a pickup. The latter is a small, metallic device that is usually wedged on the side of the bridge and converts sound vibrations into electric signals that are augmented through an amplifier. Pickups are available in a variety of qualities and prices, with some being battery-powered and featuring electronic components.
If you are looking for an electric violin model, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, there are the "pure" electric violins, such as those made by NS Design, which abandon the classic violin body shape. These models have a slightly modified, narrow trapezoid body and no headstock, with tuning done from the tailpiece. While they produce minimal sound without amplification and sound quite different from traditional violins when amplified, they offer a wide variety of tonal possibilities and effectively avoid feedback.
Another option is to choose an electric violin with an outlined body shape, which provides the look and feel of a standard acoustic violin. These violins usually have at least the outline of the violin body and a traditional headstock and tuning peg arrangement. They offer the advantage of maintaining the weight and contact points that a violinist is used to while improving amplification. Some models in this category may incorporate small acoustic chambers to provide some of the resonance of an acoustic instrument.
When selecting an electric violin, you can also choose from a range of body shapes, from traditional violin shapes made of natural wood to modern, colourful, and sleek designs. Brands such as Yamaha, with its YEV electric violin, and NS Design, with its WAV violin, offer entry-level options with excellent sound and comfort. Other options include the Auro, an all-wood violin with a design and tone similar to the Aurora Classic, and the GEWA Novita 3.0, which offers style, substance, and value for money.
Additionally, you may want to consider the type of music you play. Classical players often prefer microphone pickups like the Shure for a more natural sound, while jazz and bluegrass players may opt for piezo pickups for a more stable output. If you're looking for a rocking sound, adding a pickup to your acoustic violin can be a great choice.
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Frequently asked questions
You can turn an acoustic violin into an electric violin by using a violin pickup. The pickup will pick up the vibrations of the strings and transcribe them into an electrical signal that will then be amplified.
There are several pickup systems that can be mounted on an existing acoustic violin. Some generally mount easily on the instrument, while others may require minor adjustments to the bridge. Some recommended options include the Yamaha SV-150 Silent Electric Practice Plus and the NS Design "pure" electric violins.
To amplify your acoustic violin, you will need to connect it to an amplifier. It is recommended to use a bass guitar amplifier or an acoustic guitar amplifier, as electric guitar amplifiers are not designed to handle the frequencies of a violin. You can also use mini-amps or an effects pedal to amplify your violin.
