Beatrice Lang
There are several ways to convert an acoustic violin to electric. The first is to amplify a traditional violin with a microphone. This can be done by placing a freestanding microphone near the violin, attaching a mini microphone to the violin, or using pickups. The second way is to use an acoustic-electric violin, which is an acoustic violin with a pickup installed. The third way is to use a pure electric violin, which abandons the classic violin body shape and has a modified, narrow trapezoid body. These violins have sophisticated onboard electronics and multiple pickup points, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities. When playing an electric violin, the sound is converted into an electric signal that can be amplified through an amp or headphones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amplification methods | Microphone near the violin, freestanding microphone, mini microphone attached to the violin, pickups |
| Additional items | Effects processors, stomp boxes, multi-effects processor |
| Electric violin models | Dedicated electric violins, "pure" electric violins |
| Acoustic-electric violin | Pickup systems that mount on an existing acoustic violin |
| DI-box | Adapts the electric signal from the violin to provide optimal electrical compatibility with the mixing deck |
| Connection | Jack cable to connect the electric violin to the amp |
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What You'll Learn
Amplify with a microphone
There are several ways to amplify an acoustic violin with a microphone. One way is to use a freestanding microphone, which is often used in recording studios where ambient noise is minimised. In larger settings, however, this method may pick up sounds from other sources. Another option is to attach a small microphone directly to the violin, over the bridge area, which provides a more direct and natural sound.
A third method is to use a pickup, which is attached to the acoustic violin and has fewer feedback issues than microphones. The most common type of pickup is the piezo pickup, which is known for its high output and bright sound, making it ideal for situations requiring higher volume. Piezo pickups are also relatively inexpensive, starting at under $50. Other types of pickups include magnetic and electrodynamic pickups, which are newer and tend to be more expensive, but offer a warmer sound.
Pickups can be temporarily mounted on a regular acoustic violin, providing flexibility in sound due to slight placement variations. Acoustic-electric violins, on the other hand, have permanently installed pickups, offering convenience and consistency in sound.
When amplifying your violin, you can choose from various amplifiers, such as designated violin amps or acoustic guitar amplifiers, which create a large sound without colouring it. If you wish to add effects to your sound, you can use an electric guitar amp and explore guitar pedals and other non-traditional violin gear.
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Install pickups
There are several options for pickups to electrify your violin. The first thing to consider is whether you want a permanent or temporary pickup. Permanent pickups are installed directly into the violin and provide reliable amplification. They tend to offer better sound quality than temporary pickups, but they require professional installation and can be visually unappealing due to the presence of wires and an output jack. Temporary pickups, on the other hand, can be easily attached and removed as needed, making them ideal for those who prefer a more discreet setup or those who only have one violin.
If you're looking for a permanent pickup, the LR Baggs pickup is a popular choice. It is built into the bridge of the violin and offers a warm sound, complex tone, and a wide dynamic range. It requires professional installation and is priced relatively affordably compared to other options. Another option is the Schertler DYN, which is a more expensive choice, favoured by professional violinists for its sound quality.
For temporary pickups, the Schatten Dualie-Outside'R External Pickup is an affordable option that plugs directly into your amp without the need for a preamp. It is a good choice for those on a budget or as a backup solution. Headway also offers a compact, durable, and easy-to-install temporary pickup that provides amplification without requiring any modifications to the violin.
When choosing between pickups and microphones, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Pickups provide more direct sound pickup and have fewer feedback problems than microphones. Microphones, on the other hand, can preserve the natural acoustic sound of the violin but are more susceptible to picking up unwanted vibrations and loud noises, leading to potential feedback issues. Ultimately, the decision between pickups and microphones depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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Use effects processors
Effects processors are a great way to add variety to your violin setup and can be used with both acoustic and electric violins. They can be used to create new sounds, whether you want to warm up your tone a bit or sound more like a rock guitarist. Multi-effects processors offer the most value and variety, especially for beginners. They can give you upwards of eighty different settings, from mild reverbs and delays to hardcore distortion and overdriven tones.
Effects processors are generally made for guitars or basses, and some of the "cool effects" that violinists desire, such as octave converters, are not compatible with most violins. However, most of the classic effects processors will work with violins, and there are some exceptions, such as Eileen Ivers' use of distortion and a wah-wah pedal.
To connect your violin to an effects processor, you will need two jack cables. The first cable connects the violin to the input jack of the effects processor, and the second cable connects the output jack of the processor to the amp or mixing deck. If you are using an electric violin, you will need to connect it to an amp to produce any sound. If you want to practice in silence, you can use a mini-amp, but be aware that they do not provide the same sound quality as a regular amp and may alter the sound of your violin.
When using an effects processor, it is important to protect your equipment and your ears. Always turn off the power and set the volume to zero before plugging in or unplugging any equipment.
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Choose a pure electric model
If you are looking for a pure electric violin, there are several models to choose from. These violins are known as "sticks" due to their departure from the classic violin body shape. Instead, they feature a slightly modified, narrow trapezoid body and lack a headstock, with tuning done from the tailpiece. Despite this, they can be played like a traditional violin, as they are equipped with a standard-length neck and adjustable rests for the chin, shoulder, and arm.
NS Design is a notable manufacturer of pure electric violins, offering models with sophisticated onboard electronics and multiple pickup points and controls, resulting in a wide variety of tonal possibilities. These violins produce almost no sound without amplification, and when amplified, they sound the least like a traditional violin. However, the NS models offer the greatest range of sound colours and effectively avoid feedback due to their solid-body construction.
When choosing a pure electric violin, it is important to consider factors such as construction, material, design, and price. You may opt for a factory-produced instrument, such as those offered by Yamaha, which are serviceable, popular, and often more affordable. Alternatively, handmade violins provide more customization possibilities and an organic, warm feel, especially those made from wood. Acrylic designs offer a modern, space-age look and can be lighter and tougher.
Before purchasing, it is advisable to try out the violin to ensure comfort and check the locations of the jack and headphone sockets. Additionally, consider the number of strings you prefer. A regular four-string violin is suitable for beginners, while extended-range violins with five, six, or seven strings are options for those seeking a second electric instrument. You may also want to explore additional equipment, such as effects processors and stomp boxes, to enhance your electric violin experience.
Lastly, it is worth noting that electric violins are a great option for practising discreetly without causing a disturbance. They are easy to amplify, and you can use any strings and rosin you prefer.
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Connect to an amp
To convert an acoustic violin to electric and connect it to an amplifier, you must first understand how amplifiers work. Amplifiers boost the small electrical signal they receive into significantly more powerful sounds that come out of a speaker. Electric instruments have pickups that pick up surface vibrations, and this lack of an acoustic resonating chamber means they barely make a noise unless they are plugged in and amplified.
When connecting your acoustic violin to an amplifier, it is important to first set the volume level to zero before plugging in any instrument or equipment. This will protect your equipment and your ears, as a loud sound can occur if you do not follow this rule.
The next step is to choose an amplifier that suits your needs. There are no amps specifically designed for electric violins, so violinists must choose from amps designed for other instruments. If you want to play without effects, a guitar amp (preferably acoustic) or a bass amp is recommended. If you have the budget, you could also choose from one of the few amplifiers that have been designed for bowed string instruments, such as those offered by Acus.
If you want to use effects, the setup will be more complex. You will need to connect your electric violin to the input jack of an effects pedal, and then use a second jack cable to connect the effects pedal to your amp. If your effects pedal has a stereo output, use only the L/mono output jack to connect to the input jack of your amp.
It is also possible to play an electric violin with an acoustic amp, but this may result in a poor sound and potentially damage your amp, as it is not designed to handle the sound of an electric instrument.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to convert an acoustic violin to an electric violin. One option is to buy a dedicated electric violin, which can either resemble a traditional violin in shape or be a "pure" electric violin, sometimes referred to as a "stick". Another option is to amplify a traditional violin using a microphone or by installing a pickup system.
Electric violins come in various models, including those that resemble a traditional violin in shape and those that are "pure" electric, with a narrow trapezoid body and no headstock. Electric violins may also have built-in electronics, offering a range of tonal possibilities and reduced feedback issues.
To connect an electric violin, you will need a jack cable to connect the violin to an amplifier or mixing deck. If you want to use headphones, you can connect them to the output jack of the amplifier. Additionally, you may need a DI-box to adapt the electric signal and ensure compatibility with the mixing deck.
Playing an electric violin involves different skills, particularly when it comes to amplification. Electric violinists can play at lower volumes without worrying about projection, and they can experiment with effects to create a unique sound. Practising with an electric violin will primarily improve your electric violin skills, so it's beneficial to practise with both acoustic and electric instruments.
