Transform Your Violin: Electric Retrofit Guide

Retrofitting a violin to electric involves converting an acoustic violin into an electric violin by adding a pickup or microphone. This allows the violin to be plugged into an amplifier, which is necessary for the violin to produce sound since electric violins naturally produce very little sound. The process of retrofitting a violin to electric involves woodworking skills and machinery, as well as knowledge of the parts of a regular violin. The fingerboard angle and position are important considerations, and the sound created by an electric violin is less dependent on the body than an acoustic violin. In addition to the amplifier, other equipment such as cords, connectors, and sound processors are also needed to play an electric violin.

Choosing the wood

The choice of wood is an important consideration when retrofitting a violin to electric. While the timber is not imperative to the functioning of an electric violin, the type of wood chosen can impact the overall aesthetic and structure of the instrument. Tonal woods, or woods with particular qualities that make them suitable for instrument-making, are a good option for an electric violin retrofit. Examples of tonal woods include maple and mahogany, which are commonly used in instrument-making.

When choosing the wood for your electric violin retrofit, consider the type of wood that was previously used in the acoustic violin. This will help to ensure that the new electric violin maintains a similar tone and quality to the original instrument. If you are retrofitting a violin that is not acoustic, or does not have the desired tonal wood, you can purchase the wood separately.

In addition to maple and mahogany, other types of wood can be used for an electric violin retrofit. For example, the wood of the Jack tree, which is used in traditional music instrument-making throughout South Asia, can be a unique and culturally rich choice. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more economical option, you can use off-cuts or salvage wood from another project. This could include wood from a table leg, table top, or bed post.

When selecting the wood for your electric violin retrofit, it is important to consider the desired thickness and structure of the instrument. The wood should be thick enough to accommodate the necessary hardware and components, while also being thin enough to allow for easy playing and manoeuvrability. It is also important to ensure that the wood is properly treated and sealed to protect it from cracks and other damage.

Overall, the choice of wood for an electric violin retrofit is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including the desired tone, aesthetic, and structural requirements of the instrument. By considering the unique qualities of different types of wood, you can choose the best option for your electric violin project.

Violin parts

The violin is a beautiful yet complex instrument. Each part plays an important role in creating music. Here is a detailed breakdown of the various parts of a violin:

The Neck and Fingerboard

The neck of the violin is attached to the body at an angle, allowing the player to hold the instrument comfortably. The fingerboard is attached to the neck and is usually made of ebony. The player presses down on the fingerboard to create different notes.

The Strings and Bridge

The strings of the violin cross over the bridge, a thin piece of maple, which helps transfer the string vibrations to the soundboard.

The Soundboard

Also known as the "top" or "belly," the soundboard is a large, flat piece of spruce that amplifies the sound produced by the strings.

F-Holes

There are two small F-shaped holes, or F-holes, on the top of the violin. These holes help project the sound out from the instrument, contributing to its overall acoustics.

Pegs, Fine-Tuners, and Tailpiece

The pegs are an essential part of the violin, used to tune the instrument by adjusting the tension of the strings. Fine-tuners are also used for precise tuning. The tailpiece is located at the bottom of the violin and helps secure the strings in place.

Chin Rest and Shoulder Rest

The chin rest provides a comfortable resting place for the player's chin, while the shoulder rest helps support the violin on the player's shoulder, aiding in proper posture and comfort during play.

When retrofitting a violin to electric, some of the key parts to consider are the electric violin pickup, preamp, and battery pack. These components work together to convert the acoustic signal of the violin into an electrical signal that can be amplified and manipulated. The placement of these parts will depend on your design and the specific components you choose. It is important to carefully plan the placement of these electrical components to ensure they do not interfere with the playability and comfort of the instrument.

Amplifiers and cables

When choosing an amplifier, it is recommended to opt for a bass guitar amplifier instead of an electric guitar amplifier to stay within the frequency range of the electric violin. Additionally, some amplifiers like the Yamaha THR5A are known for producing a natural "mic'd" acoustic violin sound, even when using an electric violin with a pickup. For those who want more flexibility, a Fender Frontman 15G Electric Guitar Amplifier is a good option that can be borrowed or purchased at a reasonable price.

Connecting the violin to the amplifier is achieved using cables, specifically jack cables. A standard instrument cable will have a 1/4" jack on both ends. One end connects to the output jack of the violin, and the other end plugs into the input jack of the amplifier. It is important to ensure that the volume level is set to zero before plugging in or unplugging any cables to protect the equipment and your ears from potential damage.

Effects pedals can also be incorporated into the setup by connecting the violin to the input jack of the effects pedal and then using another jack cable to connect the pedal to the amplifier. This allows for additional sound customization.

For those who wish to avoid the hassle of cables, wireless systems like the Line 6 G10 and G30, or the BOSS Katana Air, offer a more convenient option. These systems transmit the signal from the violin to the amplifier wirelessly, providing greater freedom of movement on stage. However, it's important to note that some of these wireless systems may not be compatible with all violin models, so it's essential to check before purchasing.

Violin pickup

A violin pickup is a device that allows you to "electrify" your acoustic violin and amplify its sound. It does this by converting the vibrations of the violin strings into an electrical signal that can be output to an amplifier or recording device. There are several types of violin pickups available, each with its own method of installation and unique sound characteristics.

One type of pickup is built into the bridge of the violin, where it captures the vibrations of the strings and body of the violin. This type of pickup typically has a very natural sound due to its direct connection with the violin's sound-producing elements. Some bridge pickups, like the LR Baggs VIO, are cast directly into the bridge during construction, while others can be installed on an existing bridge.

Another type of pickup is a clamp-on pickup that attaches to the bridge of the violin. This type of pickup is typically easy to install and remove, making it a popular choice for musicians who want to switch between an amplified and acoustic sound. Clamp-on pickups capture the vibrations of the bridge and strings, providing a clear and responsive sound.

There are also pickups that wrap around the violin, providing a more subtle and intimate sound. These pickups are often used for recording or intimate performances where a more delicate sound is desired. Additionally, there are pickups built into chin rests, providing a unique sound and convenient placement.

When choosing a violin pickup, it's important to consider your playing style, the desired sound, and the ease of installation. Some pickups may require modifications to your violin, such as drilling holes or adjusting the bridge, while others can be simply clamped on or wrapped around the instrument. It's also important to consider the output options, as some pickups may require an external preamp or specific type of amplifier.

Overall, a violin pickup is a great way to add versatility to your acoustic violin, allowing you to explore new sounds, play styles, and performance opportunities. With the right pickup, you can easily transition between intimate acoustic performances and amplified electric shows, connecting with your audience in new and exciting ways.

Sound and weight differences

The most significant difference between an electric violin and an acoustic violin is how they produce sound. On an acoustic violin, the player plucks or bows the strings, causing the bridge to vibrate. These vibrations are amplified through the violin's hollow body and projected through the f-holes. In contrast, an electric violin uses sensors placed on the bridge to convert the sound into an electrical signal, which is then amplified through an amplifier or mixing console. Without amplification, an electric violin will only produce a faint sound that is barely audible to the audience.

The weight of the bow and the pressure exerted on the strings are more important factors on an acoustic violin than on its electric counterpart. The pressure exerted on the strings of an electric violin is less significant because the sensors on the bridge cannot interpret it. As a result, the nuances achievable on an acoustic violin through variations in bowing technique are lost on an electric violin.

The solid body of an electric violin makes it heavier than an acoustic violin, which typically weighs around 480 grams. The weight of an electric violin can vary depending on the manufacturer, and a heavier instrument can lead to tiredness in the arms and hands and may even cause long-term tendon issues. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the weight when choosing an electric violin, as it will impact the instrument's playability and manipulation.

The number of strings is another difference between the two types of violins. Acoustic violins always have four strings, while electric violins can have four, five, six, or even seven strings. The additional strings on electric violins provide a broader range of sounds and allow players to explore a larger repertoire.

Frequently asked questions