Umair Gaines
Electric violins require amplifiers to be heard. While there are dedicated amps for violins, they are quite niche and hard to find. Fortunately, there are plenty of other amplifiers that can be used with electric violins. When choosing an amplifier, it is important to consider the desired sound, the volume required, and the specific features of the amplifier. Some amplifiers may provide a natural-sounding tone, while others may colour the sound and make it more distinct. Guitar amps can be used with electric violins, but it is important to find one that can handle the frequency range of a violin and adjust the EQ profile accordingly. Keyboard amps and portable PA systems are also recommended for electric violins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of input channels | Two input channels allow you to play with a friend or run two instruments into the same amp |
| Speaker size and wattage | Determines potential volume. Speakers of at least 10" are required to reproduce bass frequencies |
| Onboard effects | Reverb and delay add warmth to the string tone |
| Sound quality | Acoustic guitar amps are a good choice for electric violins |
| Wattage | Acoustic amplifiers of less than 40 watts are suitable for home and limited practice. For performances, look for something between 40 and 100 watts |
| Portability | Roland AC30 is lightweight and portable |
| Price | Yamaha THR10 is a good practice amp that is also affordable |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Electric violin and amps: the basics
Electric violins are a great way to experiment with new sounds and effects, and the right amplifier can help you do this.
The first thing to consider when choosing an amplifier for your electric violin is the type of sound you want to create. If you want to reproduce the sound of an acoustic violin, you'll need an amplifier with a wide, flat frequency response that can capture the harmonic overtones of an acoustic instrument. Acoustic amplifiers with less than 40 watts are only suitable for home and limited practice, so look for something between 40 and 100 watts if you plan on performing. The AER Alpha 40 and Compact 60 are recommended as professional-level amplifiers ideal for violin, and the Fishman Loudbox is a good option for those on a budget.
If you're looking to create a more distinct, 'electric' sound, you might want to consider an electric guitar amp, which can accentuate the unique qualities of the electric violin. A small combo amp or a practice amp like the Fender Frontman 10G or Yamaha THR10 should be sufficient for the basics and are relatively cheap. You can also use a guitar amp with built-in effects to add warmth to your string tone, such as reverb and delay. However, be aware that you'll need to adjust the EQ profile for a violin, as the settings for guitars tend to be heavy on the mids and highs.
Another option is to use a keyboard amp, which can provide a flatter sound with less treble and bass. The Behringer range of keyboard amps is a good choice, with built-in effects and EQ to help you create the sound you want.
Finally, you might want to consider a small PA system instead of an amplifier. A portable PA system like the Fender Passport can be a great, compact option for smaller venues, and you can also use a small mixer with effects to add depth.
The Intricate Parts of Electricity: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Acoustic amps for electric violins
Electric violins are compatible with all amplifiers, but the sound produced may not always meet your expectations. There are no amps specifically designed for electric violins, so violinists often have to opt for guitar amps, bass amps, or keyboard amps.
When choosing an acoustic amp for an electric violin, it is important to consider the volume and tone you require. Acoustic amps of less than 40 watts are suitable only for home and limited practice, so if you're buying an amp to perform with, look for something between 40 and 100 watts. The AER Alpha 40 and Compact 60 are recommended as professional-level amplifiers ideal for the violin, and the Fishman Loudbox is a good alternative on a tighter budget. The Yamaha THR5a is another small acoustic instrument practice amp that is loud enough for small spaces like coffee shops or bookstores. It features digital microphone modelling circuits, which allow your piezo pickup to have a rich, beautiful sound.
If you're looking for a portable and powerful amp, the Roland AC30 is a great option. It is lightweight, can be powered by AC or AA batteries, and is suitable for both electric and acoustic violins. For a more powerful amp, you can opt for the AC60 or higher-powered models in the same line. The Fender Frontman 10G is another compact and relatively cheap option that works great for the basics.
It is important to note that acoustic amps are designed to produce a natural, acoustic sound, while electric amps are meant to create new sounds and colour the output. If you're looking for a natural-sounding tone for your electric violin, it is recommended to start with an amp that provides that, and then modify it according to your preferences.
Electricity's Industrial Revolution: Invention and Innovation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Electric guitar amps for electric violins
Electric violins are a great way to experiment with sounds beyond those of a traditional violin. However, the right amplifier is key to achieving the desired sound.
Dedicated amps for violins are quite niche, so you may want to consider an electric guitar amp. Guitar amps can accentuate the unique qualities of an electric violin, and can be used to create a range of sounds. However, it's important to note that electric guitar amps are designed for a more limited frequency range, so a guitar amp may not be suitable for an electric violin.
If you do decide to use an electric guitar amp, it's important to use a different EQ profile for a violin. You'll likely need to bump up the mids and highs, and adjust the gain to get a distorted sound. Additionally, look for an amp with a decent clean channel, as this will work well with an electric violin.
Some recommended electric guitar amps for electric violins include the Fender Frontman 10G, the Fender Blues Junior, and the Marshall 4x12 cab. The Roland MiniCube is also a good option for practice.
It's worth noting that there are other types of amps that can be used with electric violins, such as keyboard amps, acoustic amps, and portable PAs. When choosing an amp, consider the desired volume, the desired sound, and the features you need, such as onboard effects.
Electric Blanket Recalls: Are You at Risk?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Keyboard amps for electric violins
Keyboard amps are a great option for electric violinists, especially if you want to avoid the compressed sound of an electric guitar amp. Keyboard amps are designed to handle the frequency range of a violin and can provide a flatter, more natural sound with less compression, treble, and bass.
While dedicated electric violin amps do exist, they are quite niche, and you may have more luck searching for a keyboard amp or a guitar amp that suits your needs. When choosing an amp, it's important to consider how loud you need it to be and whether you want to reproduce the sound of an acoustic violin or create a distinct, electric sound.
If you're looking for an amp to practice with, a 10-15 watt keyboard amp should be sufficient. The Fishman Mini Loudbox is a popular option that will give you a flatter sound without too much compression, treble, or bass. Other keyboard amp options include the Behringer 150-watt keyboard amp and the Yamaha THR5a, a small acoustic instrument practice amp with a rich, beautiful sound.
For performances, it's recommended to look for an amp with 40-100 watts. The AER Alpha 40 and Compact 60 are professional-level amplifiers ideal for the violin, and the Fishman Loudbox is a good alternative on a tighter budget.
Ultimately, the best amp for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to seek expert advice to find the perfect amp for your electric violin.
Electrical Rule of Thumb: A Guide to Understanding Basics
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Portable PA systems for electric violins
When it comes to choosing an amplifier for an electric violin, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want an amp that gives you a natural-sounding tone, which you can then modify to your liking. Speaker size and wattage will determine the potential volume, with cello and bass generally requiring at least 10” speakers to reproduce bass frequencies. Onboard effects like reverb and delay can add warmth to your string tone.
While dedicated amps for violins do exist, they may be harder to come by since electric violins are a relatively niche market. As such, many violin players opt for guitar amps, which can still produce a great sound for electric violins. Small combo amps, such as the Fender Frontman 10G, are compact and relatively cheap options. The Fender Blues Junior, a 15-watt amp, is another good choice for violinists. If you're looking for a more powerful sound, you can try a larger amp like the 100-watt tube amp or the 4x12 Marshall cab.
However, if you're specifically interested in portable PA systems for your electric violin, there are several options available. The Yamaha Stagepass mini PA system is a lightweight and portable option that has been used successfully with electric violins. The Fender Passport is another compact and easily portable PA system, although it may not be powerful enough for very loud gigs. Roland offers the Cube Street EX PA system, which is portable and battery-powered, with four independent channels for connecting different instruments and devices. The JBL compact all-in-one box is another ergonomic and portable option, offering 12 hours of rechargeable battery life. For a more powerful sound, the Positive Grid Spark Live PA system can support vocals, keyboards, and a wide range of instruments.
When choosing a portable PA system for your electric violin, consider the number of channels you'll need, the battery life (if applicable), and the overall weight and size of the system. Additionally, some PA systems offer built-in effects and EQ settings that can enhance your sound. Ultimately, the best portable PA system for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Sand Power: Running Electricity Through Grains
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some amplifiers that are suitable for an electric violin include the Fishman Loudbox Mini, the Yamaha THR10, the Fender Blues Junior, the Roland AC 60, and the Behringer 150-watt keyboard amp.
Dedicated amps for violins are quite niche, so you may struggle to find one. However, there are plenty of other amps that will work well with an electric violin.
While some sources suggest that a guitar amp will work fine with an electric violin, others claim that a guitar amp is not a good choice. A guitar amp designed for an electric guitar may not be suitable, but a small combo amp or a larger tube amp may work.
The choice of amp is a big element of an electric violinist's tone. Electric amps colour the sound, whereas acoustic amps try not to. If you want to create new sounds, you may prefer an electric amp, but if you want to reproduce the sound of an acoustic violin, an acoustic amp may be better.
You should consider how loud you need the amp to be and whether you want an amp with built-in effects. Speaker size and wattage determine the potential volume of the amp. Onboard effects such as reverb and delay can add warmth to your string tone.
