Molly Ayala
Electric violins offer a range of benefits to violinists, from silent practice to experimentation with sound and performance. When choosing an electric violin, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. Do you want to stick to the traditional violin shape and colour, or go for something more radical? What is your budget? How many strings do you want? Do you want to be able to amplify the sound for live performances? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect electric violin for you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound | Electric violins produce a rawer or sharper sound compared to acoustic violins. |
| Amplification | Requires an amplifier or speakers to produce sound. |
| Effects | Effects pedals can be used to add effects to the sound. |
| Purpose | Consider the type of music you want to play and choose an electric violin that suits that style. |
| Strings and Bow | Regular violin strings and a regular bow can be used with an electric violin. |
| Weight | Lighter weight is preferable to avoid discomfort and backache. |
| Shoulder Rest | Choose a violin that allows you to select a comfortable shoulder rest. |
| Price | Avoid very cheap electric violins as they may have poor quality materials and electronics. |
| Practice | Some electric violins have built-in headphone sockets for silent practice. |
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What You'll Learn
Purpose: Consider how and where you want to use it
When considering an electric violin, it is important to think about how and where you want to use it. This will help you decide on the right instrument for your needs.
Firstly, consider the genre of music you want to play. The type of electric violin you choose can lend itself to different genres. For example, if you want to play bluegrass, country, or Celtic music, you might opt for an electric violin that sounds closer to an acoustic violin. On the other hand, if you want to play rock or metal music, you might prefer the rawer and sharper sound of certain electric violins.
Secondly, think about the setting in which you will be playing. If you are playing in a band or as part of an orchestra, you will need an electric violin that can hold its own against other amplified instruments. You might also want to consider the durability of the instrument, especially if you are playing in a high-energy environment where your violin could be at risk of being damaged.
Another factor to consider is whether you will be playing at home, in a studio, or on a stage. If you are playing at home, you might want to opt for a silent electric violin that allows you to practise without disturbing your neighbours. These violins can be connected to headphones, SD cards, and even your phone to enhance your practice sessions. If you are playing on stage, you will need an electric violin that can be turned up loud without unwanted noise interference.
Finally, think about whether you want to record with your electric violin. Recording is made easier with electric violins due to the various software options available. However, you may need to invest in additional equipment to get the best sound quality.
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Strings and bows: You can use regular violin strings and bows
When it comes to strings and bows, you can use regular violin strings and bows with an electric violin. However, there are some things to consider. Firstly, while you can use the bow you already own, you may want to buy a new one, especially if you're playing in a setting where it could get damaged. For example, if you're playing in a mosh pit, a wooden bow might get knocked out of your hand and break. A carbon-fibre bow, on the other hand, is much sturdier.
If you're going to be playing with a band, you'll also want to consider the sound you want to create. Electric violins have a unique sound that can be a great fit for certain genres, like metal or rock. If you want to play bluegrass, country, or Celtic music, you might want to stick with a four-string electric violin to get a sound closer to that of a traditional violin. Alternatively, you could opt for a five-string or seven-string violin to expand the range of parts you can play.
Another consideration is the weight of the bow. Electric violins can vary significantly in weight, and a heavy instrument can lead to bad technique and backaches. So, when choosing an electric violin, be sure to consider the weight of both the violin and the bow.
Finally, it's worth noting that the quality of the bow matters. As Chris Guin of the Electric Violin Shop says, "An acoustic violin bow will work just fine, and just like with acoustic instruments, a better bow will work better." So, if you're going to be using a regular violin bow with your electric violin, investing in a higher-quality bow may improve your playing experience.
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Sound: Electric violins produce a rawer or sharper sound
Electric violins have a solid body and thus produce very little sound naturally. They need to be plugged into amplifiers to produce a sound that is loud enough for a performance. The sound produced by electric violins is often described as rawer or sharper compared to the classical violin. This unique sound is preferred in bands and rock music.
The sound of an electric violin can be further manipulated using effects pedals and software like Garageband. This allows musicians to explore and create new sounds and genres that haven't been possible with acoustic violins.
When choosing an electric violin, it is important to consider the quality of the electronics, such as the pickup and pre-amp, as these will impact the sound. Additionally, the context in which the violin will be used should be considered when setting a budget and deciding on features. For example, if the violin will be used on stage, it is important that it can be turned up loud without unwanted noise interfering with the signal.
The weight of the electric violin is also a key consideration, as a heavy instrument can be uncomfortable to play and can lead to bad technique and backaches. It is recommended to try out different violins to find one that suits your personal preferences and playing style.
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Weight: Lighter violins are preferable
Weight is a key consideration when choosing an electric violin. Electric violins used to be stuffed with heavy electronics, but manufacturers have found ways to lighten them. Mark Wood, the founder of Wood Violins and a player of the electric violin for three decades, says, "Nobody wants to play a heavy instrument under the chin."
A heavy instrument can lead to bad technique and backaches. If you are transitioning between an acoustic and an electric violin, you may want to opt for an electric violin that is the same weight as an acoustic violin, such as the Yamaha SV-150 Silent Electric Practice Plus, to make the transition easier.
If you are purchasing your first violin, it is recommended that you start with an acoustic violin, as electric violins can vary dramatically in weight, sound, and design. You can always amplify your acoustic violin with a pickup or mic, which will give you the amplified sound of an electric violin without having to purchase two instruments.
If you are set on purchasing an electric violin, be sure to try out several violins before you buy, as the weight, comfort, and playability of the instrument are very personal.
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Price: Electric violins vary in price
Price is an important factor to consider when buying an electric violin. Electric violins vary in price, with some being more expensive than others. The price range for electric violins can be quite broad, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. For example, Simply for Strings offers electric violins ranging in price from $700 to $3650. This variation in price is often due to differences in the quality of materials and technology used in the instruments.
It is generally recommended to avoid the cheapest options, as they may be made with low-quality materials and technology, which can lead to a frustrating playing experience. For instance, very inexpensive electric violins might have issues with tuning stability due to poor-quality pegs and adjusters, or they may have bridges made from cheap wood that need to be cut down for the instrument to be playable. Instead, it is suggested to opt for electric violins in the $500 to $1000 range for decent quality, or up to $7000 for luxury instruments.
Additionally, when considering the price of an electric violin, it is important to factor in the cost of additional equipment such as a pre-amp, amplifier, and other electronics like effects pedals and loop stations. These can significantly enhance the sound and performance of the electric violin but will add to the overall cost.
It is worth noting that the price structure for electric violins is different from acoustic instruments. This is partly due to the unique design and construction of electric violins, which may include features like custom-designed shoulder rests or ergonomic advantages such as comfortable support and easier fingerboard access. Therefore, when setting a budget for an electric violin, it is important to consider not only the instrument itself but also the potential additional costs of necessary equipment and desired features.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric violins allow you to practice silently with headphones, and you can also amplify the sound for live performances. They are also great for experimenting with different genres like jazz and rock music.
Electric violins can vary in price from $200 for a pickup to over $1750 for a professional-grade instrument. The higher the price, the better the quality, with more attention to appearance and additional features.
Consider the number of strings, the weight of the instrument, and the quality of the bow and chin/shoulder rest. Also, think about the type of music you want to play and choose an instrument that suits that style.
Some popular brands for electric violins include NS Design, Yamaha, ZETA, Realist, Bridge, and Wood Violins.
