What is an electric violin?
The electric violin belongs to the family of violins which are themselves part of the bowed string instruments in which we find: the violin, the viola, the
cello and the double bass.
An electric violin is a violin equipped with a jack plug that simplifies its connection to an
amp and facilitates its amplification. Electric violins also have the advantage of not depending on a traditional shape. They have a solid body without a sound box. To be heard, they use a pickup, capable of transforming the vibrations produced by the friction of the bow on the strings into an electrical signal.
It is the ideal musical instrument for any violinist wishing to perform on large stages or in noisy conditions requiring the use of an amp.
The advantages of the electric violin
The simplification of the sound system is the biggest advantage of the electric violin. Its physical structure and characteristics prevent feedback regardless of the stage conditions.
Not all electric violins are limited to 4 strings. It is possible to play with electric violins with 5, 6 or 7 strings. Each additional string brings a different tone and multiplies the sounds tenfold. The more strings you have, the more you expand your musical repertoire. It is the ideal violin to open up to particular musical styles such as rock, pop or jazz.
Like electric guitars, electric violins are often paired with
effects processors. They transform the sound being played using effects like delay, reverb or distortion.
The use of an electric violin requires a slight adjustment period for a violinist who usually plays a classical violin. The source of the sound played is no longer the same between the two violins. On an acoustic violin, the sound comes from the resonance box constituting its body. Whereas on an electric violin, the sound comes from the transmitting source like an amp or speakers.
Possible options
Several types of electric violins are available using 4 to 7 strings with different colors or whose body remains in natural wood. Other options and devices can complement it. Like, a harness that can be added to provide freedom of movement for the violinist. Or a multi-effects that transforms the sound using chains of effects.
