Electric Violins

The electric violin is a violin equipped with a plug that simplifies its connection to an amplifier and facilitates its amplification. It 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.

Electric violins meet amplification needs on stage. To be heard, they use a pickup, a term designating their bridge. It is able to transform the vibrations produced by the friction of the bow on the strings into an electrical signal. It is the ideal violin for any violinist wishing to perform on large stages or in noisy conditions requiring the use of an amp.

The sound amplification 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 sound possibilities. 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 major differences are their shape and the way they produce their sound. Electric violins have the advantage of not depending on a traditional lutherie structure and shape. Unlike acoustic violins, they have a solid body without a sound box. This particular structure requires the use of a pickup. It is able to reproduce the string vibrations into an electrical signal.

The electric violin is played in the same way as the acoustic violin. If you are a violinist, you will have no difficulty playing the electric violin. There are, of course, some subtleties between the two. These slight differences will require a little adaptation time for a classical violinist to master the musical instrument: origin of the sound, difference in weight, disappearance of vibrations, etc.

For a beginner, it will be necessary to practice in order to improve your playing style. As with any musical instrument, it requires a lot of abnegation and rigor.

Much like an acoustic violin, an electric violin is played with a violin bow coated in rosin to produce sound. Then, it is associated with different accessories:

• an amp to hear the sound
• an effects processor or effect pedals to improve the sound quality
• a wireless system or a jack cable to connect the electric violin to the sound system
• violin strings adapted to your playing style and needs
• a rigid and resistant case to protect the violin during transport

There are dozens of electric violins on the market. However, be careful about the quality of the instrument. Electric violins offered for less than 800 euros won’t satisfy you. Their weight is important which makes them unplayable and their sound quality is not the best. On our side, to start, we recommend our Line range.

No, an electric violin does not require regular maintenance like an acoustic violin. The resistance of the materials used limits the maintenance of the musical instrument. It obviously requires attention to avoid any problems. Nevertheless, the protective varnishes applied are very resistant, and the fingerboard will not be affected by the support of the strings. We highly recommend removing the rosin dust on the body.

The strings do not play a direct role in the sound produced by an electric violin. They are important for your personal feeling of playing but do not really influence the sound produced.

The sound production of an electric violin does not take into account the materials of the instrument (strings and type of wood). What matters for an electric violin is the quality of its pickup.

The choice of strings for an electric violin is based on your feeling and your playing needs (bounce, tension, resistance, reactivity, etc.)