We are very happy to officially launch the Prism: our new electric violin featuring LEDs to light up your performances and your audience!
Why the Prism?
A prism of transparent material has the property of bending and decomposing light.
This term fits perfectly with the violin’s features, as it integrates dozens of LEDs in the colors of a prism. These LEDs are sound-reactive and customizable.
It’s also a name that is easily identifiable and understandable in many languages!
As for the creation of the Prism, it must be said that since our beginnings, we’ve received so many requests for a violin with lights that it was time to take on this project.
What does the Prism offer?
The Prism currently features 7 light modes adjustable by the violinist:
Mode 1 – Breath
Breath Mode allows the violinist to select a color that lights up intermittently like a breath or pulse.
Mode 2 – Pure
Pure Mode is a simple setting where the violinist selects a color. LED brightness can be adjusted using the associated button.
Mode 3 – Gradient
Gradient Mode displays a smooth color transition across all LEDs on the electric violin. The gradient evolves and can be adjusted using the associated button.
Mode 4 – Prism
Rainbow Mode is an evolving gradient based on prism (or rainbow) colors.
Mode 5 – Sound reactive
Sound Reactive Mode responds to the notes played by the violinist. The electric violin lights up with different intensities depending on what is played.
Mode 6 – Color reactive
Color Reactive Mode evolves based on what the violinist plays. The electric violin changes color depending on the notes.
Mode 7 – Fire
Finally, Fire Mode simulates flames around the violin.
We already have more modes in mind. They will be developed over time by our team and made available for free on our website. Any Prism owner will be able to update their violin and integrate new modes.
We will release a tutorial to help with updates as soon as a new version is available!
The technical development of the LED modes was carried out jointly with Yahel Bouaziz and his company Kayenko, based in Montpellier, and 3Dvarius.
How do the LEDs work?
The LEDs operate with a 9-volt battery. This battery is only required for the LED system and has no impact on the pickup function.
We strongly recommend using rechargeable 9V batteries! You can easily find them online. They recharge via power outlet or a simple USB port. Another handy tip: always have two of them—if one is empty, the other can take over 😉
All LEDs are controlled using two buttons. They allow you to switch modes and adjust the displayed colors as well as light intensity.
Sound-wise
The Prism features one of our S pickups. These pickups have a sensor per string to ensure accurate sound reproduction. They are responsive and powerful enough to eliminate the need for a preamp.
The pickup and LED electronics are completely independent from each other to avoid any interference with the sound spectrum.
The video below was filmed during NAMM Show 2020, where we presented the first prototype of the Prism exclusively.
Our friend Matt Bell visited our booth multiple times to showcase our electric violins. He offered Laurent the chance to perform one of his compositions. The result was this completely improvised duet where Matt plays a 3Dvarius and Laurent plays the Prism. This song was co-written by Matt Bell and Charles Lanteigne.
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How are the Prisms made?
The manufacturing process is nearly identical to the methods used for the Line and Equinox. You can discover this process in the video below.
First, we select the wood, then cut it into the desired shape using a CNC machine.
Next, numerous post-processing steps are necessary on the violin body surface to achieve a smooth feel. This is essential for the violinist’s comfort while playing. Among these post-processing steps, we sand the surface and apply various protective layers. The body is finally varnished for a last protective finish.
A whole set of custom parts is made for each violin, including the pickup. In the case of the Prism, additional steps are needed to design and assemble the LED housing to the electric violin body. Lastly, the final assembly and testing of the electric violin are carried out by our team.
A special thanks to Yahel Bouaziz and his family, Amanda Smith for the initial photos, and the many violinists we met at NAMM Show who helped improve the first version of the Prism—among them Matt Bell, Camilla Bäckmann, Koa Anuta, Jonathan H. Warren, Rachel Grace, Ernesto Lago, Benedikt Brydern, etc.
Sources and images: 3Dvarius, Amanda Smith, Freepik.
