The Electric Violin is an electronic sounding instrument that can be amplified or played silently with headphones. It usually has a solid body and 4 or 5 strings. It is mainly used in all music genres, such as jazz, rock and pop. If you live in an apartment complex or are looking for a way to experiment with your sound and playing, an electric violin could be the perfect investment for you! If you want to practice in silence, many of the electric violins we sell can be used with headphones so you don’t disturb the neighbors.
When it comes to performing with your new instrument, an electric instrument offers a variety of performance possibilities with the help of amplifiers and effects pedals. An electric violin can also be a good choice for you if you want to experiment with jazz and rock music, whether you’re playing solo or jamming with a band. Recording is also made easy with the many software options on the market.
Types of Electric Violins
Silent Electric Violins
As the name suggests, these electric violins are meant for practicing in silence. There is really nothing too fancy about these violins. It’s safe to assume that you’re not practicing in silence. Therefore, these violins are usually not too “flashy”. They don’t glow in the dark, and they don’t come with beautiful, high-quality varnishes. They’re simply a tool for you to practice with in silence.
And all you really need is a headphone jack. Some electric violins have ⅛-inch jack sockets, also known as mini-jack sockets or 3.5mm jack sockets. These are the same as your Apple headphones. Most have ¼-inch jack sockets, also called guitar jacks or 6.3-mm jack sockets. Some electric violins have both.
Performance Electric Violins
These violins are designed for use on stage. They generally have a higher sound quality. And they often have volume and tone controls. Some even have treble and bass EQ controls. Like the NS Design NXTa electric violins, for example.
These are important features for violinists who need to play along with other instruments on stage. For example, you may need to attenuate the bass frequencies when playing with a bass guitar. Or you may need to attenuate the treble to make the vocals stand out a bit more. Performance electric violins basically give you some options to “mix” your instrument yourself.
Acoustic Electric Violins
If you can’t decide whether to buy an electric or acoustic violin, why not choose the best of both worlds? You still get the violin body. This means that the sound will be projected even when it’s not plugged in. But you also have the option to plug it in and amplify it. This is ideal for electric violinists who need to perform locally, even if they don’t have amplifiers or speakers to plug in. The most popular acoustic electric violins are the Glasser NY Carbon Fiber Violins.
String Electric Violins
Perfect for classically trained violinists who have always loved the deeper sounds of the cello. The fifth string is a low C. Also great for violinists who want to seriously play the violin on 5 different strings!
Good 5-string electric violins will have decent string spacing. So even if you’ve spent your whole life practicing on 4 strings, it will be very easy to get used to the 5th string. However, cheap 5-string electric violins will make it almost impossible to play one string at a time.
Discreet Electric Violin
These violins look exactly like traditional wooden violins. They are made of wood. And you couldn’t tell it’s electric until you notice the volume and tone knobs camouflaged on the side, and the ¼” jack on the back of the violin. What is this unique instrument for? It’s great for orchestra musicians! Because you can’t really play your electric violin in an orchestra. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb.
However, with these understated electric violins, you can do just that. And you can plug in the same violin if you were playing in a band or at church venues with a choir. Plus, you get the natural sound of the violin you’re playing even when it’s amplified.
Fretted Electric Violins
For expert violinists who have spent years practicing finger placement on their wooden acoustic violins, the frets may not be as appealing. In fact, it can be almost counterintuitive for a classically trained violinist.
However, for guitarists who have spent years perfecting their guitar skills on fretted fingerboards, this electric violin would be perfect. You’d be surprised how easy it is to transition from guitar to violin if you’re already used to frets. This is also a great option for beginning violinists who don’t want to spend too many years mastering a fretless fingerboard.
Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Violin
Size/Shape
Most electric violins are only available in full size (4/4), and the fretboard and neck measurements are standard to provide the same comfort as a traditional acoustic violin. Body size varies greatly between different instruments as modern design has taken over.
Some violins are more minimalist with a very slim body, while others have a more “traditional” outline and larger shape. If you are a younger or smaller player looking for an electric violin that is available in fractional sizes, there are a few brands that will suit you.
Volume and Tone Control, Headphone Option
Some instruments have controls on the instrument to adjust volume and pitch. Before you buy an instrument, be sure to see where the knobs or other controls are located. Ask yourself: Can you adjust them while you play? Do they get in your way?
Some violins (such as Yamaha silent violins) have a built-in headphone amp, which means you can play without making much noise.
Jack and Location
Electric violins will have a ¼-inch plug, where you will plug an instrument cable to connect to your amplifier or sound system. Depending on the location of the connector, the cable may pass next to the ear or under the instrument.
Some designs may have a better feel to you than others. If you plan to use a wireless system, find out where you can attach the transmitter to the instrument and if that would interfere with your performance.
Level Of Experience
Electric violin levels vary, but not as drastically as acoustic violins. These are the main differences between beginner, intermediate and professional electric violins.
- Beginner Electric Violins
Beginner electric violins are affordable and often come in a kit with everything you need to get started. The best electric violins for beginners have good playability and sometimes have built-in automatic tuners to motivate and inspire beginners.
- Intermediate Electric Violins
Intermediate electric violins are a step above beginner electric violins. At a slightly higher price, the best intermediate electric violins have more diversity in features and the sounds they produce, as well as greater durability.
- Pro Electric Violins
Professional electric violins are the best of the bunch, priced to match. Most models are designed by electric violin legends and are extremely durable and travel-friendly. They have amazing sound and playability. The features of some professional electric violins are simply out of this world.
Tuners and Number of Strings
Electric violins can come with pegs or mechanical pegs. If you’re playing on stage and need to get back in tune quickly, tuning pegs may not be the best option, as tuning pegs aren’t always easy to adjust quickly. It’s not hard to find an electric violin with five strings (regular G, D, A, E plus a low C string, like a viola). Others may have six or even seven strings.
The Bow
The bow of an electric violin is not unlike the bow of a standard violin. The bow is a stick with horsehair crossed. It is drawn across the strings to produce the vibrating sound of the violin. Many electric violinists like to play with bows made of carbon fiber instead of wood. Carbon fiber is more durable and lends itself particularly well to playing rock and pop music.
Ergonomics
Designing an electric violin has the benefit of freeing the designer from the constraints of what works acoustically, but the instrument should still feel like a real violin! Most, but not all, electric violin makers are aware that violinists build their technique around the fact that the neck is attached to the body at a fixed point, so there must be something in the design that fits. with the left hand when playing in the upper positions. This is something to keep in mind!
An important point to many of the designs on the market is that some require a custom designed shoulder rest that is supplied with the violin; examples of this are the NS Designs Wav and the Gewa Novita. This allows the maker to be more imaginative with the design, but it means you can’t pick a shoulder rest that’s particularly right for you, so in those cases, make sure you’ve played the instrument and rest assured that the Supplied shoulder rest The rest provides adequate support. Other manufacturers, such as Bridge, Skyinbow, and Ted Brewer, allow the choice of any shoulder rest, so if you prefer a particular shoulder rest (I’m lost these days without my Bonmusica!), it’s definitely something to consider. .
The other ergonomic factor that often strikes me with electric violins is the weight. Ideally, you don’t want it to be heavy, as a heavy instrument is a recipe for poor technique and back pain. If it’s heavy, then it’s doubly important that the shoulder and chin rest fit well and help support the weight. Some designs are better than others in this regard: the worst offenders are the cheapest solid body instruments, and the lightest are the Bridge and Skyinbows, which are on par with a quality acoustic instrument.
Finish
Electric violins are usually finished with a high gloss varnish. An electric violin’s varnish does not contribute to the overall sound of the instrument (as it does with an acoustic violin), so electric violins are usually finished with a durable varnish or other durable product.
Playability
A good electric violin should be comfortable to play. For example, if you were playing fifths, you shouldn’t have to turn your finger left and right as you go to higher positions. This is often the result of poorly designed fingerboards or offset locations. The same goes for a bridge. A well-cut bridge should allow you to switch between strings without a problem. With a poorly cut bridge, you will find it difficult to play one string at a time.
Playability is also extremely important if you plan to use the electric violin for silent practice. You don’t want to practice on a poor quality instrument. It would be like practicing on a grand piano and then silently practicing with headphones on a cheap keyboard. In fact, you could be practicing “backwards”.
The Overall Tone & Sound
Electric violins have a rawer, sharper tone than a traditional violin. This is because there is no chamber in the instrument to create a natural resonance. Many modern electric violins have state-of-the-art electronics that produce all kinds of sounds. Some can even reproduce the sound of a traditional acoustic violin perfectly.
Aesthetics and Chin/Shoulder Rests
Unlike traditional instruments, electric violins can come in bright colors, finishes, and unique body styles. If an electric instrument isn’t the size of a “traditional” violin, you may need a chin rest or shoulder rest. Make sure the chin and shoulder rests are comfortable, especially if you will be playing the instrument for long periods of time.
Price
The price range for electric violins is not as extreme as the price range for acoustic violins, but prices can certainly vary. This is what you can expect.
Budget Electric Violins
Inexpensive electric violins are usually more suitable for beginning or amateur violinists, and there aren’t many different options within this price range. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $600 for an inexpensive electric violin.
Midrange Electric Violins
A mid-range electric violin will cost you a bit more, but it will be worth it. Starting at $600 and ending at around $1,000, your options for great-sounding violins are considerably better within this price range.
Top-End Electric Violins
A high-end electric violin can cost up to $5,000. In this price range, you’ll find violins to which both makers and legendary musicians have paid great attention to appearance and performance.
Conclusion
Choosing an Electric Violin from the many available models can seem like a daunting decision-making process. There is a wide variety of prices, shapes, colors and features that can be enough to make anyone’s head spin. We hope that after reading this Buying Guide you will be able to make a purchase decision easily.
