Electric Violin Buying Guide: In-Depth Explanation for the Discerning

The electric violin (EV) is not only for practicing in a quiet environment, but also for live performance, recording, and even playing with effectors in a wide variety of situations. Unlike acoustic violins, electric violins can be combined with electronic devices for a wide range of sound-making possibilities.

In this article, we will carefully explain the basics of electric violins, how to choose one, major brands, types of pickups, and combinations with effectors and amplifiers so that even beginners can easily understand. Please use it as a reference to find the one that is right for you.

Get started with electric violin!

1. type of electric violin

There are two main types of electric violins.

Solid body type: Yamaha YEV-105, Wood Violins Viper, Jordan Electric Violins, etc.
Semi-hollow body (hollow body): NS Design CR series, Bridge Draco, etc.

Solid bodies tend to suppress sound feedback and work well with effectors. On the other hand, the semi-hollow type is a hybrid design that retains some of the acoustic resonance while also allowing for amp output.

2. main brands and features

Yamaha: The YEV series is popular for its natural design and ease of use, while the SV series (SV-250, SV-255) has a high-quality built-in preamp and is suitable for live performances.
The NXT and CR series have an excellent piezo pickup at the bridge and are suitable for jazz and rock.
Wood Violins: The Viper series, developed by Mark Wood, is available in 6- and 7-string models and is ideal for progressive rock players.
Zeta: The most famous electric violin in the world, and a favorite of Jazz Fusion great Jean-Luc Ponty.
The Draco model has an elegant design and powerful sound.
Jordan Electric Violins: A fully customizable manufacturer with excellent design and playability.

3. how to choose pickups

Pickups (PU) affect the sound quality of electric violins.

Piezo pickups are the most common, with L.R. Baggs and Fishman pickups being the most popular.
Magnetic pickups: Zeta and Starfish Designs are the most common.
Contact mics (condenser mics): DPA 4099, etc.

Piezo mics are characterized by their clear sound quality, but they tend to sound hard, so it is recommended to compensate for this by using a preamplifier.

4. Effects pedals and amplifiers

The best part of electric violin is that you can make full use of effectors to make up the sound.

Preamp: L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI, Grace Design Felix, etc.
Multi-effectors: Line 6 Helix, Boss GT-1000, Fractal Audio AX8.
Reverbs: Strymon BigSky, Eventide Space.
Delays: TC Electronic Flashback 2, Strymon Timeline.
Distortion/overdrive: Pro Co RAT, Ibanez Tube Screamer.
Looper: Boss RC-505, Electro-Harmonix 720.

Amplifiers should be suitable for acoustic instruments, such as AER Compact 60, Bose S1 Pro, Roland AC-33, etc.

Cables and wireless systems

It is also important to select high-quality shielded cables to ensure that sound quality is not compromised.

Cables: Mogami 2524, Evidence Audio Lyric HG.
Wireless: Shure GLXD16, Line 6 Relay G10.

6. summary◆

The choice of electric violin depends on your playing style and usage environment. If you play jazz or fusion, we recommend Zeta or NS Design, if you play rock, Wood Violins Viper, if you want versatility, Yamaha YEV or SV series are recommended.

Also, since the sound can vary greatly depending on the combination with effectors and amplifiers, the key to choosing the best electric violin is to create your own sound while trying out the instrument beforehand.

Conclusion

The electric violin is not just an electronic version of the acoustic violin, but an instrument with unlimited possibilities when combined with effectors and amplifiers. By choosing the model best suited to your playing style and musical genre, you can greatly expand the range of your playing.

We hope this article will help you in your choice of electric violin. We encourage you to try one out and find your own unique sound!