8 Best Electric Violins Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Electric Violin Review – Top Rated Models in 2021 with Buying Guide

 

If you are interested in purchasing the best electric violin out there, you’ve come to the right place as we have here all the information you need for making an informed decision. After examining consumer feedback, expert opinion, and sales figures, our research team concluded that the model that you should opt for is the Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-2BL Solid Wood Electric Violin. Its beautiful hand-carved body is a sight to behold, as its overall appearance makes it a fine choice for any gig. You will also be impressed with the bow that’s made from Brazilwood and Mongolian horsehair, for perfect sound quality. Several accessories, including a pair of headphones and a carrying case, are included with your purchase for maximum convenience. If you can’t find this model anywhere, the second model we recommend is the Kinglos 4/4 Blue Fire Solid Wood Intermediate-B Electric/Silent Violin, another electric violin that is sure to satisfy your taste.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

8 Best Electric Violin (Reviews) in 2021

 

 

To find a good electric violin, we’ve looked at various units that were highly praised by previous customers. In the end, we’ve decided upon a small selection that you can see in the following lines.

 

 

1. Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-2BL Solid Wood Electric Violin 

 

There are certainly no cutting corners for this manufacturer, as it doesn’t hesitate to make a full-size electric violin that will allow you to practice to your heart’s content. This 4/4 violin is the real deal, as you will be able to tell from the various aspects of its construction and overall design.

First of all, this violin is a looker, with its hand-carved body made from solid maple wood. The ebony fingerboard completes the picture, while the blue metallic varnish gives it a cool appearance that will impress everyone.

It is essential to have various accessories included with your violin, as you will need them frequently. That is why it is commendable that the manufacturer thought of included a rosin cake, an aux cable, and a pair of headphones. The bow is exquisite, made from Brazil wood, and with authentic Mongolian horsehair.

 

Pros

As it offers superior functionality and versatility, this instrument is an excellent option for anyone looking for an electric violin to practice, perform on stage, or record inside a studio.

You will be impressed right from the start by the solid maple wood body that is hand-carved and its tailpiece that comes with mother of pearl inlay.

Its bow is made from Brazil wood with Mongolian horsehair, authentic and unbleached for sound quality that will please even the more seasoned players.

The manufacturer thought of everything, so you can rest assured that you will get all the needed accessories in the same package, such as a carrying case and a cake of rosin.

 

Cons

Compared to an acoustic violin, this one feels heavier, so you might have to be patient until you get the hang of it.

The case may help transport your instrument around, but it is made from cheap materials, and it shows.

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2. Kinglos 4/4 Blue Fire Solid Wood Intermediate-B Electric/Silent Violin

 

This electric/silent violin offers violinists of all skill levels the ability to practice without disturbing others since the acoustic is barely a whisper when it is not plugged in. If you want to hear the rich resonance and tone of the instrument, you can plug headphones in to continue your silent practice, or you can connect it to speakers.

It’s hard not to be impressed by the design of this model that is very striking thanks to the use of a patented coloring technology that makes the violin more individualized. In the case of this model, the wood boasts a blue flame design in the middle of the instrument’s body, but there are other designs to choose from if you’re looking for something different.

There’s a reason why all the details on this instrument look so good, and that’s because they have been made by hand by senior luthiers from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

 

Pros

This bundle package comes with everything that a beginner or intermediate player needs to play the instrument right away, including a bow with ebony frog, aux cable, two bridges, two sets of strings, and a shoulder rest.

You can easily transport the instrument around not only because it weighs just 1.21 pounds but also thanks to the case that comes included with it.

The lightweight design makes the violin suitable for younger players, seeing as they’ll be able to play it for as long as they want without getting too tired.

The pick-up system comes with tuners for volume and tone and sockets for line out, on-off, mic, and phone.

 

Cons

Because the bridge is rather tall, the action on the strings can be a bit too high for players who are just now learning to play.

The pegs can get loose, which means that the instrument won’t stay in tune well, and it may require frequent re-tuning.

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3. Yamaha Electric Violin-YEV105NT-Natural-5 String

 

Some people prefer to get an electric violin that combines both the modern and classical design. This way, you benefit from the simplicity of clean lines but also the high level of performance that only electronic music tools have.

Lightweight and with a gorgeous design, this unit is easy to handle, and you can play multiple sessions without spending a large amount of money.

An interesting fact is that this violin is made from 6v types of wood in order to add an overall organic, natural, and resonant sound similar to an amplified sound.

Once you unbox the violin, all you have to do is to plug it into an amplifier and start playing the music you like. You don’t need additional items like batteries, preamps, or headphones.

The color combination is extremely appealing which makes it great for playing in live-performance events. Also, the tones that come out while using this violin sound incredibly clear.

 

Pros

With this model, you get a violin that manages to combine the elegant classic look with a modern twist.

It is a simple instrument that can perform admirably and will give you the level of performance you expect from a Yamaha violin so check out our review as well if you love the brand but prefer a classic acoustic instrument.

The violin has a wonderful design, but it is also made to be lightweight. That means you will be able to play more comfortable on it, as it is easier to handle.

Made of quality wood, the instrument is capable of giving a more resonant sound and a natural tone, even though it is amplified.

It is a violin that can be used as soon as you get it out of the box, as it doesn’t require any assembling, and it doesn’t even have batteries.

 

Cons

You might have to adjust the bridge a bit to get the best possible sound out of it.

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4. D Z Strad 4-string Electric Violin Outfit E201

 

People that have musical ear need proper tools for playing music. Besides talent, practice is extremely important. So, make sure you purchase an electric violin with cool features and extra accessories that come in handy when using the tool.

This model of an electric violin is outfitted with plenty of reliability and smooth pegs. In addition, these pegs, as well as the fingerboard, are made from durable and beautifully designed ebony.

Inside the product package, you’ll find a lovely violin case, a mini rosin, a cable with a ¼’’ jack, and in-ear headphones that you can use during music practice.

Apart from this, the tailpiece is manufactured from carbon fiber that ensures a finer tuning. The case is made from a sturdy material that allows you to carry your electric violin everywhere you need it.

The color combination is quite classy, and the violin is professionally set up and tuned so you can use it immediately after the unpacking.

 

Pros

When playing the violin you need it to be of good quality, but you also want to have accessories that will help you in getting the best out of it, and with this violin, you get everything you need.

Everything about this instrument is reliable, from the quality construction to the final sound.

Its smooth pegs and the fingerboard are made of high-quality durable ebony that is beautifully designed to please the eye.

With the violin you also get a case to protect it, rosin, a small cable, and a pair of headphones that help you hear its beautiful sound.

Made of carbon fiber, the tailpiece will help you get a finer tuning while still being durable.

The violin features a beautiful color combination formed of a blue and black that blend into each other nicely.

 

Cons

The bow that it comes with will need to be replaced.

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5. Kinglos 4/4 White Blue Flower Colored Solid Wood Intermediate

 

This unique glossy-looking electric violin is the perfect choice if you want to stand out in a crowd full of musicians. Featuring a patented cooling technology that locates and docks the pigments and the wood, making each electric violin a genuine piece of art, suitable for all individuals.

One important aspect is that the body of the unit is entirely hand-carved from a solid spruce with a fingerboard made of ebony. Also, all four tuners are completely detachable.

The violin boasts a special pick-up system that consists of a DV-9 active pick-up along with fine tuners used for adjusting the volume and the tone. Plus, it has sockets of line out, a mic and a phone.

Besides the violin itself, you’ll also get a case, a bow, a shoulder rest, and a set of strings. Make sure to buy a 9V alkaline battery to power on the unit. The case is incredibly lightweight and is outfitted with foam inside for safe and easy storage and handling.

 

Pros

This model impresses with its unique design and the glossy-looking finish. It will surely make you stand-out.

One impressive thing about this violin is that in the process of making it, the manufacturer uses a patented cooling technology that makes the paint stick really well to the wood, and the result is an amazing one.

The body of this instrument is entirely made by hand and it is created using a single piece of solid spruce wood, which makes it really sturdy.

It also has four fine tuners that will help you keep the instrument in check, and they are removable if you don’t like how they look.

The pickup system is also something that will impress you when listening to this violin, and the active pickup can be adjusted in volume and tone thanks to a couple of knobs.

 

Cons

Tuning this violin for the first time is a difficult job and you will need the assistance of a professional.

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6. Cecilio 4/4CEVN-1Y Solid Wood Yellow Maple Metallic Electric/Silent Violin

 

You have the opportunity to play music using a professional tool such as this one. Featuring a 4/4 size, this stylish electric violin comes is incredibly silent so you can use it for practice without having to worry about disturbing the others around you.

Plus, it comes in a great yellow maple metallic varnish that ensures an authentic look.The body of the violin is hand-carved from a durable maple wood while the fingerboard is manufactured from ebony. To function, the unit requires a 9V Alkaline battery that is not included in the product package.

This product is suitable for various needs, such as practicing, recording or even performing on a music stage.

Thanks to the ⅛ output jack you to connect to almost any type of guitar amp or PA systems. Moreover, the volume control setting enables you to choose the ambiance you prefer.  

If you choose this electric violin, you’ll also benefit from a lightweight hard case, a bow, a pickup, a rosin, and headphones.

 

Pros

Electric violins should generally be silent but this one will impress you with how smooth and silent it is when not plugged into an amplifier, and that means your neighbors won’t be disturbed.

The metallic varnish it is covered with will make it look great and will protect it too.

Hand-crafted from a string piece of maple wood, the body of the violin will be resistant to damage, while the ebony fingerboard won’t hurt your fingers.

It has with a ⅛ output jack and that means you can connect it to most of the amplifiers out there.

Coming with everything from a protective case to a bow and a pair of headphones, the violin is ready to be played as soon as you get it out of the box.

 

Cons

For such a small violin, it is heavy and this will mean your body will get tired faster when playing it.

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7. Cecilio 4/4 CVNAE-Black+SR Ebony Fitted Electric Violin

 

Available in three superb colors, including a metallic full black, this full-sized musical instrument can be used both as an acoustic and an electric violin. It boasts a hand-carved solid spruce top, combined with a back and sides made of high-quality solid maple, complete with volume and tone control for easy handling. 

The product is delivered with a full set of accessories to help make the transition between the acoustic and electric version as smooth as possible, allowing you to enhance your violin skills, and play perfectly every piece. 

Therefore, you will get a Brazilwood bow with unbleached-quality genuine Mongolian horsehair, an adjustable shoulder rest with soft foam padding and soft rubber feet, a violin bridge, high-quality rosin, and an AUX cable. Everything is delivered and fits in a soft foam hard case, complete with velvet-like fabric in a luxurious dark blue color. No preamp is required. 

 

Pros 

The item is available in three beautiful and elegant colors, including a metallic black shade, as well as a brown shade that resembles the color of original acoustic violins. 

The hand-carved solid spruce top features a solid back and sides made of high-quality maple wood for a rich and accurate sound. The ebony pegs, chin rest, and fingerboard are also made of high-quality materials to ensure excellent stability and functionality for both newbies and professional violin players.

You can easily switch from an acoustic sound to the rich, high-pitches of an electric violin with the help of the AUX cable included, as well as the volume and tone controls located on the sides of the instrument. 

The item is delivered with a full set of useful accessories, including a hard case designed to withstand shocks and protect your violin from changes in temperature, humidity, dust, dirt, debris, stains, and moisture. 

 

Cons

The fingerboard is painted and the dye might come off on your fingers.

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8. Yamaha Electric Violin-YEV105NT-Natural-5 String 

 

Beginners will fall in love with this instrument from first glance. Its beautiful appearance is only part of what makes it so appealing for novices, though. It is lightweight, something that matters when you want to start playing a musical instrument, as this aspect makes practice more comfortable. Also, it is affordable, which is another great plus.

The electric violin is made from 6 types of wood that play a role in making the sound delivered natural and resonant. You will not need a battery to play this instrument, as all you have to do is to plug your violin into an amplifier.

Its convenience puts it on top of the list for many violinists. You won’t need headphones or preamps. As you may well expect, the superiority of Yamaha electronics is evident in this violin, and you will be delighted with the beautiful sounds it creates.

 

Pros

Inspired by classic designs, Yamaha came up with this beautiful violin that will steal your heart from the first time you look at it.

The organic sound output is the result of combining no fewer than 6 types of wood, and it is one of the major selling points of this particular model.

Because it is lightweight, you will find it easy to play, and that, in turn, will help you exercise for a long time without experiencing any strain.

Without requiring batteries, headphones, or preamps, this model is, by far, one of the most convenient options you can find right now.

For the price point, this model offers superior quality and, while it may not sound like an expensive acoustic guitar, it does deliver as promised and beyond.

 

Cons

Some tweaks may be needed if you want to make this violin sound exactly how you want, and that can be a time-consuming process.

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

Electric violins have certain advantages that can’t be overlooked by the vast majority of musicians. Compared to traditional violins, they are incredibly quiet so you can practice without worrying about disturbing the others. If you’re in the market for a quality electric violin, you should learn to distinguish high-quality items from inferior ones. There are several options for sale that you can check out, and many of them showcase the features you can find explained in the following lines.

Electronics

The best part about owning a top-notch electric violin is that you can easily connect it to an amplifier that has headphone sockets. This way, you can play the music you like without bothering your neighbors or other family members.

According to the majority of the electric violin reviews, many musicians that are prone to choosing electric tools because they don’t have the tendency of feeding back when playing music at a high volume. This issue happens quite often with acoustic instruments, especially when the musician is moving around the stage.

The electronic aspect in electric violins refers to the pickup built under or into the bridge. Moreover, they have an incorporated pre-amp that is able to amplify the signal received from the pickup. It’s quite important to check these features before making a final decision.

When in the market for a cheap electric violin, you must keep in mind that some models don’t have a pre-amp section. Nevertheless, they don’t need a battery and provide good results if you get an external pre-amp to do the job instead.

Before adventuring on a shopping spree, you need to establish the purpose for which you need an electric violin. If you need the instruments to perform on a music stage, then you need to look for the best electric violin brands that offer the possibility to turned the units up without any noises, hums or hisses.

On the other hand, if you only intend to use it for occasional practice at home or within a music class, you’ll be more than fine with the best electric violin for beginners. It’s a good investment considering the fact that these instruments aren’t pricey at all and many of them have a headphone socket which is a huge plus if you practice often.

Depending on the sound quality and the effects provided by the electric violin, you can opt between instruments that sound incredibly smooth and other that seem a lot brittle. It’s annoying to purchase a tool that has a cheaper pickup that makes an audible click when you change the direction of the bow.

For example, a Kinglos electric violin review stresses out that better brands ensure higher technical standards so make sure you take your time and listen the sound each instrument makes before adding an item to your shopping cart.

 

Manufacturing quality

To check whether an instrument is actually worthy of your attention, you need to see if you can easily press down the strings. Furthermore, it’s vital to check if the instrument tunes up and holds the tuning for a longer period of time. Even if you get the best strings for electric violins, the instrument needs to perform great otherwise you’ll end up feeling discouraged.

Another aspect you need to take into account is the setup of the electric violin. You should choose only products that already come set up and ready to be used, given the advice of the electronic violin Cecilio review. Otherwise, you might have a hard time adjusting the violin to your needs and style of play.

Once you understand the basic elements and features of electric violins, you need to move forward with the design of the unit. For instance, some models use mostly synthetic materials such as molded plastic necks or a synthetic fingerboard. It’s best to pay attention to this feature because your fingers do a lot of work and you need to use a material that feels great under your fingers.

 

Ergonomic feature

No matter how futuristic the design of an electric violin is, it needs to feel like playing on a real instrument.

A vast array of electric violin manufacturers try to develop these tools without overlooking the fact that the neck will join the body at a fixed point. Therefore, it’s vital that some elements in the overall design of the electric violin allow the player to meet the left hand even when playing in upper positions.

Nevertheless, many units you can find on the market are built with a shoulder rest so make sure you look for one that suits your body and your needs in terms of comfort. Not to mention the fact that there are interesting electric violins that allow the user to choose the shoulder rest he or she prefers which is definitely something to consider.

Many violin enthusiasts are preoccupied with the weight of the instrument. Ideally, you should stay away from tools that are too heavy because they are the key factors for a bad technique and backaches. However, if the model you choose does a good job but is a little massive, then you need to make sure that both the shoulder and the chin rest are a perfect fit so you can easily support the entire weight of the violin.

Violin skills

Not all people are born to become professional violin players. Some of the customers are students, while others already know the basics and are ready to move forward. Also, those who seek expensive violins are usually professional in the field that require high-quality instruments for daily use.

Generally, a student violin is made from low-quality woods and don’t have many handmade elements in the assembly, carving and finishing processes. The tuning pegs and the chinrests are made from a durable plastic. These instruments come in handy for those that are eager to learn how to play the electric violin but don’t feel certain about their future in the music industry. If you’re in this category, it’s better not to waste your entire budget on an instrument and wait until you’re certain about your talent.

After you’ve completed a few lessons and you already know how to handle an electric violin, you can consider yourself an intermediate. Even though some stores don’t sell violins for this class of people, it’s a great way to know where you’re standing. You can purchase a pricier electric violin just don’t get the one that leaves your bank account open. At least not yet, until you’re sure that music is your goal in life.

Lastly, if you’re going to pursue this field for the rest of your life and you don’t mind spending almost a fortune, then you can level up your game and look for instruments that are specially designed for professional use.

You’ll see wonderful pieces in specialized and online stores that are manufactured from slow-dried wood grown in cold areas. Plus, the majority of this electric violins are hand built, and their finishing components are the fingerboard made of ebony and the wooden tailpiece. For them to provide great acoustics, they are assembled straight by a master luthier. All of these features matter a lot if you’re an aspiring musician.

 

 

Best electric violin brands

 

Yamaha is a multinational corporation from Japan that manufactures a vast array of products and different services related to electronics, musical instruments, and sports equipment. It’s part of the Nikkei 225, a Japanese stock market. Furthermore, Yamaha is notorious for being the world’s largest piano producer over the past decades.

Established in 1887 as a reed organ and piano company, the origin of Yamaha can be seen in the actual logo of the group- 3 tuning forks that interlock.

Besides piano, the firm manufactures other types of musical instruments such as drums, woodwinds, violins, cellos, and brass instruments. Also, it is a leading company in the field of semiconductors, sporting goods, home appliances, and audiovisual products.

 

One of the most well-known cello brands in the world, Cecilio produces high-quality music instruments that aren’t pricey at all. Most students and beginners love to use instruments from this company because they are reliable and extremely well built.

There are several types of tools you can choose from, and all of them are hand-carved from durable tonewoods that ensure more than enough durability. One important aspect is that most instruments are outfitted with maple fingerboards instead of traditional ebony. This means that they can hold more pressure during the practice. In addition to the instruments, you can purchase interesting accessories that come in handy for any musician.

 

With an experience of over four decades, Barcus-Berry has established quite a reputation in the musical instruments market. Thanks to its discoveries, we can now enjoy electric violins and other types of music tools and accessories such as piezo transducers for the guitars, concert and piano harps, and the list can go on.

Many great artists like to use Barcus-Berry instruments because they are made from top-notch materials and can last a lifetime, with proper care.

Due to the technologically advanced systems, this company has managed to provide many musical instruments that have received a great deal of positive feedback from the owners.

 

Known internationally as the ‘first heavy-metal violinist,’ Mark Wood developed the first electronic violin at the age of 12. Set out to revolutionize the electric violin world, he was the first to introduce the concept of a ‘5-string electric violin’ that wasn’t a thing up until the ‘70’s.

Because his dream was to give the musician freedom of movement while performing on a stage, he patented a self-supporting system that allows the instrument to easily float on the body without having to worry about neck pains. Even in our days, neurologists and several other chiropractors agree that this invention was extremely important for string players that have to put a tremendous amount of pressure on their neck and back.

 

Founded in 2009, Kinglos is a well-known company specialized in providing high-quality music instruments. Apart from this, the firm has a large interest in researching and developing professional visual tools and traditional instruments for a broad audience.

Thanks to the unique national patent technique, this firm is able to deliver outstanding products that not only perform in an excellent manner but also look great in terms of design. Moreover, Kinglos has six series of products, such as visual artistic violins, violin cases, and visual artistic guitars. With more than 100 products in the portfolio, this manufacturer enables perfect services for its customers.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about electric violins

 

Q: How do electric violins work?

The electric violin is considered somehow an exotic instrument in the world of stringed music tools because they are a tad high-tech compared to their classical counterparts. Nevertheless, these full battery-operated violins generate mechanical sound waves that are converted into electric voltage such as audio signals.

Usually, electric violins use pickups with preamplifiers and equalizers that allow the user to adjust the sound. There are tools that can be operated without amplifiers that are a tad quieter and sound a little warmer. For larger halls, it’s best to use the violin with an external device that combines both the amplifier and the speaker in a single device.

 

Q: How much do electric violins cost?

Electric violins come in all sorts of prices, features, color and shapes that can be a bit confusing for the majority of us. Nevertheless, it all comes down to the purpose for which you intend to use the instrument.

Knowing your budget limitations comes in handy because it can narrow your research and help you choose faster and easier. You can get electric violins for $100 that are suitable for students or beginners and some great options above $500 that do a fantastic job for intermediate and even experienced players. Electric violins that cost more than $3,000 are considered top-notch as far as pickup, build, and tonal quality go.

Q: How to play an electric violin?

Electric violins are quite easy to play and don’t differ much from the acoustic instruments. Basically, they are a great option for beginners. They require a standard violin both. The only aspect you need to be aware of is that the electric violins tend to be heavier especially if you have one with a preamplifier installed.

Firstly, you need to think small and use only the violin, a small amplifier, and an optional multi-effect pedal. It’s important to become accustomed to hearing the sounds especially given the fact that the bow attack is quite different from the acoustic version. Once you feel comfortable, you can start exploring the improvisational styles that this violin allows you to.

 

Q: How to tune an electric violin?

Basically, the electric violin has two sets of tuners, one located on the head and another on the tailpiece. When you sense that the violin is out of tune, it’s preferable that you loosen the fine tuners on the tailpiece.

If you loosen the tuning pegs from the head as well, you allow the twine to slack and run out of place. Once the string reaches the desirable pitch, you can slowly push the peg into its hole, so it doesn’t spin out of place. After following these steps, you can tune the rest of strings, and you can start using the electric violin.

 

Q: Are electric violins silent?

The reason why many people are prone to choosing electric violins is that they can use them without having to worry about disturbing their family or neighbors. Once you attach the headphones to the built-in jack, you can start jamming on your favorite tunes, and not a noise will come out from your practice room.

You can connect other devices and listen to music, and no one has to hear a thing. The best part is that you can switch and use the output jack so you can plug the instrument straight into an amplifier. Quite versatile, these tools are great for practicing your skills or playing at different music gigs.

 

Q: Is an electric violin good for beginners?

Both acoustic and electric violins are good options for music enthusiasts that want to learn how to play with a musical instrument. Depending on the type of music you like best, you should choose the violin that suits your needs and personal style. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced user as long as you keep in mind that the electric violin is ideal for playing contemporary genres of music such as rock or jazz.

This type of violin allows you to easily amplify the tool with the help of a jack to jack cable or using the headphone amp, for silent practice.

 

Q: How are electric violins made?

Even though electric violins look a little different, they are built using almost the same principles. It’s true that because of the manufacturing process, these violins resemble more the electric guitar than the acoustic violin. The main difference is that electric instruments are outfitted with an outline of the violin body and a tuning peg arrangement.

The electronics are already built in, so it’s quite easy to take full advantage of the audio possibilities. Moreover, the pickups are generally mounted inside the body of the violin or under bridge or neck. One major feature is that the onboard control enables more variations of tone.

Q: Do electric violins need amps?

Not necessarily. It depends a lot on the type of electric violin you purchase. Some models come with a pre-amp that comes in handy if you don’t want to occupy more space with an external amp.

Since the electric violin is also known for its ability to be silent, it’s best to wait a while until you catch a great offer and invest in amps. Using the headphone jack, you can practice and listen to your favorite songs, at the same time. Just make sure you establish a budget from the very beginning and leave room for other accessories, besides the electric violin itself.

 

Q: Can electric violins be used with guitar amps?

In fact, many musicians like to use guitar amps when playing music with their electric violin. These amplifiers increase the tone and make the instruments sound completely different and even more clear. Because amplifiers are outfitted with equalizers, you can adjust the tonality and volume without too much effort.

Plus, using one means versatility because you can use the unit for more than one type of musical instrument. Even if you purchase a violin with a built-in amplifier, the majority of experts agree that an output amp provides rich, full music tones. Plus, guitar amps have many cool features that you can take advantage of.

 

 

5 Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Violin

 

 

If you love the sound of the violin but also like to experiment with new music styles and gear, an electric violin is a great choice. Of course, once you purchase one you will need additional equipment such as tuners for violins and some extra cables. However, what should you consider when buying a violin? Here are 5 things that we think are important.

 

Your budget

You can find electric violins in many price ranges, from under $500 to over $3000 and each of these ranges show if a violin is good or not. Thanks to their style, however, there isn’t that much difference between the sound of these instruments.

Of course, the ones under $500, especially those that get close to $100 are the ones that should be used by the players that just want to practice, and not those that look for a professional sound. This is a good step for the players that aren’t sure if they want to continue making big investments in this kind of instrument.

Violins close to $1000 are most often good for silent practice and have great build quality. You can find electric violins with good tone in this price range and they are also easy to play. If you want extended tones or amazing designs, you won’t find them in these violins, however.

When you spend $2000 or more on an electric violin, you get a top-level professional instrument. They are usually handcrafted and offer features that lower-priced models don’t. Having advanced design components and a complex tonality, they offer a choice of pickup models. Going over $3000 doesn’t give you any benefit in terms of sound, but it means that you get a rare electric violin, with a unique design, that can be considered a piece of art.

 

Playing purposes

Once you know your budget, you should also decide how you intend to use your violin. Would you only practice on it, or do you want it to look great and give you an awesome feeling when playing it?

Some people only get an electric violin because they can use it in quiet environments, at home, without disturbing the family or the neighbors. If you want to use the headphones to listen to your violin, or if you just want to try one to see if you like such instruments, you should get one that is below $500. Just make sure that the electric violin has a headphones output.

But you might want to use it for more than that. Electric violins are great for recording purposes. And if you want to use it for that, you should make sure it has a good sound, the sound sensor is a quality one, and the design is suitable too.

You need a quality sound sensor to get a high enough volume and to get the desired sounds. Professional electric violins have at least one sensor per string, allowing for accurate capturing of the sound. The result is a melodic, noise-free and powerful tone. If you also want to play on stage, the design also has significant importance.

 

Hardware and features

When choosing a certain model, there are some physical aspects that you should focus on. One of the most important parts of an electric violin is the pickup it has, as it will ultimately have a huge impact on how the instrument sounds.

Some violins have a pickup embedded in them while others have it resting between the bridge and the face of the instrument. Better violins also offer you the possibility to alter the volume and the tone using two control knobs. Players have different preferences when it comes to these knobs but what is important is how accessible they are, if you can use them while you play and also if they get in your way.

The tuners can be of two types, and the first of them is classic pegs. They provide a good look, but for better practicality, you should choose machine tuners, as those allow you to change the tuning quickly, in live plays. Also, if you like to exercise and still keep things quiet, look for electric violins with headphones output.

Looks and feel

There are certain electric violins that have a very futuristic design and people are often impressed by that look. However, some players prefer the classic, traditional violin look. No matter how wild the body style, the violins must conform to the standards regarding dimensions.

Every electric violin should give the feeling of playing on an acoustic instrument. Depending on the shape of the violin you will get a certain sensation when playing it. Factors that affect how such an instrument feels include the shape, the shoulder rest system, and the weight. Electric violins are designed to allow you to use your favorite shoulder rest with comfort.

Some models even have an adjustable rest system, while others use a shoulder strap to allow you to play hands-free, meaning you don’t have to hold the instrument. Weight is also an important factor – if your violin is too heavy you will get tired a lot quicker. Fortunately, most of the time, additional weight is balanced by a smart design that ensures you won’t feel too much pressing on your shoulder.

 

Electronics

Most electric violins rely on a pickup to produce the sound and a pre-amp to help that pickup. How good these components are has a great impact on how the instrument sounds. Some models are passive, meaning that they don’t have the pre-amp part installed and their only advantage is that they don’t require a battery to work.

However, to get the best out of them, you need to use an external pre-amp. The context in which you use your violin most times should dictate what kind of model you choose. As such, if you use it mainly on stage, you need to also have control over the volume and at high volume, the electric violin shouldn’t sound noisy, hissy or anything like that.

High-end models have a smoother sound compared to the brittle one of the less-expensive violins, and that sound is produced by quality pickups.

 

 

How Much Is an Electric Violin?

 

Choosing a violin and electric fiddle is a complex task, taking into account all the different instruments that you can find out there. Unlike classical instruments, the electric violin can be found in many different shapes and colors, each violin coming with its own wide variety of effects. So let us help you make a decision depending on your budget and how you want to use the violin.

 

Cheap electric violins

For some people, the budget is a very important issue, and finding an electric violin for a very low price can prove difficult. Unfortunately, unlike acoustic instruments, electric violins don’t vary in price that much. You can find acoustic violins for as low as $100 or as high as thousands of dollars. Of course, the difference in quality between those is huge.

That is not the case with the electric violin, where the cheapest models can be found for $100 and the most expensive for about $5,000. Unfortunately, electric violins that cost under $500 aren’t very good. If you already own a classic violin, it’s recommended that you don’t purchase a cheap electric model, but rather invest in a quality pickup, amp and effects processor.

This could take about $300 out of your pocket, but it’s way better to attach the pickup to your reliable violin than to be frustrated by a cheap $300 electric model that will produce mediocre sounds.

There are many reasons why a cheap electric instrument is not recommended. First of all, the sound it produces is a brittle, nasal one. It’s hard to find a natural tone in a violin that costs less than $1000. Of course, you can use preamps, or other devices to warm up the tone to make it listenable, but this doesn’t always work.

And even if it works, you will end up investing more in the equipment than you initially wanted and that is not worth it. Cheap electric violins are most often made of cheap materials, and that means poor reliability. The materials used to make the violin have a huge influence on the tone and playability too.

 

$500 to $1,000

When you can spend more than $500 you have many more options to choose from. You can find decent instruments in this range, and some of them are good for silent practice. Some of them are even good as performance violins.

Depending on the maker you can find instruments that have high build quality, that can be played with ease, and have a good tone. In terms of color and design, the choices don’t vary too much, but you can still choose between a small number of colors. These electric violins have 4 or 5 strings usually.

You won’t get an extensive control of your tone, no extraordinary features, but you will be able to do your job if you manage to find a good violin in this price range. The good thing is that you won’t get disappointed by these violins and find yourself frustrated on stage because of a broken component. The tone should also be a consistent and pleasant one.

Be sure, however, that when you purchase a violin in this price range, you get it from a professional maker or a known brand. There are many retailers that sell cheap electric violin kits but they aren’t qualified to do adjustment work on the violin. If the seller isn’t interested in making the instrument as good as possible before selling it, chances are the customer service that comes after the sale is non-existent.

Electric violins need a lot of adjustment and even the best models from the most reputable makers still need some fixing to be done to their bridge curvature or pegs. That is why it’s important to buy from a reputable maker, so you don’t have to pay for those additional adjustments, or worse, be forced to do them yourself.

 

Mid-range electric violins

Once you go over $1,000 you can find some violins that show the manufacturers paid attention to the quality of the craftsmanship and details. The components are better, the build is more sturdy and it shows more quality and the appearance draws the attention more.

In this price range, you can also find electric violins that have many more of the features that such an instrument can provide. These violins can be used by professionals for performances or recording purposes.

Violins between $1,000 and $2,000 are well manufactured and provide a step up in terms of quality, components, and tone, compared to cheaper models. You can find violins featuring a dual-piezo pickup, or two pickups that have a blend feature. The preamp that helps with obtaining a better tone is almost a must in this category.

The material of choice for the body is also important for the manufacturers of these electric violins and in some cases, a Kevlar-carbon composite is used to obtain a rich tone. For those that like eccentric details, there are violins in this price range that are made of transparent acrylic and come with LEDs built into them. You can thus have a violin that lights up in many different colors.

You can also find a great handcrafted violin in this price range. Individual violin makers will be able to give you a good violin with gorgeous acoustic-like tone and you will be able to voice your opinion about the design and change it.

 

Over $2,000

Electric violins that have a higher price than this are professional models that can be used in top-level performances. These are usually handcrafted and they have a lot of features that will let you experiment. They also have an interesting design, durable components and most importantly a very steady tone.

Their pickups are great quality and they provide a fantastic tonal output that covers all the frequencies. The sound of these electric violins can be compared to that of good acoustic violins.

If you are only interested in the quality of the tone and the playability of the instrument, there is no actual need to go over $3,000, as those will not improve. All the needed features can be found under the aforementioned sum. However, the higher the price, the more unique the wood or material that the violin is made of is.

You also get some really eccentric finishes or veneers. This is why, for a high price you are not investing in the quality of the instrument only, but you also acknowledge its value as a piece of art. Furthermore, if the electric violin is handmade for you, it’s a unique masterpiece. If you own such a beautiful instrument you will be impressing your audience with the look of it along with its sound.

Types of electric violins

Let’s not forget that there are different types of electric violins and each of them serves a certain purpose. Of course, that leads to different performances and thus the price varies from a type of electric violin to another.

Some people want an electric violin only for practicing or for playing it silently. There are headphone practice violins that allow you to plug a pair of headphones in them and let you practice in silence. Because they don’t need to produce a sound that is similar to the real deal, they are usually cheaper, and you can find some decent violins for this purpose for around $800.

Another type of electric violins that can be found for lower prices is the electro-acoustic violin. While not entirely electric, because they also rely on the acoustic properties of the classic violin, these instruments can offer a decent sound for a relatively low price, starting from $600.

Of course, there are violins that need to be more expensive, the performance ones. If you want to obtain more detail from your violin, a better tone, and more effects, you need to invest more. For a violin that can be used for professional recordings, you need to pay at least $1,000.

 

 

Unavailable products

 

Bunnel EDGE Clearance Electric Violin Outfit Rock Star

 

One of the highest-rated violins, this model is backed by a lifetime warranty. So, you can rest assured that this violin will last numerous sessions of practice and even music concerts.

The best part is that there’s no need to worry about the assembly because this unit is completely setup and ready to play from the moment you open the violin case.

Apart from this, the body of the violin is handcrafted from solid maple wood while the fittings are made from pure ebony. Moreover, inside the product package, you’ll find everything you need to perform efficiently, such as a full-suspension violin case outfitted with straps and different compartments for accessories, a powerful mini-amp, over-ear headphones, a patch cord, a rosin, and a polishing cloth.

Plus, you can pair it with other devices of your own thanks to the 3.5 mm headphone Jack port. The violin boasts a 9-volt battery included in the set and control sliders for adjusting the tone and the volume.

 

Pros

With this violin, you also get an amplifier that comes with all the controls needed to help you hear your performance in the best way possible, and if that isn’t enough, you can also make use of the headphones that come with the instrument.

As you might expect from an electric violin, this one has a design that can be described as eclectic; a striking model that will catch the eye.

With no assembly being required, you can just take this instrument out of its case, put a couple of batteries in, and everything is ready to go.

The violin is a handcrafted one and you can see the attention to detail and the care that has been put into it.

Its tailpiece has four fine tuners so you can adjust the tonality quickly.

 

Cons

It doesn’t hold its tune too well and you will have to constantly make little adjustments so you will also need a chromatic tuner.

 

 

Barcelona 4/4 Size Electric Violin Metallic Blue Bundle with Case

 

While playing music, you need the perfect tool that becomes the expression of your own body. The electric violin must tell a story according to your instructions. A model like this one featuring all the accessories that you desire is definitely a great choice.

Easy to use, this unit is outfitted with fine tuners as well a practical knob for adjusting the volume and tone. Whenever you feel the urge to perform the music you like best, simply plug in the instrument cable included in the package, connect it to an amplifier, and you’re good to go. You can find your perfect tone suitable for your performance using the volume and tone control knobs.

Another cool thing is that even if you don’t have an accompaniment, you can use the ⅛’’ input jack that enables you to play the electric violin while listening to your favorite tunes. After you connect your smartphone or your computer, you can play along to songs, music lessons or backing tracks.

 

Pros

Coming with all the accessories that you would ever want from an electric violin, this model is surely something that will help you get a better player.

This is a fun instrument to play and it is also easy to use.

You get four fine tuners to constantly keep your instrument in tune, and the violin also has a knob that will help you adjust the tone and one for the volume.

Using the ⅛ input jack you will be able to connect it to different devices and that will allow you to play along some of the songs you like.

In terms of design, this electric violin is suited for those looking for a classical style, with its all-black body that has the smooth curvatures of a classical violin.

 

Cons

The location of the headphone jack means that you can’t fit some types of shoulder rests onto it.

 

 

Cremona SV-180E Premier Student Electric Violin Outfit

 

This elegantly-shaped electric violin blends the traditional look with the modern design due to its hardwood body and contoured maple neck. Aside from this, the lower bout is specially designed to accept any standard-sized shoulder rest while the modern peg box is outfitted with regular tuning pegs.

The product features volume and tone controls and a battery compartment that are all mounted on the underside if the violin for convenient and easy access. Because the unit has a standard headphone jack as well as a ⅛’’ mini line-out jack and a ⅛’’ mini line-in jack you can listen to your favorite music while playing with your electric violin.  

As far as the interesting design goes, this instrument, just as other Cremona violins boasts a high-gloss finish in a gorgeous translucent red-orange shade and a highly polished fingerboard manufactured from a solid ebony. 

Besides, the lightweight composite tailpiece comes with four built-in fine tuners. The rosewood bridge was chosen in order to provide a mellow and pleasing both electric and natural acoustic tone. 

 

Pros

The hardwood body will give you the feel of a traditional violin, but the modern design and hardware will remind you that this is a well-built electric instrument.

This violin’s body is designed to accommodate any standard shoulder rest and that will give you the comfort you need when playing.

The battery compartment is hidden on the underside of the instrument, along with the volume control knob and the tone controls.

You can connect this violin to most of the amplifiers and hardware that are on the market and that is thanks to the multitude of different jack inputs and outputs that it has.

Its looks shouldn’t be underestimated either, as the violin comes in a high-gloss finish and a red-orange translucent color that is very pleasing.

 

Cons

The bridge surface is rough and that will mean the strings will pop off often, especially if you are playing the instrument vigorously.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) How to Find Your Ideal Electric Violin

2) About Electric violin

3) How to choose an electric violin?

4) What is the best way to tune an electric violin?