How to Find the Best Electric Violin
The things to consider in how to find the best electric violin are, What size you should buy, what brand should you choose, and how much cash should you set aside? These are all critical questions, but something I believe is equally important when making the purchase decision is deciding between an acoustic or electric violin.
As someone who has always been a fan of electric violins, the differences between them and acoustic violins impact your experience playing.
If you’re considering purchasing an electric violin, here’s a guide! There are many things to consider before making your purchase, and as someone who has been buying the best electric violin for most of their musical career, I’ve got lots of advice to offer you. Consider these suggestions, and buying a violin is a wise investment.
Why Should You Consider Electric Over Acoustic?
Before we look at what you would like to consider when deciding whether to buy an electric violin, here’s a quick look at why some violin players prefer one instead of an acoustic option. I’m a longtime violinist who started playing acoustic violin but is now partial to electric models. Let’s review the key reasons why.
Amplification:
The first thing to consider is how to find the best electric violin over an acoustic; that is, they are amplified. It may seem obvious, but there are several benefits to having an amplified instrument. An electric violin can provide incredible sound projection, bringing your performance to life in front of a larger audience or for personal practice.
With an electric violin, you will never have to worry about your instrument not being loud enough; every note and nuance will be heard with clarity and definition. Furthermore, amplification allows you to manipulate tone and effects and access features such as looping and sampling capabilities.
One of the best parts about playing an electric violin is that it can be used in any setting – from classical recitals to rock gigs!
Genres:
Unlike standard acoustic violins, electric violins come equipped with amplification technology; this allows the musician to increase their sound level to be heard over other instruments in the band. With the best electric violin, you can produce a much more powerful sound than you would typically achieve on an acoustic instrument.
Consider comfort first and foremost when deciding on the best electrical violin for your needs. Look for a lightweight build and ergonomic design; if it feels too heavy or awkward, you won’t enjoy playing it, even if the technical specs say otherwise.
Recording:
This last point is the most vital to me. While I have been proceeding as an old-style performer for most of my profession, there has been a ton of cross-over in music innovation.
Recording my music is essential to me; it assists me with showing my songwriting in specific manifestations. This is much more straightforward if you utilize instruments with good results.
Indeed, you could record an acoustic violin with a receiver, yet this is surprisingly troublesome. The acoustic profile of a violin is mind-boggling, and in this way, you want a few receivers to record it appropriately. This is arduous and tedious while you plug in and register with electric violins!
To add to this, you likewise have the reward of having the option to utilize impact pedals. Whether you need to add a reverb to imitate that chamber air or investigate with some postponement or even mutilation pedals, having the best electric violin opens up numerous entryways for melodic inventiveness.
Whether you decide to perform or record, this doesn’t make any difference – you will approach an entirely different scope of sound profiles, and I love this.
Criteria – How to Find the Best Electric Violin?
You have gone through a few of my points and have been drawn toward an electric violin as your following instrument. Terrific, so now what should you look for? So many choices exist for electric violins. Which ones are the best, and what do you require of them? Let’s review!
Pickups:
Electric violins are versatile, allowing players to create sounds and tones like electric guitars. They achieve this through audio pickups, which are small devices that pick up analog audio and convert it to an electric signal.
There are various types of pickups out there that can be used in electric violins depending on the desired sound or effect. The main types are magnetic, piezoelectric, and electrodynamic pickups; all offering different criteria for achieving a particular sound. Magnetic pickups pick up vibrations from strings through magnets mounted underneath them, generating current when string movement occurs.
Piezoelectric pickups require a user to attach transducers to the surface of each string to generate current when the line is plucked or bowed, providing vibrant tones with more clarity than other pickup types.
Material:
Electric violins have become increasingly popular among musicians as an alternative to traditional wooden instruments. Carbon fiber electric violins are particularly popular among device fans for several reasons, from their lightweight design to their bold aesthetic. For many, these advantages compensate for any drawbacks of playing an electric violin instead of a wooden one.
The main difference between carbon fiber electric violins and traditional wooden models is the material used in construction. Whereas wood has been widely used in stringed instruments for centuries, carbon fiber offers a more durable and lightweight option that can be shaped into unique designs, unlike those found on conventional fiddles.
Carbon fiber electric violins often come equipped with built-in pickups and effects that can be manipulated to achieve different sounds and tones than acoustic models produce.
Size and Comfort:
The central part of picking an electric violin is to think about the size and solace of the instrument. This cycle is similar to an acoustic violin but similarly significant.
It doesn’t make any difference whether you buy the most costly and extravagant electric violin, on the off chance that you can’t play the instrument serenely, being a misuse of your time is going.
It would help if you initially guaranteed that the size is right; sizes between 1/16 and 7/8 are best for kids, and youthful grown-ups, and measures between 7/8 and 4/4 will be suitable for adults of most body types.
It’s not just about size, however – various violins have different form characteristics, which can influence that they are so agreeable to hold and perform with. Some may be heavier, some may be slimmer, and some may be simpler to grasp.
Try different violins in music stores to explore this assortment and become comfortable with the various styles. When you have tracked down something that fits you and is agreeable to play, would it be advisable for you to consider buying it?
My Top Electric Violin Recommendations:
Now that we’ve researched precisely why you could pick an electric violin and the characteristics you should search for, we should investigate some of my top proposals. These three models are probably the best electric violins I’ve run over; however, remember to test them in a music store to see them yourself!
Cecilio CEVN-2BK Electric/Silent Violin:
This model is designed to produce a rich and accurate sound that can be enjoyed solo or ensemble. With its traditional craftsmanship and sleek design, this violin offers superior performance capabilities with modern convenience.
The Cecilio CEVN-2BK features a solid maple body with an ebony fingerboard and pegs, allowing smooth string transitions. It also has a pickup system with controls for volume and tone adjusting, making it perfect for recording and live performances.
It is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable instrument. This electric violin allows you to practice anytime without disturbing your neighbors, as it produces no sound when not plugged into an amplifier.
This model also provides players access to standard headphone jacks and ¼” outputs so they can easily connect it to their preferred amplifier without issue.
Pros
- Superior sound quality with a 3-band EQ.
- Excellent craftsmanship with a hand-carved spruce solid body and maple neck.
- Lightweight and slim design for easy portability.
- Comes with an adjustable shoulder rest, chin rest, rosin, bridge, and Bow.
Cons
- Not suitable for traditional bow playing.
- Strings may require frequent tuning due to the silent nature of the instrument.
Barcus Berry BAR-AEG Acoustic-Electric Violin:
The Barcus Berry BAR-AEG Acoustic-Electric Violin is among the best electric violins on the market. This violin has many features and capabilities that make it stand out from its competitors. It is designed for acoustic and electric performance with a full range of sounds and tones that can be easily adjusted to achieve unparalleled sound quality.
The BAR-AEG features an innovative 3D body design that provides comfort, balance, and superior resonance for optimal sound quality when playing. Its unique bridge pickup system ensures maximum clarity in amplified settings while allowing easy access to control volume, EQ, effects, and more.
The built-in headphone jack allows you to practice without bothering anyone around you. As well as having excellent sound quality, this instrument boasts a stunning finish with walnut fittings for smooth playability.
Pros
- Comes with an onboard preamp and pickup, amplifying and processing sound.
- Includes a built-in microphone to capture the natural acoustic tone of the instrument.
- Two 1/4″ output jacks can connect to an amp or mixing board.
- It has a 9V battery, making it convenient without an additional power source.
- Features adjustable volume and low and high EQ controls for fine-tuning your sound.
Cons
- The preamp does not have a headphone jack for silent practice sessions.
- It Can be challenging to adjust the intonation due to a lack of fine-tuning knobs on the bridge itself.
Bridge Lyra 5-String Electric Violin:
The Bridge Lyra 5-String Electric Violin is the best electric violin available. Featuring an entire maple body with an ebony fingerboard and bridge, it produces a rich, clear sound that is perfect for musicians of all styles.
Its unique pickup system allows players to shape their sound precisely and accurately easily. With five strings, this instrument offers an extra layer of musical possibilities not found in other electric violins.
The unique design of the Lyra 5-String Electric Violin has been carefully crafted to give players maximum control over their sound. The pickups are individually adjustable, allowing them to be tailored to fit any player’s preferences.
Additionally, its slim body provides excellent balance and comfort while playing, making it ideal for even beginner musicians who want a professional-level instrument at an accessible price point.
Pros
- It produces a robust, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity.
- It is comfortable to play for extended periods.
- It has five strings, allowing for a more excellent range.
- It has an onboard EQ and preamp system, allowing players to adjust their tone as needed quickly.
- Looks stylish with its elegant curves and modern aesthetic.
Cons
- Finding replacement parts or accessories cannot be accessible if something needs to be repaired or replaced.
Conclusion – How to Find the Best Electric Violin
The best electric violin for beginner and experienced players alike is the Cecilio CEVN-2BK Electric Silent Violin. It has all the features one needs in an electric violin, and its silent design makes it an excellent choice for practice.
The Barcus Berry BAR-AEG Acoustic-Electric Violin is also a great choice, combining an acoustic instrument’s rich sound with an electric violin’s modern features.
FAQ’s
Could you, at any point, play an electric violin quietly?
Yes, it is possible to play an electric violin quietly. The amplifier is the main factor in determining the instrument’s quiet. An electric violin can be plugged into a low-wattage amplifier that won’t produce much sound or even into headphones for silent practice.
Do electric violins require batteries?
Yes, electric violins require batteries to function. The type of battery used depends on the model of the violin and can range from a 9-volt battery to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
What is the lightest electric violin?
The NS Design NXT4 Electric Violin is the lightest electric violin available. This instrument weighs only 3 lbs, making it easy to transport and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Related: How to Find the Best 1/2 Violin
