Instruments | Laurens Violin Studio

Violin Made

A Look at the Electric Violin

An electric violin is an amplified violin that sends out a signal
through an electrical pickup device. There are several different models
of electric violins. Some are standard acoustic violins with an
electric pickup added to the bridge. Other types of electric violins
are designed differently and only work properly when plugged in.
Electric violins are often used to play different types of music than
standard acoustic violins.

The pickups of electric violins are important. Since electric violin
strings are usually made of metal, either magnetic or piezoelectric
pickups are used to transmit the sound to the amplifier. This system is
similar to the way electric guitars work.

Some people add an electric pickup to a standard acoustic violin so
that it’s signal can be transmitted to an amplifier. The problem with
putting a pickup on an acoustic violin is that acoustic violins have a
hollow wooden body that can create feedback when it is played
electrically. The resonance of the sound vibrating in the violin’s body
interferes with the sound made by the strings and can cause annoying,
high-pitched squealing noises to come out of the amplifier.

Most electric violins have a solid body design. The solid body keeps
the instrument from feeding back. Also, any necessary electrical
equipment, such as any wiring or batteries, is housed in the body.
Since the electric violin is a relatively new invention, it has no
standard body shape or design, and makers are free to experiment and
invent new ways of designing the instrument.

Electric violins are usually used in different situations than
acoustic violins. An electric violin is viewed as an experimental
instrument and is not found in classical or traditional music, but is
often used in avant-garde music. Guitar effects like reverb, chorus,
and distortion can be used to give the electric violin a unique,
otherworldly sound.

Electric violins are unique instruments with a sound all their own.
Electric violins are perfect for musicians and composers who want to
have their own individual sound.

About the Author

Violins Info
provides detailed information about antique and electric violins,
violin music, sheet music, strings, and shops; violin makers and
repair; and explanations of how to play the violin and a short history
of the violin. Violins Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

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