Classical vs. Electric Violins- What’s the Difference?
Many of you may already know this, but the difference between a classical violin and an electric violin is this: The classical violin gets its sound from playing the strings over the hollow chamber inside the instrument, whereas the electric violin gets its sound from playing the strings over electronic pickups. Electric violins often look like a shell of a violin. But since the sound comes from the pickups, it isn’t really necessary for the violin to have a resonating chamber.
Here’s another difference. Since electric violins are so often seen as being experimental, manufacturers tend to put more of a spin on this instrument than on classical violins. For example, makers have added frets or more strings (in one scenario, 12 strings!). Most often, you will find that electric violins have around 4 or 5 strings.
Why Use An Electric Violin?
Electric violins give us more power over the volume and quality of sound. For example, if you want to play with a drummer, just turn up the amplifier! Do you want to add distortion, a flanger, wah-wah, or other effects? Use an effects pedal! You can even add an octaver to your sound. The opportunities are vast, which is one of the many reasons why this instrument is so very intriguing.
A History of the Electric Violin
While the acoustic violin is said to have been created around the 1500s, the electric violin didn’t come around until much later. In 1874 an American man named Elisha Gray came up with the idea of turning a violin electric. He had a violin without a soundbox, and so he decided to spice things up a bit. While this violin was said to be successful, not so much as a blueprint or sketch has ever been found.
Jazz musician Stuff Smith was the first violinist to take to the stage with an electric violin in the year 1920. Stuff chose the electric violin over the acoustic violin because he found that his sound was frequently covered up by his band when he played swing music on his acoustic.
If we fast-forward to later in the1 920s, we get a lot closer to the instruments that we see today. That being said, electronic violins were not available on the market until around the 1930s and 1940s. One of the most popular makers at this time was called the Electro Stringed Instrument Corporation. And, believe it or not, Fender actually even spent a fair bit of time creating and marketing electronic violins by the time the 1950s hit. You can still occasionally find an electric Fender around at resale shops today.
Price Range
Are you in the market for an electric violin, but you don’t quite know what to expect?
Beginner models tend to start around $300-$350. Keep in mind that, just because it is a beginner model, doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t a quality violin. Beginner model electric violins can be a great introduction to violinists who are looking to start out with solo practice.
Popular Brands and Models
Some of the big-name brands that you will find in the electric violin world are:
- Cremona
- Barcus Berry
- Yamaha
- Stagg
For Beginners Looking for Quiet Practice: The Stagg EVN
The Stagg EVN is a really interesting model because it is an S-shaped, silent violin. This instrument plugs into headphones. It is perfect for the apartment-dwelling violinist. It’s a high-quality-build instrument. While the headphones it comes with aren’t the best quality, those can be easily replaced. I recommend this instrument for beginners who are looking to dip their toes into the world of electric violins. At the low price of $275, this one is hard to beat.
For Those Who Love Extras: The Bunnel
The Bunnel electric violin is a step-up from the Stagg EVN when it comes to accessories. It is made of maple, and looks modern and understated. It includes the amp, carrying case, headphones, and other equipment. While it’s clear to see that this under $300 instrument is no professional model, it is a great setup for getting started.
For the Professional: The Yamaha SV-250
Does this model sound familiar? That might be because it’s the instrument Lindsay Sterling uses! If you’d like to see her talk about her violin up-close and personal, check out this video.
The Yamaha SV-250 runs about $2,700. Some of its key features include an extra pickup and a lightweight body. This professional-grade electric violin is simply stunning.
All in all, many high-quality, professional electric violins can be found in the $500-$2000 range. If you have the budget to purchase an instrument in this price range, I’d certainly recommend this benchmark.
Materials
Whether we are talking woodwinds or electric violins, the material of an instrument is something that is almost always up for debate. Most often, electric violins are made of wood, kevlar, or acrylic. The quality of pickup used matters more than the actual material unless the violin is electric-acoustic. Really, when it comes to material, it all depends on the look you are going for.
Another Option: Amplifying With Pickups
If you are looking to explore the world of, well, electrifying instruments but you don’t want to buy another violin, there is a second option: adding a pickup. Violin pickups are easy to install and typically cost under $100. For many musicians, this is much more of a realistic way to start out, before saving up to invest in the real deal. Popular brands of violin pickups include Kremona and Fishman. I’m going to go ahead and play devil’s advocate here though and say that, though true electric violins may seem expensive at first glance, they are actually much more economical than many acoustic violins.
Choosing a new instrument can be dizzying, but doing your research beforehand will save you a lot of headache. I hope you enjoyed learning about the world of electric violins.