Freedom to MOVE
Have you ever felt trapped behind a microphone with your violin, unable to really move with the music because you need to keep the mike pointing at the f-holes?
SAVE Your Wooden Eggshell
Having had my favorite road violin destroyed at a gig, I find peace of mind playing with a solid body electric. If traumatized, it may dent, but it will not end up in splinters like an acoustic violin.
Acoustic TONE
Most of the better electric violin makers have engineered their instruments to produce a tone very close to an acoustic violin.
No FEEDBACK Worries
Even the internal instrument mikes can feed back at times. A solid body electric violin eliminates that problem forever!
MILD to WILD!
You can choose a traditional shape in wood finish or in a bright color, or one of the wildly innovative designs. Those who want maximum stage impact can go for a glitter finish or an acrylic electric violin with flashing LED's!
Wide Range of EFFECTS
- true classical tone
- penetrating fiddle chop
- a little reverb to warm it up
- "Wah" like Jimi Hendrix
- metal-level distortion
- hook up to your PC or Mac for recording
Subtlety of NUANCE
Given the sensitivity of electronics, you will find it much easier to project your subtlest nuance of expression to the audience. Fingering and bowing effort are reduced, so you can play with a lighter touch and more relaxed hand positions.
Expanded RANGE
An octave electric violin (tuned E A D G an octave below) and a 5, 6 or 7 string electric violin take your pitch down to viola and cello range. Tuning can be left in fifths (for a 7 string, your lowest string is B flat below the cello C string), or find interesting alternate and open tunings. Typically the lower strings can even be de-tuned, putting the electric violin in the contrabass range.
Private PRACTICE
Play late at night without disturbing the whole house (or the hotel), and, with headphones, at whatever volume you desire.
New INSPIRATION
The electric violin truly is a different instrument than an acoustic violin. The ease of playing, and the facility of shifting encouraged by the more streamlined models, challenge the player to reinvent their playing style(s) - adding new techniques like hammer-ons, percussive bow or finger tapping effects, extreme vibrato and mega glissando (especially easy on models with no upper bout).
You Pick the PRICE
For the same price you would pay a violin shop for an "advanced beginner" or "intermediate" acoustic violin, you can buy a "no compromise" electric violin. From well under $1000 to above $2000, you can get a fine electric instrument for less than what an orchestral player pays for a nice bow!
Also...
Electric Viola
No longer taking a backseat, the electric viola is finally available in several colors, as well as 5 string models.
Electric Cello
The cello is perfect for amplifying because it is so versatile - leading the melody, accompanying with chords, percussive backing, and deep bass lines. On-stage instrument safety may be even more important given the cello's larger size (and higher repair prices) and the almost invisible endpin when the instrument is set down. Some makers produce 5 and 6 string models - if you want to give the bass players some honest competition. And you can strut like a rock star with a shoulder strap on some models!
Electric Upright Bass
The easier portability of electric upright basses has appealed to bass players for years. With excellent acoustic sound quality and accurate tracking of both bowing and plucking nuances, today's bass player can have it both ways. You can even drive to the gig, fully equipped, in a Mini or a Miata - even with the top up!