Electric Violin for Beginners

An electric violin uses a pickup and amplifier to project the sound of an instrument rather than relying on the acoustic properties of the instrument itself. The basic technique for playing electric violin is similar to a traditional acoustic violin, but the different design changes some nuances of the instrument. There are some important differences for electric violin for beginners because of these nuances.

Starting Out

Beginners can learn to play the electric violin without finding out how to play an acoustic violin. This is only uncommon because of the rarity of electric violinists. A beginner interested in playing electric violin will typically be at an advantage learning on one from the start. The size and weight between electric and acoustic violins is usually different enough to make switching between the two difficult. Electric violin for beginners can be a good starting point.

Advantages

The main advantage of an electric violin is the ease in which sound can be projected through an amplifier. A traditional violin is usually limited by the acoustics of the room where it is located. It is possible to play an acoustic violin into a microphone to project the sound, but this is awkward because it requires the violinist to remain still while playing. Slightly moving the violin in relation to the microphone will usually result in a noticeable, unintentional volume change. Most electric violins are much more durable than acoustic violins, which also is an advantage for electric violins for beginners. Small headphone amplifiers can be used by an electric violinist to practice without disturbing others nearby.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of playing electric violin is the amount of equipment required. This is usually going to be more expensive in comparison to an acoustic violin. An electric violinist also has to carry all of this equipment with her in order to play. Electric violins do not usually project sound very well without an amplifier. At a minimum, an electric violinist needs an electric violin, amplifier and instrument cable to play her instrument.

Electric Violin Equipment

There is a variety of equipment that can be used while playing electric violin. The main piece of equipment other than the violin is the amplifier. Because of the lack of amplifiers designed specifically for electric violins, this will often be a guitar or bass amplifier. A standard instrument cable is used to connect the violin to the amplifier. Effects can also be connected to the electric violin to modify the sound. Typically, guitar effect pedals are used to alter the tone, such as adding distortion or echo effects.

Buying Equipment

An electric violin is a fairly rare instrument compared to acoustic violins or electric guitars. This means there is little equipment actually designed specifically for electric violinists. In most cases, electric guitar or bass equipment is used instead. An electric violinist should try out any amplifiers or effects with her own violin before purchasing it. In some instances, this equipment might not function well with a violin in place of the instrument for which it was designed.

References

• Electric Violin Shop: Why Play Electric Violins?
• Bowed Electricity: Performance Equipment

Resources

• Bowed Electricity: Electric Violin Makers