Published on April 23rd, 2019
Although anyone serious about playing the violin should practice with an acoustic instrument, there are situations when you might find an electric model convenient for your training.
Here are all the pros and cons of such an instrument and why you may want to consider having one for home practice.
Advantages Of An Electric Violin
These instruments are solid bodied violins that create more of an artificial sound when compared to their acoustic counterparts. However, they do have their uses, and it is not unusual for many violinists to use them in their training.
1. A Good Option For Contemporary Music Genres
If you like to play jazz or rock, you will discover that an electric violin is quite a good pick. Since these music genres don’t require your instrument to have a classical tone, you will find an electric violin to be more versatile and adaptable to the musical arrangement you have in mind.
2. Electric Violins Offer More Creative Freedom
When you need to improvise and create new music, you will see that an electric model is a much more indicated choice. These instruments come equipped with various creative features, and they allow you to experiment in ways an acoustic violin cannot. You can get a model from Yamaha or other reputable manufacturers.
3. Amplifying The Sound Is Possible
When you play an acoustic violin, the sound delivered cannot get louder than it is. But things are different with an electric model. You can use the jack input available to connect it with an amplifier and get the sound as loud as possible.
4. You Can Practice In Complete Silence
Your family may love and support you in your passion, but they might not be that understanding when you have to practice for hours. An electric violin gives you the chance to practice in complete silence, at least for those around you. Using the headphone amp, you can be the only one hearing the sounds delivered by your instrument.
5. Extras Are Available
There are plenty of things you can do with your electric violin. First of all, you can hook it up with effects or loop pedals, just like you would with an electric guitar. Therefore, you will be able to obtain a range of sounds that an acoustic violin could never deliver. On some models, there are options for practicing with a backing track, which can be truly helpful for novices.
6. Recording Is Possible
In case you need to record your practice sessions or a new piece, with an electric violin, it is possible with ease. Also, electric violins tend to look quite nice, and their unique design will surely make them ideal for public performances.
Disadvantages Of Electric Violins
As you could see earlier, there are plenty of things to like about these instruments. But that should not have you think that this modern instrument can so easily replace an acoustic violin. There are some downsides that you should bear in mind.
1. Teachers Don’t Recommend Them For Beginners
Although it may feel like the right type of instrument for a beginner, an electric violin is not that good for a novice. Teachers still prefer acoustic instruments, because beginners must get accustomed with the way the sounds resonate from the hollow body of the violin.
2. Without Amplification, They Don’t Sound Well
If you don’t use amplification, you will notice that an electric violin will only deliver a muted sound that’s not ideal for practicing.
3. They Can’t Be Used For Classical Music
Even if electric violins are good for practicing jazz and rock pieces, they are abysmal when it comes to classical music. So, if that’s something you want, opt for an acoustic instrument instead.
