Choosing what type of violin to play will surely create an impact on the music you want to produce. If you’re a beginner looking forward to playing the violin, you should know that the acoustic is different from the electric violin. For professionals, it’s easy to distinguish the difference, but for starters, there are few things you need to consider when deciding whether to have an acoustic or electric violin. Keep reading as we laid down the characteristics of both types that you might find handy.
Characteristics of an acoustic violin
A traditional or acoustic violin is built with a hollow body or structure, causing it to weigh less than an electric violin. This specific structure is made purposely for an excellent sound vibration and amplification of the strings. Likewise, acoustic violins showcase natural amplification without the use of any sound technologies.
Acoustic violins have a classical bridge responsible for transmitting the strings’ vibrations to the soundbox. You’d find the bridge on the body. When it comes to the number of strings, acoustic violins are only available in four strings (DGAE). Moreover, its design follows the standards when it comes to size and ergonomics. You’d find acoustic violins in almost the same visual look.
Characteristics of an electric violin
If an acoustic violin has a hollow body, an electric violin has a solid build. It also needs an amp to be heard, a technology that you don’t need in acoustic violins. Electric violins don’t have any soundbox in their structure. This is why you really need an amplifier or a speaker to amplify its sound.
An electric violin is heavier than acoustic violins, and the weight differs depending on the model and the manufacturer. Since it also has a full-body, it needs to transcribe the strings’ vibrations into electrical signals for the public to hear it. These electric violins also have pickups, which are responsible for manufacturing the electric signals. As a consequence, the quality of the sound heavily depends on the bridge type and number of pickups the instrument has. Another thing to take note of when it comes to the electric violins is their number of strings, which could come with 4 or more.
Acoustic or Electric Violin?
If you finally made a decision on which of the two types of violin you will choose, you must ensure to choose the one that best fits you. For example, if you come up with the decision of buying the electric violin, you must choose the best electric violin for you. The same applies if you want an acoustic violin instead.
Here are the 2 major factors you should consider:
1. Preference
Research is essential and should be your first step. Look at the differences between the two, especially when it comes to size and weight. You must know what you want before you visit a store. What sound quality do you want? What body structure do you prefer? What do you need the most?
If you think you have the answers to these questions, then you can go ahead, hit the store, and buy the violin you prefer.
2. Budget
When you visit a shop, you’d find lots of choices and their prices greatly differ from each other. This is why you need to set your budget before you browse for a violin. Make sure to stick with your budget so you can arrive at a wise purchase. If you won’t set a limit, you’ll fail to find the best one for you.
Summary
There is no doubt that both acoustic and electric violins are worth your penny. However, you can’t purchase and play both at the same time. By considering your preference, budget, and skills, you’ll surely arrive at the right decision.
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