Can an Electric Violin Use a Guitar Amp?
Yes, it is entirely possible to use a guitar amp with an electric violin. However, the results can vary widely and often require some experimentation to achieve satisfactory sound quality.
Creating New Musical Visions
When you amplify an acoustic instrument like an electric violin, you are essentially creating a new instrument with its own unique sound characteristics. The nature of this newly formed instrument can be altered by choosing different pickup systems and amplifier configurations. This opens up a wide array of creative possibilities for musicians.
Using a PA System or Acoustic Guitar Amp
If you want to get as close as possible to the sound of an acoustic violin, you can use a small diaphragm condenser microphone mounted on the body of the violin, paired with a PA system or an acoustic guitar amplifier. This setup can help capture and enhance the natural acoustics of the instrument.
New Possibilities with Amplification
Once you amplify your electric violin, a whole host of new possibilities emerges. For instance, using a magnetic pickup system and overdriving a guitar amp can result in a distorted and powerful sound similar to that of an electric guitar. Playing through a pedal board allows you to experiment with a wide range of effects, giving you a full suite of tonal options.
The Rise of Solidbody Electric Violins
As fiddlers became aware of these potentialities, the demand for solidbody electric violins grew. These instruments combine the rich tonality of the violin with the flexibility and range of an electric guitar, allowing for a wider array of musical expressions and performances.
Challenges in Matching Sound Characteristics
While it is possible to use a guitar amp with an electric violin, you may not always get the desired sound. Guitar amps are typically designed to process the pure signals from guitar strings and add character to them. Electric guitar players often focus on achieving a specific "tone" and may use stompboxes, multi-effects units, or overdriving the preamp to achieve their desired sound.
Unique Signal Characteristics of Electric Violin
The signal from an electric violin is fundamentally different from that of a traditional guitar. The interaction of the bow hair with the string produces complex mechanical vibrations that don't resemble pure string vibrations. Additionally, violin pickups are typically piezoelectric rather than magnetic, leading to further complication by the mechanical resonances of the bridge and piezo crystal.
Piezo transducers have a very high output impedance, while magnetic guitar pickups have low impedance. This means that you may need to use a high-impedance preamp to process the signal from the electric violin effectively, otherwise, the signal could become compromised right at the piezo crystal.
Limited Frequency Response and Tone
The relatively narrow frequency response of a guitar amp may not accurately reproduce the complex and wide-ranging frequencies produced by an electric violin. In such cases, you might find that an amp designed for acoustic instruments or specifically for keyboards would yield better results.
Experimentation and Listener Preferences
Some people may indeed enjoy the distinctive sound produced by plugging their electric violin into a guitar amp. However, it's also quite common for this sound to be perceived as harsh or uncomfortable. Experimentation and listener preferences play a significant role in determining whether the sound is enjoyable or not.
Unless you are satisfied with the results, it is often recommended to try a more neutral amplifier and use effect pedals to modify the tone. This approach can lead to a more balanced and satisfying sound overall.