In this article I intend to take you through an honest review of five electric violins I have played recently with a view to purchasing. This is my own personal choice and I was looking at features that were important to me about an instrument. These were, price, sound, playability, X factor. Playability means the overall feel of the violin to play and includes string action, weight and comfort. The X factor is something which will illogically want you to buy or not to buy.
The first violin I am reviewing is the Harley Benton HBV 400.
Price. £140.00 5 out of 5
Sound. OK 3 out of 5
Weight and comfort. Heavy 2 out of 5
String action. Not too bad 2.5 out of 5
X Factor 2 out of 5
The Harley Benton is a cheap violin which for the price is good value. As with all cheap electric violins, the problem is the pick-up which at high volume gives you a "hiss;" this can be resolved by using good amplification. The instrument is too heavy and difficult to play for long periods because of this. My conclusion is that it is good value for the little money you pay.
The Stag electric violin.
Price. Under £100.00 5 out of 5
Sound. Not great. 3 out of 5
Weight and comfort adequate. 3 out of 5
String action. Not too bad. 2.5 out of 5
X factor 1 out of 5
I didn't like this violin though I admit that for the price it is good value. The bow was cheap and nasty, and the headphones which came with it poor. I got the feeling that the electronics were not built to last, but the sound if played through a decent sound system was adequate. My conclusion is that you pay for what you get.
The NS Design Wav4
Price. Between £450.00 to £470.00 5 out of 5
Sound. Beautiful. 5 out of 5
Weight and comfort. Unusual at first but you get used to it. 5 out of 5
String action. Adjustable. 5 out of 5
X factor 5 out of 5
I didn't fall in love with this violin by accident, though it looks odd, and takes some getting used to. After playing it for about half an hour I was hooked. Close your eyes and it feels like a normal electric. With adjustable string action you can get the strings in a position to suit what you need. it sounds like an acoustic violin so if that is what you are looking for, then this is the violin for you. My conclusion. Great value.
The Yamaha SV130
Price. Around £ 550.00 5 out of 5
Sound. Very good. 4 out of 5
Weight and comfort. Good 5 out of 5
String action. As you would expect from a Yamaha. 5 out of 5
X factor. 4 out of 5. Don't ask me why; it's an x factor
This is an excellent violin, and like all Yamaha products is well-built. Great sound, action and feel. As an entry-level "good" violin it is up there with the best. Used as a practice tool with headphones, you even get reverberation with three different settings. My conclusion. This is a great instrument.
The fender FV1
Price. £ 500.00 5 out of 5
Sound. 5 out of 5
Weight and comfort. Brilliant. 5 out of 5
String action. It's a fender; enough said. 5 out of 5
X factor. I love it. 5 out of 5.
This is great value for the money, and plays and sounds like a dream. As with all fender products you are assured of quality. Looks like a "real" violin and tone controls are sensitive to your needs. My conclusion. Get one.
So which one am I going to purchase? Still deciding between the NS Design and the Fender. Will probably flick a coin, but order the NS Design.
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