Electric violins are the bridge between classical tradition and modern expression. With sleek designs, powerful pickups, and digital flexibility, today’s top violinists are not only masters of melody but also of sound manipulation. Let’s explore 8 musicians who rock the best electric violins—with specs, style, and serious sound. 🔊✨
1. Lindsey Stirling – Yamaha SV-250 🎭💃
🎻 Model: Yamaha SV-250 Silent Violin Pro
⚙️ Specs:
- Solid-body with dual pickup system
- Piezo and body pickup blend
- Lightweight composite body
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - Master volume
- EQ blend knob
- External preamp support
Why it’s iconic:
Lindsey’s dynamic stage performances mix classical violin with dubstep, pop, and EDM. Her Yamaha gives her versatility and a clean tone on any stage.
“Graceful meets fierce—on four strings.”
2. Vanessa-Mae – Bridge Aquila 🌊🎼
🎻 Model: Bridge Aquila
⚙️ Specs:
- Carbon fiber body
- Proprietary piezo pickup system
- Tailpiece-integrated fine tuners
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - Built-in preamp
- Adjustable tone and gain knobs
Why it’s iconic:
Known for blending Bach with techno beats, Vanessa-Mae’s violin is as bold and forward-looking as her music.
“Baroque, but make it electric.”
3. David Garrett – Yamaha YEV-105 🎩🔥
🎻 Model: Yamaha YEV-105
⚙️ Specs:
- 5-string model
- Composite wood body with infinity loop design
- Passive output with piezo pickup
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - No built-in controls (used with pedalboard)
Why it’s iconic:
Garrett moves seamlessly from Paganini to rock covers. The 5-string setup gives him an extended range, and his effects chain completes the magic.
“A rock star with a bow.”
4. Mark Wood – Viper Electric Violin 🕶️🎸
🎻 Model: Mark Wood 7-String Viper
⚙️ Specs:
- 7 strings, fretted fingerboard
- Chest support (no shoulder rest needed)
- Wood Tru-Tone pickup
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - Custom tone and volume dials on body
- Active preamp available in some models
Why it’s iconic:
This custom-designed beast lets Mark shred like a guitarist. Perfect for metal, fusion, and theatrical performances.
“Think Jimi Hendrix with a bow and LED strings.”
5. Taylor Davis – NS Design CR Series 🌟🎬
🎻 Model: NS Design CR4
⚙️ Specs:
- Solid maple body
- Polar™ piezo pickup system
- Active electronics
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - Volume
- Treble/Bass tone knobs
- 3-position EQ switch
Why it’s iconic:
Taylor’s cinematic and video game covers sound rich and expressive with the CR’s deep, full-bodied tone.
“Soundtrack energy meets concert hall power.”
6. Miri Ben-Ari – ZETA Jazz Fusion 🎷🎻
🎻 Model: ZETA Jazz Fusion Violin
⚙️ Specs:
- Jazz body style
- ZETA Strados bridge pickup
- Active EQ system
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - Volume knob
- EQ sliders for bass/mid/treble
- Onboard preamp
Why it’s iconic:
Known as the “hip-hop violinist,” Miri’s tone cuts through any mix—perfect for rap, jazz, or soul fusion.
“Where groove meets grace.”
7. Jean-Luc Ponty – Barcus-Berry Electric Violin 🎼🌀
🎻 Model: Barcus-Berry 3100
⚙️ Specs:
- Traditional body with built-in pickup
- Piezo bridge pickup
- Lightweight design
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - Passive output with external preamp
- EQ handled via amp/pedalboard
Why it’s iconic:
A pioneer of electric jazz violin, Ponty’s warm and expressive tone has shaped generations of string improvisers.
“He didn’t follow trends—he created them.”
8. Brian King Joseph – Custom LED Electric Violin 🎇🎮
🎻 Model: Custom LED acrylic violin
⚙️ Specs:
- Clear acrylic body with built-in RGB LEDs
- Piezo pickup
- Wireless system compatible
🎚️ Volume/Tone Controls: - Master volume
- Onboard tone shaping
Why it’s iconic:
Brian’s showstopping performances on America’s Got Talent showed how far electric violins can go—literally lighting up the stage.
“If cyberpunk had a violinist, this is the guy.”
🎤 Final Note: Strings of the Future
Electric violins are pushing boundaries in tone, design, and style. Whether you’re into classical crossover, EDM, jazz, or even metal, there’s a violin here to inspire. 🎻💡