Yamaha SV100K electric/silent violin

Subject: Yamaha SV100K electric/silent violin
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 06:38 AM

I'm thinking about getting one of these - I've tried the Yamaha and liked the feel and action. Can anyone give me any feedback (no pun intended) on this model. Our local instrument dealer has one for £379.

Subject: RE: Yamaha SV100K electric/silent violin
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 12:26 PM

A friend with whom I play occasionally has one with which he is tremendously pleased. The times I've played with him have been outdoors with him playing through a small battery-powered amp yet the sound has stll been quite impressive. It would probably sound even better played through a top-quality amp.

I will temper my enthusiasm a bit, though, by pointing out that my friend does play primarilly jazz and swing, for which the SV is well-suited. He does play a handful of traditional tunes and there does seem to be something lacking where they're concerned. But, how much of that lack is due to the instrument and how much is due to the player just being a lot better at jazz than trad is unknowable.

Subject: RE: Yamaha SV100K electric/silent violin
From: Bardford
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 01:18 PM

I rented a Yamaha Silent Violin for a few months and ended up buying it. Different model number over here; I think the 100 in Europe = the 120 in North America. Essentially the same critter though.

I use it exclusively for practice, because it is a UN Charter of Rights violation for me to play any stringed instrument in public.

As a practice instrument it is dandy. We have a small house, and my regular fiddle, even muted, can be annoyingly loud to those with whom I share the space. The electric doesn't resonate, so plays very quietly. I play with or without headphones.

It is heavier than an acoustic vioin, with a fair bit of weight at the shoulder end, where the batteries and the electronic bits are. I have had a problem getting the shoulder rest aligned to my liking - it is a modified Kun rest.

The line-in is nice for practice, but if I am wearing headphones, have the fiddle plugged into the wall, and have a CD hooked up, I've got three different wires hanging off me that can get in the way of the bow. Not to mention create a tripping hazard in the event of a fire or empty glass.

There is a fair amount of background noise when it is on battery power, less so with AC. I don't know if this is due to dirty electronics or what.

A friend lent me a guiter multi-effects pedal - what a hoot! I use it mostly as a fun timewaster, but I'm sure you could create some nice sounds through it. Although I've heard that a bass processor might be a better choice for this.

Subject: RE: Yamaha SV100K electric/silent violin
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 05:43 PM

Bridge.

Subject: RE: Yamaha SV100K electric/silent violin
From: GUEST,ridge plucker
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 06:13 PM

Hi,

My wife has one of these. It sounds nice through a good quality amp. It is nice when you are traveling. You can play it anytime in your hotel room with the headphones.

Pete