I'll
Bet You Never Thought You'd Be Playing an Electric
Violin
Electronic
Drums are Common but Violins?
Most notably publicized
through Yellowcard’s Sean Mackin, the electric
violin combines the classic sound of strumming
strings with the power of rocking acoustics. The
instrument is not unheard of, but it remains to be
seen whether it will achieve as much mainstream
acceptance as the electric guitar, or even the
mellow sound of antique violins.
Public reaction to the
electric violin is varied. Some receive it with
enthusiasm and fascination; others see it as an
unnecessary gimmick.
Both viewpoints have their
merits. On one hand, it makes sense to celebrate
the fusion of different musical disciplines.
Musical genres shouldn’t have to be so
strictly segregated.
On the other hand, the
potential crossover of the classical violin to
classic rock can open the door to any old
instrument undergoing electrical engineering just
for the novelty of it rather than aesthetic
interest. Some might fear the possibility of these
electronic instruments replacing their respective
authentic ones.
As of now, skeptics have
little reason to worry. The electric violin is
rarely used in classical performance and mainly
wanders about the realm of pop rock and other more
mainstream genres of music. It may end up traveling
the way of the guitar, in that classical and
electric guitars are viewed as distinct instruments
used for different parts of the musical agenda.
Granted, electric guitars
have a very different sound whereas an electric
violin tends to sound similar to the original.
Perhaps the electric violin, like the electric
acoustic guitar, will fall somewhere along the line
between the two domains. In any case, currently the
electric violin hardly appears poised to establish
itself as much as the electric guitar has, which is
an interesting prospect to ponder.
It may simply be a matter of
culture and time. Electric guitars conjure up the
notion of rock and roll while violins are
automatically associated with an educated musician
who has learned to read classical sheet music.
Electric violins are just that—electric
violins.
Electric guitars have had a
lot more publicity, leading to more widespread
exposure and acceptance. It’s entirely
possible that after a decade or two, the idea of
the violin as a rock instrument will be nothing
absurd or out of the ordinary.
The public will inevitably
dissent over whether this is something to be
anticipated or feared. Diversity is to be
encouraged, one side will say; mediocrity is not,
the other side will counter.
Should the violin be reduced
to yet another instrument converted into modern
fare purely out of base, even morbid enjoyment?
Whether the electric version will prove to be a
creative advancement or just another technological
stunt remains to be seen. The horrible thought
lingers of some punk rock guy or girl putting a
pickup on their inherited Strassburg. How
gruesome!
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