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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