The SV-200 is one of Yamaha’s so-called Silent Series electric violins. The violin is marketed as silent because it’s a simple practice instrument.
In this case, this nomenclature is a bit weird, since SV-200 is far more than just a practice piece. This is a very well-designed and constructed violin which would be good for both semi-pro and professional violinists.
Two piezo pickups under the bridge set it apart from the competition and lend its tone a unique dimension. The Selmer III is great for capturing life-like performances with its lifelike tone. Below we detail the controls on this model so you can better understand them.
There are a couple of downsides, like the price of course. But you have to think about it as not just a practice violin, but an electric violin for both studio sessions and live performances.
This violin is one of the highest quality electric violins we looked at in our review. It’s versatile- used in many genres and varied music styles.
Key Features:
- Spruce body
- Maple neck with an ebony fingerboard
- Molded plastic frame
- Two piezo pickups under the bridge
- Active preamp with volume and EQ controls
- Two outputs
- EQ mode switch
- Aubert maple bridge
- Ebony tailpiece with one fine tuner for the E string
Design and Construction
The overall design of this violin is simple, with the neck and body forming one unit. The body is made from spruce, while the neck is maple. It also features an ebony fingerboard.
This combination of tonewoods gives the instrument a brighter tone. However, you will still hear a good coverage of the entire spectrum. Ebony fingerboards are a good choice, as they give your left hand a comfortable and smooth feel.
The violin is not just one board made from maple and spruce.
The main body is surrounded by a frame made of hard-molded plastic. The frame adds a new dimension and reminds us of the classic origins of this fine instrument. It also enhances the instrument’s performance.
It also gives the impression of having an instrument body.
It is worth noting that the SV-200 features a maple Aubert bridge. A tailpiece made from ebony, which comes with one tuner for E strings. Although it may seem strange, you will be able have enough tuning stability thanks to the tuning machines located on the headstock.
Pickup and Controls
Two piezo pickups are now available instead of one. This is perhaps the most striking feature. This adds a new dimension to the instrument’s tone and gives it more versatility than standard electric instruments that only have one piezo.
These pickups include an active preamp powered by a 9-volt lithium battery. There are two outputs available: one for headphones, and one for mixers or amplifiers.
You have volume and EQ knobs. The EQ knob basically serves as a tone control (or treble roll off). You can also use the EQ mode switch to completely bypass this control and get a brighter, clearer tone.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Great tone
- Good dynamic response thanks to the dual-piezo formation
- Really comfortable to play
- Great build quality
- Reliable
- Higher price (though definitely justified)
Price
You may be a beginner or an experienced violinist, and are looking for the best electric instrument to purchase on a tight budget.
Barcus Berry is priced at around $500.00 and has received positive reviews. It’s not the best electric violin, but it has some great features that make it worth considering. First, the price.
It has the same traditional look and feel as an acoustic instrument that violinists are familiar with. This makes the transition from electric to acoustic much easier. You can practice it as an acoustic and then plug it into the performance. You can add accessories to it.
It works well when it is plugged into an amp. However, some violinists claim that the sound is better when it is plugged in to an amplifier. Other violinists find that a preamp or sound mixer can improve the sound quality. Dominant Brand Violin Strings are recommended for better sound quality.
What’s in the Box
Yamaha SV 200 Silent Violin has all the benefits of an electric instrument, including easy amplification, no feedback, and the use of effects. While still sounding, feeling and playing like a high-quality acoustic violin,,Ai can be used to enhance the feeling, playability, and sound quality. This instrument is ideal for performing at outdoor stages, studios, or concert halls.
“The Yamaha Silent Electric Violin is a great instrument. It has been my favorite electric violin for six years. It is the only electric violin that can sound great and has the ability to be processed for multiple effects.
Yamaha craftsmen designed the SV200 with a natural feel that is closer to an acoustic instrument. The oval-shaped neck has a thin layer with a specially formulated finish that feels exactly like an acoustic instrument. To accommodate almost any standard chin or shoulder rest, the frame has been extended beyond the chin rest. The Line Out Jack is designed so that the cord can be draped around the shoulder of the performer, keeping it out the way during performance.
The SV200 uses a circuit specially designed to isolate and control the instrument’s higher harmonics. These harmonics have a significant influence on the overall tone of the violin. The SV200’s ability to adjust the tonal tone to suit different playing styles and room conditions gives it great flexibility. It also produces a tone much more similar to an acoustic instrument.
Two pickups are used in the SV200 to increase dynamic range and double the resolution. Pickups are placed under the two bridge legs. This improves the resolution of the violin and allows it to respond to subtle nuances. The performer can play from pianissimo through fortissimo with great clarity.
Conclusion and Rating
The Yamaha SV-200 semi-pro electric violin is a superb instrument that can be used in professional settings. It can also play the most difficult solos. This instrument is elevated to a new level with the dual piezo configuration.
Although it is not a cheap instrument, it is definitely worth the investment if you are an experienced violinist who wants a sturdy instrument. It is basically what Yamaha has come to expect.
We strongly recommend this instrument due to its high quality and amazing value for money.
FAQ for Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin
What is the Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin?
The Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin is a musical instrument that is designed for those who want to learn how to play the violin. It has 3 buttons on the body that control volume, tone and sustain.
What are the features of the Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin?
This electric violin is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for musicians on the go.
The Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin also features a built in tuner and headphone jack so you can easily tune your violin without having to worry about disturbing anyone else.
It can be plugged into an amplifier or PA system through its ¼ inch output jack, allowing you to play for larger audiences if needed.
How much does the Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin cost?
The Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin is a high quality violin that has a price point of $2,499.00. It comes with a built-in pickup and amplifier, which allows the performer to play in more places without having to use an external PA system.
The Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin does not come with any accessories like strings or rosin, but it does come with a case and bow.
What is the warranty for this Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin?
Yamaha is a well-known brand in the industry and they are known for producing high-quality instruments. This violin is no exception. It comes with a five-year warranty and it’s made with the latest technology to give you the best performance possible.
What is the difference between an electric and acoustic Yamaha Violin?
An electric violin is a violin that has been modified to produce sound through an electronic pickup instead of the traditional method of drawing the bow across strings. This type of violin is typically used for rock, jazz, and folk music.
An acoustic violin is a violin that produces sound from vibrations from the strings without amplification.
How does the sound of a Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin compare to other instruments?
The sound of a Yamaha SV-200 Electric Violin is comparable to that of an acoustic violin. The instrument features a built-in preamp, which amplifies the sound and makes it more consistent with other instruments.
The Yamaha’s electric violin has a rich and full sound that can be adjusted to your liking with the built-in EQ controls. It also produces less feedback than acoustic violins.