We all have one or more musicians who made us discover a new instrument or a new style of music that gave us this irrepressible desire to test and reproduce what they are doing.
The last time I had this feeling… you see which one? The one that runs through our whole body, that puts our brains in turmoil and makes our hearts beat wildly … those shivers, these waves of energy and motivation that fill our whole being … the last time I felt it, it was for cellist Tina Guo. In the middle of my YouTube search for new music, I came across her and her electric cello. And the latter captivated me.

Styles and music

Thin, elegant and modern, he was there to produce these incredible sounds accompanied by all types of music. It went well with classical music, as well as with rock music or music from films and video games. I had discovered a new world.
Certainly, we have all heard of Lindsey Stirling and her electric violin which is a hit on YouTube. We also have Jerry Goodman or Edwin Jobson who is a member of Frank Zappa’s group in the years 1976-1977. Even Yann Tiersen, the famous composer of the soundtrack of the film The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain (Jean-Pierre Jeunet), plays it! You can hear them anywhere! An electric violin would be perfect in a folk or Celtic music group. An electric cello would fit perfectly into a metal band.
I had never seen all the potential that these instruments, which were considered particularly classic, could offer.

Violins, cellos and double basses: several strings to vibrate

For example, for a digital piano or electronic drums or even a digital accordion, we will have the possibility of playing with headphones with the jack output. This is particularly practical if you live in an apartment or do not want to disturb your family by wanting to play in the middle of the night. And thanks to the various sensors and microphones on the instrument, the sounds obtained really come closer and closer to the acoustic instrument.

Then, we can modify the power of the sound, therefore the sound volume. Thus, where a violin or acoustic cello can find itself submerged by the different instruments with which it plays, their electrical equivalent can be connected to an amplifier and therefore find the place it deserves. I had noticed this during a concert organized by Hans Zimmer, for the medley devoted to the Pirates of the Caribbean films where the cellist Tina Guo had to play the solos and all the main melody while being accompanied by a whole orchestra.
Or quite simply… an electric cello or violin is as quiet as an electric guitar without an amp when played without headphones.

Another relatively cool point, and the one that interests me the most, is being able to connect the instrument to an effects pedal as for electric guitars or basses. So, we will have the possibility of changing the sound of the instrument to obtain something more modern. What could be better to be able to play even more musical styles! Incorporating a cello or a double bass with an overdrive effect or a distortion pedal in a metal or rock band, it’s still practical and original! Or delay and reverb for an electric violin for more magic. Many violinists or cellists also like to use a wah or harmonizer pedal. You have as many choices as a guitarist or bassist!

The other advantage would be their portability! Despite the fact that we will have a bow, perhaps effects pedals, headphones or even a small or large amp as well as the other essential accessories to carry with the instrument, the latter is much lighter and much less bulky than an acoustic instrument. It can also be a little less fragile than an acoustic instrument. So, practical for a clumsy person, such as me, or who is just starting out. Even if, let us not forget, that no electric instrument can really replace an acoustic instrument. To each their advantages and disadvantages.

A life companion

Which could sum up our little overview of electric bowed strings ! To choose the model or to decide between an acoustic or an electric instrument, it is necessary to determine the use which one will make of it and the possible constraints which can result from it. But without ever forgetting to have fun because choosing an instrument is a bit like choosing a pet or a work of art … it will accompany us all our life or at least for a long time.

So, test, dream and live your Music

Miora