Violin Pickups – When To Use Them?
For expert and professional musicians, the violin pickup is considered a necessary violin accessory when playing away from the classical orchestra. Many freelances with electric bands, playing at conventions and outdoors where a big sound is required. This article obviously infers that an acoustic violin is being used, rather than a solid body ‘electric violin’ which has built-in pickups
For beginners, the violin pickup can seem like an odd addition to their already ‘strange’ new instrument.
In this guide, we’ll cover what a violin pickup is, what it does and whether or not choosing one for an amateur violinist is going to benefit their learning ability.
What is a violin pickup?
A violin pickup is a small electronic device which is essentially a microphone that attaches to the violin in various ways.
The pickup transforms the physical vibrations from the violin into digital signals which can then be fed through an amplifier to enhance and enlarge the sound. If you are considering buying a pickup for any reason (such as busking or Morris dancing) you need to identify your actual needs, such as:
- Are you looking for temporary amplification?
- Are you looking for a pickup to be installed permanently on your violin?
Thus depending on whether you need one for occasional use or you want a permanent pickup fixed to your violin, you can choose from a wide range of options.
Why are violin pickups used?
Even though musicians often choose to play in front of microphones, there is always a slight risk that the sound quality could be reduced. This is a debatable subject as many top violinists actually prefer the sound quality offered by a quality microphone. A pickup, however, ensures that every note a budding violinist plays is heard with clarity and is easier to install and set up.
Types of violin pickups
As outlined above pickups for bowed instruments, including the violin, can be divided into two main categories: permanent pickups and removable pickups.
Permanent pickups
Permanent pickups are integrated with the violin and require professional installation into an instrument. This way, the permanent violin pickup provides a reliable amplification source that’s always ready to go.
Permanent pickups are the best choice for professional musicians or advanced players who have a dedicated violin for performance. In terms of placement of permanent pickups, it’s considered that a bridge pickup tends to be the best choice as it offers the richest tones and hassle-free amplification whenever you want to pick up your violin.
Permanent pickup violins can still be played acoustically but the presence of wires and a jack output can be a little visually prohibiting for the aesthetic of acoustic performance in front of an audience.
Temporary Pickups
Temporary pickups, also sometimes known as removable pickups, work in a similar way to permanent pickups. The only real difference is, as the name suggests, that they are temporary and can be removed as needed.
These types of pickups are ideal for someone who only has one violin, and prefers not to have wires and the output jack present at all times. In most cases, non-professional violinists use temporary pickups.
Below are some of the types of temporary pickups available:
- Bridge mounted pickups – These are mounted on the bridge of your violin. They’re quick to install and provide a richer, stronger, and more reliable tone.
- Under-the-bridge pickups – Collect vibrations from the feet of the bridge and the top of the instrument. This produces a sound that is more well-rounded. With these pickups, installation and removal can be tricky and many musicians end up leaving them on.
- Clip-on microphones – While clip-on microphones are technically a microphone and not a pickup, they still have their place as an amplification option. They’re easy to install and remove but as previously mentioned there are drawbacks. Mic direction and placement must be precise, and sound can be prone to feedback in loud playing environments.
- Wrap around pickups over the belly of the instrument which is an instant installation and easily taken off.
What are the best violin pickups?
We list many options on our website and many musicians have their preferences, but here are two that we recommend for beginners!
Headway The Band Violin pickup—£135
The Headway The Band violin pickup is an instant-fit pick-up which velcros to itself around the body of the instrument. It requires no alteration of the instrument itself and generates a strong passive (no batteries required) signal which can usually be plugged straight into a mixing desk or combo amp.
The multiple pick-up elements of the Violin version of The Band, are tuned specifically for Violin and deliver a lively, tailored passive signal giving a clear acoustic sound.
The Headway Violin Band is used equally in folk/rock and classical situations and is a favourite with sound engineers and players alike as, compared with other mics, you’re able to achieve greater volumes before you get any feedback.
It also gives you greater liberty, not being tied down to a mic stand, and cuts feedback, bowing noise, body noise and excessive treble by acoustic filter.
Fishman V-200 professional Violin pickup—£158
Fishman is a well-recognized brand that is committed to helping the musicians in delivering the best sound possible. The company has been serving the music industry with top quality products, and among the diverse range of its product categories, the pick ups are some of the best.
The Fishman V-200 professional Violin pickup is essentially the same as the V-100 pickup except that the V-200 has a 1/4″ output jack which mounts on the side of the instrument with chinrest type hardware.
Advantages of the Fishman V-200 are:
- Floating mount system
- Lightweight which minimizes muting.
- 1/4″ output jack on a chinrest type clamp
- A 10′ cable is included
- Easy installation with no alteration to the instrument.
Who should use violin pickups?
For beginners, violin pickups may not be the first violin accessory to get their hands-on, and are best used for outdoor performances and converting acoustic violins to electronic instruments, but by using amplification beginners can hear the notes and sounds they are producing more clearly.
This can directly impact the way they interpret notes and increase their awareness about their performance. It could also be seen to improve their confidence for that same reason. A permanent pickup is probably not a suitable option for a beginner but for a more experienced player with multiple violins and a drive for performance, they could be a fantastic investment.
A good way to really get involved in the music scene is to join an amateur busking group, morris dancers or even playing jigs and reels – all at venues where a pickup is a necessity.
Where to buy violin accessories
At Caswell’s, we stock an extensive range of violin accessories from many of the leading brands on the market, with options suitable for all levels of playing from beginners to professionals.
You can browse our impressive range online or alternatively come visit us in-store in Banbury, where you’ll have our expert team on hand to guide you in your decision.
Need a violin pickup today then pick up the phone and call us on +44 (0) 1280 707 140 or email us at sales@caswellsstrings.com
Recommended articles for you…
Buying a Violin: What to Know and What to Check
5 Ways to Support your Child when Learning the Violin
This article was checked by the director of Caswell’s Strings, Lance Tunley who is an experienced purveyor of stringed instruments and accessories with over 30 years of experience in the field.
