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Violin Pickup and Mics; everything you need to know!

A violin pickup can come in handy for many occasions; weddings, bands, outdoor performances, and other times when you simply need a little more from your little violin! Find out what equipment you need and how to get started.

Basically there are two options for violins looking to add volume to their playing. The first is called a violin pickup, the second is simply to mic your violin.

The plus side to using a mic is that it will keep more closely to the natural sound of your violin. Another pro to the mic, is that it is usually more affordable than a pickup. The downside is that a mic will pick up vibrations and loud noises, possibly giving you a lot of unwanted feedback (you know...the noise where everyone covers their ears because it hurts).

Adversely the pro's to using a violin pickup is that feedback is generally lower and better then with a mic. The con is that it will change the sound of your violin, however in some instances this could be more desirable such as in jazz groups or rock bands. And if that is what you are going for, it is possible to change the sound even more with the use of a preamp or other sound effect processors.

Equipment you will need
1. Transducers; A microphone or a pickup (scroll down to read more)

2. Signal Modifiers; preamp, multi-effects processor, or DI boxes. The LR Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. and the Boss PS5 Super Shifter are popular with violinist, and will work well with adding warmth and sound to your instrument. Some pickups, and electric violins do not require a preamp (or at least can get by without one). If you are trying to cut corners and save money, this may be one area to do it. Check into your particular pickup or mic to see if a preamp is necessary. Or you could always try it without a preamp first, and if you like it then you don't need to buy one.

3. Output Stereos for sound; Amplifiers and speakers. Many violinist choose the Fender Custom Vibrolux Reverb Amp as it is compatible and sounds great with violin pickups and mics.

4. Cable ; you will need one cable if you are not using a preamp. You will need two if you are using a preamp, one to go from your pickup or mic to the preamp, and the other to go from your preamp to your amplifier.

5. A Wireless Pack may be used in place of a cable to free up the performer on stage.

Choosing a Violin Pickup that Rocks!
When choosing a pickup, the biggest thing you need to decide is whether or not you want the pickup permanently installed on your violin. If you are using a cheap violin as your 'electric' violin than this is a great option. It will eliminate time spent in set up and usually has a better sound than temporary pickups.

The LR Baggs seems to live up to its great reviews. Some tips when purchasing the Baggs; have a professional luthier install it. The Baggs has a warm sound and complex tone and can produce more dynamic ranges than an actual electric violin...for a quarter of a price. When using the L.R. Baggs pickup, it is recommended to also use the LR Baggs Para preamp for optimal sound. But it does not require a preamp. The LR Baggs pickup is built right into the bridge.

If you are using your nice classical instrument as a temporary 'electric' stand in here and there, than you will most likely want to go with a temporary violin pickup that can attach to your violin without any modifications to the instrument itself.

The Band Violin Pickup System is a fairly affordable violin pickup that is soft on your violin and wraps right around the body of the instrument. It is easy to put on and take off. As with all violin pickups, you will have to play around a bit and find the spot on the violin that works the best. The Band has the option of plugging right into an amplifier. If you are worried about damaging your violin at allddsddssaa \ by attaching a sound system, you may want to consider The Band.

When looking for something on a budget the Schatten Dualie-Outside'R External Pickup w/Jack might just fit the bill. It will plug right into your amp with no need for preamp and works decently well. The best part...you can usually find them for around $50.00. A quick and affordable solution.

Microphones that give your playing power.

Many violinist actually prefer a good mic over pickups. It allows your natural 'acoustic' sound to carry through but at a louder volume for larger performances, recordings, and outdoor events. When choosing a mic make sure that you select a 'condenser' mic versus a 'dynamic mic. Many violinist have learned to be creative in buying small or 'mini' clip on mics and finding ways to attach them to their instruments. Mic's are also often more affordable than pickups. Most mics also work well with just plugging right into a PA system or an amp, cutting out the need to buy a preamp (another reason why mics are often more affordable). A preamp of course can still be used to condition the sound and add warmth or effects. Here are our favorite options as well as a few that have been created by musicians like you!

ATM350 Instrument Condenser
Audio-Technica PRO-35

Both of these mini mics get great reviews, are clear sounding, generally have low feedback, and give your instrument it's deep natural sound. They are both created by the same reliable company Audio-Technica. Audio-Technica just added a new violin mount to the ATM 350. Good move Audio-Technica, they must have known how popular it was with violinist!

The Some ideas for attaching mics to the violin, are removing the clips and (using foam or thick cloth to protect the violin) wedging the mic right down into the f hole of the violin. Be careful when doing this not to damage the wood surrounding the F hole, and do not attempt to push it all the way into the violin. It should still be setting on the top/outside surface of the violin. Violinist have also found that they can attach the mic to the tailpiece of the instrument. Play around, be creative, and find ways that work for you. When buying a mic, it is often handy to buy a wireless pack so you don't have to worry about people tripping over your cord and ruining your violin!

A transducer that is in a class of it's own.
If your looking for an option that allows for the natural beautiful sound of a mic but gives you more sound options and less feedback like a pickup then look no further than the Schertler DYN-V. "These transducers are designed to be used in a variety of applications, from home recording to live performances, encompassing all types of music and musical playing styles where the utmost in accurate acoustic reproduction is required". The Schertler is easy to install. It attaches right to top or back or back of the violin using a safe and gentle putty. Because it connects right to the instruments body you get an overall sound from the instrument that is beautiful, warm, and accurate.

Many violinist who use the Schertler refer to themselves as the "Schertler Snob's"; partly because of the cost (this fancy piece of equipment will set you back about $600.00 - $700.00), and because they swear by it and vow to never buy anything else. People who by the Schertler DYN only wonder why they didn't buy it sooner!

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