What Kind of Instrument is a Silent Violin?

Since the release of the first model, the SV-100, by Yamaha in 1997, the Yamaha’s silent violin has undergone several minor changes while maintaining high demand and popularity due to its quality and craftsmanship.

Why has the silent violin remained popular for so long? What exactly is a silent violin? I will answer these questions while exploring its appeals!

What is a Silent Violin?

A silent violin refers to an electric violin that is trademarked by Yamaha. Unlike acoustic instruments that produce sound by resonating the vibrations of the strings through the body, electric violins capture these vibrations through a pickup and amplify the sound electrically. Additionally, the unamplified sound is about one-tenth the volume of an acoustic instrument, making it ideal for quiet practice at home or in other settings.

There is a video explanation by jazz violinist Sōtarō Kitadoko about the differences between a silent violin and an electric violin. It’s available on the official Yamaha’s YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out!

Recommended Points for the Silent Violin

● A familiar shape that feels natural to play!

The components such as the bridge, chin rest, tailpiece, and neck are positioned in the same way as an acoustic violin, ensuring that there’s no awkwardness when transitioning from an acoustic instrument. You can also attach commercially available bridge-type shoulder rests easily!

● Support for Practice and Performance by The Control Box!

The Silent series allows you to reduce the actual sound volume, making it ideal for home practice. Additionally, the control box features two sound types: ROOM, which combines a clear tone with a shorter reverb, and HALL, which combines a softer tone with a longer reverb. Not only does it effectively support your practice, but using different sound types also enhances your playing experience!

Introduction to the Silent Violin Series

The Silent Violin currently has two series available. Here, I will introduce the features and recommended points of each!

● YSV104 Serie

The YSV104 series features a solid body with no resonating parts, yet it utilizes Yamaha's unique SRT Powered system to reproduce a sense of body resonance. This makes it an ideal basic model for practice.
Note: The SRT (Studio Response Technology) Powered system is Yamaha's acoustic processing technology that adds natural tone and resonance based on the analysis of recorded acoustic instruments.

Who is it recommended for?

This model, with its simple features and ease of use, is perfect as a first electric violin for beginners and for home practice! It is available in three colors: black, brown, and red. Another great advantage is that you can choose your favorite color!

YAMAHA / YSV104BL Silent Violin Black

YAMAHA / YSV104BR Silent Violin Brown

YAMAHA / YSV104RD Silent Violin Red

● SV Series

The SV series is designed for players who seek the potential for stage performances. This silent violin model features two types of pickup microphones—one on the bridge and one on the body—allowing for professional sound creation. Additionally, the dedicated control box makes it easy to adjust the treble and bass tonal quality. It delivers powerful sound and expressive capabilities that resonate across large stages without compromising the violin's natural resonance. With a wide dynamic range, it accommodates various playing styles. There are two types available: a user-friendly four-string version and a five-string version that covers a broader range of notes!

Who is it recommended for?

This series, capable of professional sound creation, is recommended for those who want to enjoy performances on stage! Of course, it’s also suitable for daily practice at home, so having this one instrument can enhance both your practice and performance experience!

YAMAHA / SV250 Silent Violin

YAMAHA / SV255 Silent Violin 5 String

That concludes my introduction to the silent violin! What did you think?
I’ve also featured the silent cello in my previous blog, so be sure to check it out!

⇒ What is a Silent Cello? A Comprehensive Guide to Its Appeal!