[New Product Introduction] Comparing PLAYTECH Electric Violins!

PLAYTECH has launched its new electric violin series, the PEV144 and PEV244 models! When compared to previous PLAYTECH violins, it might be difficult to discern the exact differences. To answer this question, I tested and compared the different models by playing them. This is the introduction blog about that comparison.

The images, from right to left, show: PLAYTECH / PEV144, PEV244BL, PEV244BR.

Three New Electric Violin Models!

The new electric violins from PLAYTECH include the following three models:

• PLAYTECH / PEV144 Electric Violin 4/4
• PLAYTECH / PEV244BL Electric Violin Blue 4/4
• PLAYTECH / PEV244BR Electric Violin Brown 4/4

Now, let's examine and compare each electric violin by testing these instruments!

PLAYTECH / PEV144 Electric Violin 4/4

Features: The PEV144 is PLAYTECH's first electric violin with a pickup system mounted on an acoustic body.

Testing

■ Weight

First, we measured the weight of the body, which is an important factor in electric instruments. The weight was:

PEV144 weight: Approximately 500g

PSV100BR weight: Approximately 700g

For reference, the PSV100BR weight was approximately 700g. So, the PEV144 is 200g lighter.
In general, acoustic violins tend to vary in weight, but they are typically around 400g to 500g. As seen in the photos, the PEV144, despite having a pickup and phone jack—features not usually found on a standard violin—still weighs only about 500g, which is quite lightweight. It seems to have been made under tireless effort.

■ Wood Grain and Design – Highly Recommended!

This is something that’s hard to convey through photos, but when you see it in person, the wood grain is very prominent. The back panel features a beautiful tiger stripe pattern, and the headstock and side panels are crafted in such a way that they’re a joy to look at. The swirl section is an original design for the PEV144, and the PLAYTECH logo is also processed in silver, making it an electric violin that’s visually pleasing as well!

■ Shoulder Rest Can Be Installed (With Some Exceptions)

On this model, the pickup control unit is located near the area where the shoulder rest would be attached. It has been positioned as far up as possible to accommodate the attachment of a shoulder rest.
If you use a standard shoulder rest, such as a KUN, there should be no issue. However, for larger models like the VIVA LA MUSICA, installing it might be a bit challenging. In such cases, using a padded shoulder rest might be a good solution.

The pickup is powered by a CR2032 battery, which is placed in the control box section as shown in the photo!

■ My Impressions After Playing the Violin

After playing the PEV144, the first thing I noticed was that it felt almost identical to a traditional violin. This is largely due to the fact that, as mentioned earlier, the weight is 500g, which is almost the same as an acoustic violin. Additionally, the preamp controls are located near the lower bouts, so the instrument’s balance isn’t off, and I didn’t feel any major differences from a regular violin.

Regarding the sound quality, as shown in the photos, the pickup is made by the German manufacturer "Shadow," and it produces a clear, crisp tone with no issues. The sound is close to the natural acoustic sound of a violin, and the characteristic "scratch" sound when the bow moves across the strings is minimal. With the right amplifier and effects, there’s no doubt that a wide variety of tones can be created!

The word "Shadow" was clearly marked on the side of the bridge.

Summary

• Weight is about 500g, making it lightweight with almost no difference in weight compared to an acoustic violin!
• The wood grain is beautiful, and the body design is unique—it's an electric violin that’s fun to look at!
• A shoulder rest can be installed, as long as the legs are about the same size as a KUN model!
• Equipped with a "Shadow" pickup, it produces a clear and transparent tone!

PLAYTECH / PEV244BL Electric Violin Blue 4/4

PLAYTECH / PEV244BR Electric Violin Brown 4/4

Features: The electric violin has a "semi-acoustic" double-cutaway body shape, similar to an electric guitar.

Verification

■ Weight

I also weighed the PEV244, and the result was...

PEV244BR weighs about 700g

PEV244BR weighs about 700g, which is the same as the PSV100BR. However, one noticeable difference is the instrument's center of gravity. Despite having the same weight, the PSV100BR has its control box directly behind the bridge, making it the center of gravity. In contrast, the PEV244 has its center of gravity closer to the chin rest area, which results in a slightly different feel when holding the instrument.

■ Appearance and Color Features!

The semi-acoustic double-cutaway body shape and the sunburst coloring with varying shades are key features of this model. The blue version has a bright burst pattern on the top plate, while the sides and back are coated in a glittery finish, making it visually exciting!

The brown version features a beautiful flame pattern on the top plate, while the sides and back are painted a vibrant maple yellow. If you look closely, you can see the wood grain, adding to the aesthetic, making it a great option for performing on stage!

■ Shoulder rest can be attached without any issues

Just like the PEV144, this model has placed the pickup control unit away from the shoulder rest area, so you can attach the shoulder rest without any problems.

The pickup battery is also the same CR2032 type as the PEV144.

■ Performance impressions

As for the sound, it was just as clear and transparent as the PEV144. Since it also features the Shadow pickup, there's no doubt about the sound quality being good.
Upon inspecting the bridge area and internal circuit board, I found that the same pickup as the PEV144 was used in this model.
Since electric violins tend to pick up noise due to the nature of the bowing motion, I was impressed by how much this model reduced that noise.

Additionally, although the body is semi-acoustic in design, I didn't feel much of an impact on playability. The grip area is designed similarly to a traditional violin, so I was able to hold and play it just like a regular violin without any issues.

Summary

• The weight is 700g, but the center of gravity is positioned toward the front, making the instrument easier to hold!
• The sunburst top plate, paired with contrasting colored side and back panels, ensures that it stands out on stage!
• It has a clear and transparent tone, and the grip is similar to a regular violin, allowing for natural playing.

How was it? I conducted a review of PLAYTECH's new electric violin models, and as always, it's so enjoyable to pick up and explore new products! I hope that not only violin enthusiasts but also guitar and other music instrument lovers will consider these models as well.