Best Violin Pickup, Best Violin Microphone & Best Pickup Brands for Violin
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A violin pickup is a transducer or a microphone that functions to grab the mechanical vibrations of the violin and transforms them into electronic signals. Thus, using pickups, you can record and amplify the sound. Mainly, the pickups used are of two different types. These include piezo pickups and magnetic pickups.
What are the Best Violin Pickups to Buy?
Piezo Pickups
These pickups work on the principle of piezoelectricity which refers to the ability of various materials of producing voltage under pressure and converting the sound vibrations into electrical signals. These are a kind of contact microphones that can amplify the sound of violin in live performances, and these can also be used for recording the audio.
Interestingly, these can be used along with the magnetic pickups. These are designed not to pick the undesired magnetic fields and have a unique sound with high impedance output.
Magnetic Pickup
As the name indicates, it is made by using a permanent magnetic and a good quality copper wire which is used in the form of thousands of turns to wrap the magnet. This kind of pickup is usually attached to the violin’s body.
When the strings vibrate, the vibrations produced to change the magnetic flux. The resulted signal is passed to either record or amplification equipment through a cable. Besides, there can be a preamplifier (internal) added between the cable and pickup.
Simply put, the violin pickups are the tiny devices that are attached to the instrument body for transforming the physical vibrations into digital signals. If you need to buy a pickup for enhancing the sound output, the first thing you need to do is identifying your needs. Some of the considerable things are mentioned below.
- Do you need a highly refined sound?
- Are you looking for a temporary solution?
- Are you looking for a pickup to be installed permanently on your violin?
Depending on whether you need one for occasional use or you want a pickup to be permanently affixed to your violin, you can choose from a wide range of options.
Making the right choice is crucial as it affects your performance. Many are built for permanent use. While there are some that are low in price, quick to put on and easy to take off from the instrument. Thus, you can look for a suitable pick as per your need.
Many of the pickups are also available online. Choosing from such a wide range can be challenging. For your assistance, we have come up with a list of top violin pickups. Take a closer look to their functional capabilities and decide which one best suits your needs.
12 Best Violin Pickup Reviews and the Best Violin Pickup Brands
1) “THE FEATHER” VIOLIN PICKUP
Here is one of the most selling models of Myers Pickup which is named as ’The Feather’ because of its extremely lightweight. Whether you need one for temporary use or you require one for long-term use, it is a suitable option.
The compact design makes the pickup a fantastic choice that you can easily position of multiple instruments including violins. This easy to install pickup requires no modification in the instrument and functions efficiently to amplify the natural sound of the violin. Besides, the pickup featured a powerful preamp which works to reproduce the richest sound maintaining the tonal quality.
The mounting hardware is also included in the package. Besides, it comes with a pre-installed power source, and every pickup is tested before delivery to ensure high functional quality. If you don’t find the pickup as good you expected it to, you will get your money back.
2) Headway The Band Violin Pickup System
Headway is a reputable British specialist of pre-amps, pickups and multiple other accessories for acoustic instruments. The brand was established in 2006 and over all these years, the company has maintained its reputation for delivering superior quality. It is known well for flawless workmanship and high professional standards.
The violin pickup system included here is a highly recommended option by the skilled professionals. It features durable structure, compact design, quick fitting, and effortless transferability. You won’t need any batteries as the pickup can be directly plugged into the combo amp or mixing desk.
The size dimensions are 8.4 x 3.7 x 1.4 inches while the total weight is just 4.8 ounces. The pickup also minimizes the body boom and feedback and excludes the bowing noise. If you want to enjoy the clarity and warmth of violins natural tone, it is worth trying.
3) Barcus Berry 3100 Clamp-On Bridge Violin Piezo Pickup
Barcus Berry is a popular name all over the world, and it is undoubtedly the first name that comes to mind when you think of buying a violin pickup. They provide you with a fantastic blend of quality, durability and economic affordability.
The 3100 piezo pickup mentioned here is one of their best sellers. It can clamp quickly to the instrument bridge and connects to the output jack through the cable. Perfect string balance and a broad band frequency response makes adds to the perks of the piezo pickup.
Besides, the model is designed to reject feedback which ensures the delivery of the violin’s natural sound. Both the installation and removal is handy, and you would love the functional efficiency.
The size dimensions include 4.7 x 3.4 x 1 inches, and the weight is about 1.6 ounces. If you want an amplified natural sound with enhanced warmth, here is what you need.
4) Cherub WCP-60V Violin Pickup
Cherub proudly stands among the reputable manufacturers of violin pickups. Among the vast variety of pickups presented by Cherub, the one mentioned here is excellent in quality, pleasant in visual appeal and remarkable in operational efficiency. It delivers the violin’s original sound to the amp.
For those who want to enjoy a bright and amplified sound at a very reasonable rate, here is an appropriate pick. Its sensitivity and tonal quality are comparable to the high-end models, and you won’t find such outstanding functional quality at such an affordable price. Besides, the installation is very quick. All you need to do is open up the clip and place it inside f-hole and attach it between the tailpiece and bridge of your violin.
It measures 5.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches, and the total weight is only 0.8 ounces. Grab this Pickup, and you will have an enjoyable musical experience.
5) KNA VV-1 Violin/Viola Pickup
Here is another excellent pickup manufactured by Krenoma. This one is a beautiful model made with particular attention to aesthetics. The wooden case in which the sensor is enclosed is sturdy, obtrusive and very lightweight. It is installed in the bridge eye, with minimal instrument modification. The pickup is designed to accept ¼ inches jack.
Besides, the KNA VV—1 is easy to install and very easy to detach. The clamp barrels added are quickly adjustable and assist in easy installation. Moreover, protective and soft cork lining is also attached to the clamps to ensure that the violin’s varnish remains undamaged.
The size dimensions are 8 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches while the weight is only 3.2 ounces. If you want to enjoy a high-quality acoustic sound with enhanced clarity, here is the suitable choice for you.
6) Kremona KNA VV-3 Detachable Passive Piezo Pickup for Violin and Viola
Kremona is a widely known name that manufactures world-class pickups along with a range of guitars and other musical instruments. It is a reliable choice regarding the quality, durability and functional efficiency. The KNA VV-3 is presented by Kremona, and it is among the most widely used Pickups for violins.
This one shows remarkable craftsmanship, and it is handcrafted by the top professionals in Europe. The loud, clear and natural sound delivered is backed by the wood-enclosed sensor.
The pickup offers hassle-free installation without any instrument modification and professional quality sound. An adjustable clamp is added that ensures the pickup stays at its place. Moreover, the addition of soft cork keeps the varnish safe.
It is super lightweight and carries only 1.6 ounces. Besides, the size dimensions include 2 x 2 x 4.5 inches. The Piezo Pickup is detachable, but you can also keep it fixed (after the performance) if you want.
7) Fishman V-200 Classic Series Professional Violin Pickup
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 picks ups are the most prominent ones.
Here is one of the top professional violin pickups manufactured by Fishman. It possesses all the properties of the brand and offers excellent operational efficiency, rich and warm tone, and clear sound at a very reasonable price.
The ceramic piezo pickup is made to be very lightweight for reducing the muting. Besides, the installation is very easy, and you won’t have to do any instrument modifications. It has carpenter style and features ¼ inches output jack
The pickup weighs only 5.6 ounces, and the size dimensions are 0.5 x 2 x 3 inches. The professional violinists should give V-200 a try for a world-class experience.
8) VIOLIN PICKUP CARPENTER JACK with MICRO-GOOSE NECK
Myer pickups are the top and one of the best manufacturers of violin pickups. It is known best for perfect structural design, excellent operational efficiency, commendable tonal quality, and high sensitivity. This particular model is often recommended for the professional players as it reproduces the natural sound and enhances your performance.
Check out this beautiful little pickup made to deliver an amplified and powerful sound. Although the pickup is a bit expensive, it is truly worthy of your investment. The model comes with a carpenter jack mount in addition to the flexible micro-goose neck that backs easy adjustability.
It is the smallest pickup currently available in the market. The best part is, the Myers pickup comes with money back guarantee. If you don’t get satisfied with the quality, you can get a full refund. What else do you want? You can buy this one without any hesitation.
9) Andoer Cherub WCP-60V Clip-on Pickup Pick-up for Violin
For the low-budget players who can a suitable pickup that can deliver good tonal quality at a very low rate, the WCP-60V presented by Andoer Cherub is the best option possible. It features a handy clip-on design and stays there firmly in place during the performance.
The ability to remove the external noise makes the pickup a favorable choice. Other specifications include ¼ inches jack and 2.5m long cable. It delivers the natural sound with enhanced loudness and makes your performance more impactful in a convenient manner. You just have to plug it into the recording equipment or amp.
The size measurements are 4.5 x 2.2 x 1.4 inches, and it weighs 1.76 ounces. If you want an easy to installed mode, WCP-60V is made for you. Also, for enjoying excellent sound quality at a low rate, this pickup is a brilliant option.
10) Mighty Mini Pickup
Last Resort Music has always been a popular choice of violin players. It offers a broad range of high-quality pickups for reproducing the violin’s natural sound with high amplification. This mighty mini pickup is a powerful one, and it is often recommended because of exceptional tonal quality, warm tone, and enhanced sensitivity. Besides, it is very suitable for professional quality recording as well.
No bridge alteration is needed, and no clips are required. Just plug into the amp, and that is all you have to do. The mini pickup is easy to use, and that’s the reason most of the players prefer to use this one.
It carries 1 pound weight. Effortless installation, no instrument modification, and budget-friendly price make the pickup a favorable option. Grab the mighty mini pickup for enjoying a powerful sound. The performing musicians would love this one for sure.
11) LR Baggs Violin Pickup
Here comes another stunning option for professional players. It is manufactured by the LR Baggs which is a highly reputable name. The company specializes in pickups, microphones and other accessories for bringing out the best in your performances by providing high-class acoustic amplification.
This model, in particular, is made with exclusive attention to sensitivity and it can quickly catch the internal dynamics of the violin. Besides, the pickup features a mini vibration transducer which is designed to capture the tone-rich bridge movement, reject the nasal sounds, eliminate feedback and replicate the instrument’s natural tone.
It is very lightweight and has only 4.6 ounces weight. Furthermore, the size dimensions include 6.2 x 4 x 2.9 inches. Interestingly, the LR Baggs pickup is quality tested before sending ahead to ensure that you get a fully functional and good quality pickup. It comes complete with a one year warranty. Thus, you can give it a try without any reluctance.
12) Leegoal 1pkg Guitar Violin Viola Cello Banjo Contact Mic. Pickup High Quality
Leegoal musical instruments and accessories are famous among the low budget musicians. If you are looking for a good quality pickup at an economical price, this one best meets your needs. It features a ¼ inches jack and comes with a 9-inch long cable.
Velcro is also included that backs the convenient use. In addition to being used for violins, the Leegoal pickup can be attached to other instruments as well. Interestingly, you can mount the pickup on your neck too for picking up your voice.
Besides, the pickup is designed to reject the external interfering sounds. An additional perk of using this pickup is that it will not let the amplified sound be influenced by the noise and reflecting the tone of surrounding objects.
It is very lightweight and carries 0.8 ounces. Also, the size dimensions are 6.7 x 5 x .5 inches. Try the Leegoal piezo pickup for a pleasant and powerful sound.
Choosing the Best Violin Pickups
All the models of pickups mentioned above are from the well-known names. For covering a vast range of customers including the low budget players and those who can afford to spend a considerable amount of money, we have included different options of pickups. Whether you need an economical choice for occasional use or you need a good quality pickup permanently installed to your violin for loud and clear sound, we have got you covered.
The pickups will provide an enhanced and loud sound, and hence you can enjoy playing the violin with other instruments as well. They deliver crystal clear and rich tones. Besides, the pickups are a better option than microphones as they serve the purpose of sound amplification way better than microphones which are often cumbersome. Moreover, these pickups can help you to modify the output sound and offer professional standard recording.
Define your needs first and then identify your affordable budget range. It will help you to narrow your search down and save your time. Grab any of these for improving the sound, and you will not have to regret your choice.