Joker Verox

I have decided to extend my musical ability to the violin and have ordered an electric one to be delivered in the next couple of days. I was thinking that it is theoretically possible to get a good sound by putting a violin’s signal through a guitar effects pedal, such as chorus, Compress, Wah and even distortion. I have no reason to imagine why it wouldnt work, but anyone out there who’s tried it?

Yes, I’ve done it, and yes, it is possible, if you’re very careful to avoid feedback. Like the person said before me, any loud volume is going to make you screech no matter how you play, as is too much of any effect.

What type of violin did you buy? Some are going to work better than others in this situation. For example, a Fender electric violin is a fairly basic model and doesn’t have quite the capabilities(at least that I’ve found) to be suitable for gigging. However, on the other end of the spectrum, Zeta violins are more set up for an effect board, and you can buy whole packages with the violin and effect board included.

Also, initially learning to play violin is going to be pretty difficult if you try to jump right in to using effects. It might be best for you to rent an acoustic violin from your local music store for a while as you learn the basics of how to play. Even if you’re crossing over from another instrument, or several other instruments, it will be a challenge, and I think if you immediately try to work with an electric and effect board, you may hinder yourself rather than help yourself.

But, to answer your question, yes, you can do it. I’ve done it as frontwoman of a rock band with guitar, bass, and drums behind me.

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