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By
Joe Matera
The first electric violins were produced
commercially in the mid-1930's. Stuff Smith
a jazz and blues violinist, was one of
the first to own one of the innovative
instruments. With the advent of 'Ragtime'
in the early part of the 1900's and big
band music of the 1930's and 40's, violinists
needed an instrument that could be heard
in the midst of the horn sections and drums
of the larger ensembles popular in of the
era. Likewise, the violin player today
can easily be heard above the wall of noise
of a rock band via connection to an amplifier.
Additionally, the artist may enjoy use
of the vast array of sound modification
devices that any other electric instrument,
such as an electric guitar, uses.
With such acts as Dixie Chicks, Bond, Dirty
Three and even Nick Cave & Bad Seeds
employing them as part of their recordings
and live performances, and bringing them
out of the shadows and into the spotlight,
the electric violin and its popularity
is at an all time high. Here in Australia,
we have some homegrown electric violin
manufacturers who are riding the crest
of the wave of the instrument’s current
popularity and reaping rewards with increased
sales both here and abroad.
"It’s definitely a growth market"
says Warrick Steel of Epoch Violins’,
a Brisbane based company. Steel also affirms
that their range of electric violins -
which are Australian owned, designed and
manufactured- are their biggest selling.
"Our Epoch Violin was originally designed
in Tasmania by a guy called David Sugden
who wanted to develop an economical, affordable
and good sounding student instrument. But
it just so happened that the instrument
he designed, works (with modifications)
fantastic electrically as well. In country
and celt music we are doing particularly
well with all our electric violins".
Epoch violins are unique in that technology
available to them allows their instruments
to be personalised with emblems and colours.
Their Flag series features instruments
emblazoned with the Australian, American
or Italian flags. Another range, the Professional
series are fitted with Epoch's own EPS
active pick-up system and come in a range
of vibrant high gloss colours and finishes.
Another Queensland based company Guscott
Australia concurs with Steel that the demand
for Australian made violins has definitely
increased over recent times. "We started
out selling our range to music stores"
explains David Guscott. "And visiting
stores in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and
Melbourne. Now we have also opted to develop
an extensive web page, to help market all
our instruments directly to enthusiastic
players. " Guscott's stringed instruments
feature some stunning artwork and designs.
Due to an increase in demand, both companies
have seen a huge expansion in their range
of electric instruments to help cater for
all situations and orders. "At present
we make quiet electric violins in 2 styles"
begins Guscott. " Like the Guscott
Professional Series (GPS) is available
as a 4 or 5 string violin, as a 4 string
Octave Violin or a 5 string ChinCello.
The other violin style we do is called
the 'Alyssa-Mae'. It can be made in 4 or
5 string style and also are available as
an Octave Violin. We have extended the
'Alyssa-Mae' style to the full range of
bowed instruments. The 'Alyssa-Mae' Viola
is available as a 4 or 5 string model,
the 'Alyssa-Mae' Cello and the 'Alyssa-Mae'
Bass Violin complete the orchestral instruments".
Ashton is another Australian company that
saw the potential in the marketplace and
designed it's own range of electric violins.
"Ashton got involved in it because
one of our pro developer's daughters was
learning to play violin and he could see
the potential, that a colour violin would
be really great for kids." says Ashton's
Ian Bush. "Ashton was the first in
the market with coloured violins in that
style and price point", he added.
Ashton distribute three types of violin;
the normal acoustic type in sizes 8 to
full size, a pick up violin, and a silent
violin both in full size only. Ashton's
instruments are constructed of maple and
ebony and come in a range of bright colours.
Prior to the current popularity of electric
'fiddles' kicking in, Epoch and Guscott
both endured many trials and tribulations
in marketing and selling their instruments.
For Epoch it was industry related, while
for Guscott it was more a question of design.
"Our biggest hurdle has been"
expresses Steel. "the establishment
and in a sense, the conservative elements
of the establishment that have made it
quite difficult for us. It’s the
same in regards to the way an Epoch looks,
which is quite different".
While Guscott affirms: "In the early
development stages there were several designs.
Hundreds of hours were spent developing
the bridges for optimum sound. Weight of
violins is always a concern. We are still
trying to find ways of reducing the weights,
especially of the professional models.
Presently they weigh in at approximately
720 grams. This is quite good, when I made
the first few however they were in excess
of 900 grams. We can put the electronics
and batteries on a belt pack, reducing
the violin weight to only 580 grams, but
no one has opted for this idea so far".
But now with all competing companies firmly
established in the market place and with
demand on their side, the future looks
every bit fruitful and prosperous.
Web sites:
Epoch Musical Instruments: www.epochstrings.com.au
Ashton: www.ashtonmusic.com.au
Guscott Violins: www.guscott.com.au
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