A Detailed Review of the Harley Benton Electric Violin

Website design By BotEap.comWhen I first started learning the violin in the late 1960s, you were expected to play the more traditional instrument. If you wanted to buy an electric violin you had a hard time finding one on the market, and when you did, they were extremely expensive. The next best thing was to buy a pickup, stuff the inside of the violin with cotton to prevent feedback, and find a suitable amp. Inevitably, you had to buy a preamp, and since all amps were designed for guitars, you never managed to produce a sound even close to what a violin should sound like.

Website design By BotEap.comIn the 21st century, all this has changed, and we are now spoiled for choice when it comes to electric violins. Technology has come so far in this area that you don’t have to spend thousands of pounds to get a reasonable quality violation. The Harley Benson electric violin won’t set you back more than £130.00, but is it worth the money? Here are some highlights to give you an idea.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Harley Benton uses an Active Shadow Nanoflex bridge pickup system and has line out facilities for headphones and for an amplifier. There are bass, treble, and volume controls, and the price includes the bow, rosin, and battery for the active system. The violin weighs about 700 grams. Colors include black, white, blue and Ferrari red.

Website design By BotEap.comThe sound you get from the violin will largely depend on what you put it through and what effects pedal (if any) you intend to use. Because the Harley Benton can be played with headphones, if you live in a house with other people, it’s quiet enough to play anytime without disturbing anyone. I suggest you invest in a really good acoustic amp, like a Roland Cube, which will really improve the sound. For an effects pedal, you can’t go wrong with the Zoom GX1.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are some negatives to this violin, such as the weight and the slight hiss you get from the pickup. The weight problem can be solved by using a chin rest, and hiss can be greatly reduced by playing around with the tone and volume controls.

Website design By BotEap.comI like the Harley Benton, and for the price I think it’s worth a look.