Electro-Acoustic Amplification
For those players looking to "crank up the volume" without distorting the sound, then a pure-tone, self-contained Chinrest Amplification system is for you. Initially developed for the Vio-5 project, this bespoke system is now universal to any full size violin or viola, each individually assembled to meet the players needs and instrument, they offer a discreet, non-intrusive concept, using a hi-Fidelity ceramic Piezo element embedded into a high quality bridge.
Principle features are:
Amplifier: Low voltage, FET based buffer/amplifier built into the chinrest, powered by a single CR2032, 3V lithium button cell. Input via high quality - low noise, SMA co-axial junction, output via standard 1/4" phono jack.
This amplifier design offers very low distortion over the spectrum, with no treble overdrive or the dreaded Piezo "Quack!" often experienced with pressure and vibration devices, instead, it is pure tone, the same acoustic purity of the instrument - only louder.
Sensing Element: High quality Despiau bridge, modified to accept the Ceramic Piezo element and miniature co-axial cable output lead. By specific placement of the sensor within the bridge, only the true impulses from the strings are channelled to the amplifier, ensuring a crisp, clear and true sound. This arrangement still requires the bridge to be fitted by a competent Luthier or instrument repairer, to suit the particular instrument
Available as a kit: in addition to being installed in my workshop to either new or older instruments, the Amplifier System is available to order and can be installed by any competent person who can fit and adjust bridges. The Chinrest/Amplifier unit can be supplied in any colour or shade to match existing instrument fittings, from a pale Boxwood to Ebony, or left bare if desired.
(Due to the simple but sensitive nature of the internal electronics, this device IS NOT compatible with Phantom Power connection)
(The soundfiles below show the comparison between Acoustic and Electro-acoustic in terms of tone. Both played on a Vio-4, strung with Evah Pirazzi strings.
Player facing microphone for acoustic, for Electro-acoustic, player BEHIND microphone turned to face a Roland Cube mini-amp, all settings mid-position, no EFX or reverb).
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Principle features are:
Amplifier: Low voltage, FET based buffer/amplifier built into the chinrest, powered by a single CR2032, 3V lithium button cell. Input via high quality - low noise, SMA co-axial junction, output via standard 1/4" phono jack.
This amplifier design offers very low distortion over the spectrum, with no treble overdrive or the dreaded Piezo "Quack!" often experienced with pressure and vibration devices, instead, it is pure tone, the same acoustic purity of the instrument - only louder.
Sensing Element: High quality Despiau bridge, modified to accept the Ceramic Piezo element and miniature co-axial cable output lead. By specific placement of the sensor within the bridge, only the true impulses from the strings are channelled to the amplifier, ensuring a crisp, clear and true sound. This arrangement still requires the bridge to be fitted by a competent Luthier or instrument repairer, to suit the particular instrument
Available as a kit: in addition to being installed in my workshop to either new or older instruments, the Amplifier System is available to order and can be installed by any competent person who can fit and adjust bridges. The Chinrest/Amplifier unit can be supplied in any colour or shade to match existing instrument fittings, from a pale Boxwood to Ebony, or left bare if desired.
(Due to the simple but sensitive nature of the internal electronics, this device IS NOT compatible with Phantom Power connection)
(The soundfiles below show the comparison between Acoustic and Electro-acoustic in terms of tone. Both played on a Vio-4, strung with Evah Pirazzi strings.
Player facing microphone for acoustic, for Electro-acoustic, player BEHIND microphone turned to face a Roland Cube mini-amp, all settings mid-position, no EFX or reverb).
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