A Yamaha electric violin can serve two very different purposes: practicing silently in an apartment, or getting on stage with an amp. The YEV series and the Silent Violin series address these two needs, but they aren't interchangeable. Understanding the difference before buying avoids an unpleasant $1,000 to $2,700 surprise.
This guide covers both lineups, their real-world use, and the models available in Quebec.
Electric Violin vs. Acoustic Violin: What Really Changes
An acoustic violin produces its sound through string vibration, which transfers to the wooden resonating body. An electric violin, on the other hand, has a solid or semi-hollow body. Without a functional resonating chamber, it produces very little sound in open air, barely a whisper. Its sound is built through an integrated piezo or magnetic pickup, then an amp or headphones.
What this means in practice: you can play at 11 pm in a condo without your neighbors hearing much more than a light scratching. The playing mechanics stay identical to acoustic, same posture, same bow, same strings, but the sound you hear passes through headphones or a speaker.
What it doesn't replace: an electric violin isn't a substitute for acoustic for a musician who wants to develop sensitivity to the instrument's natural sound. It's a complementary tool, not a replacement.
The YEV Series: Built for the Stage
The YEV (Yamaha Electric Violin) is Yamaha's answer for the violinist who wants to perform on stage with an amplified, modern, visually distinctive instrument. Its three-dimensional body, inspired by a Möbius strip, is instantly recognizable. Its body size matches a 4/4 violin, and it plays exactly like an acoustic instrument.
It's equipped with an integrated piezo pickup and a standard jack output. On stage, it plugs directly into a preamp or the sound console. In a rehearsal room, it's played through a string amp or headphones, via a small interface.
Two versions are available in Quebec at Twigg Musique:
The YEV-104 PRO (4 strings) is the current lineup's reference model, at around $1,750 CAD. It incorporates a new piezo pickup for more natural reproduction and improved playability compared to the previous version. Body available in black or natural.
The YEV-105 PRO (5 strings) adds a fifth low string (C), particularly useful for violinists playing jazz or pop contexts where low notes are used. Priced around $1,850 CAD.
Who the YEV is for: violinists who play in bands, live shows, electronic accompaniment, or who want an instrument distinct from acoustic for the stage.
The Silent Violin Series: Built for Practice
The Silent Violin (SV and YSV series) is the lineup designed for silent practice. It produces a nearly inaudible residual acoustic sound, well below an apartment's background noise. With headphones plugged in directly, the sound is full and natural.
The Silent Violin's distinguishing feature: it carries a sound processing module built into the instrument's body, with several reverb modes (recital hall, concert hall, cathedral ambience). This lets you practice in an acoustically rich space without disturbing anyone.
Common models on the Canadian market: the YSV104 ranges between $1,200 and $1,500 CAD depending on the retailer, with a basic effects module. The SV-250 (4 strings) and SV-255 (5 strings) sit at the high end, between $2,500 and $2,700 CAD, with a more elaborate module and superior construction, favored by touring professional violinists.
Who the Silent Violin is for: apartment-dwelling students, professional violinists rehearsing at night, musicians who want to keep in shape while traveling.
YEV or Silent Violin: How to Choose
The question isn't which one sounds better. It's: what do you want to use it for?
If you want to practice without making noise, the Silent Violin is the right answer. It's built for that, and it produces less residual sound than the YEV.
If you want to play on stage or in an amplified context, the YEV is built for that. Its design, signal output, and handling are optimized for live performance.
Both can technically fill either role, but neither is optimal outside its main purpose. If price is a factor, note that the YEV-104 PRO and the YSV104 sit in comparable price ranges. For current pricing on acoustic and electric violins available in Quebec, see our complete violin price guide for Quebec.
Do You Need an Amp?
For the Silent Violin: no, it isn't required. A standard set of headphones is enough to practice, since the instrument has its own built-in processing module.
For the YEV: yes, to hear what you're playing properly. A string amp (or acoustic guitar amp) is enough to rehearse alone. On stage, you plug into the venue's sound system via a preamp or directly into a console. You don't need to invest in an expensive amp to get started. An entry-level acoustic guitar amp works well for solo practice. More advanced violinists who play on stage regularly invest in a preamp with a parametric EQ for finer control over their sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best Yamaha electric violin for beginners? For silent practice at home, the YSV104 is a good entry point. For someone who wants to perform on stage right away, the YEV-104 PRO is the accessible reference in the current lineup.
Is an electric violin learned the same way as an acoustic violin? Yes. The technique is identical: same position, same bow, same strings. An acoustic violinist can pick up an electric violin with no adjustment period on the playing mechanics.
Does the YEV work with headphones? Yes, via an audio interface or a preamp with a headphone output. It doesn't have a built-in module like the Silent Violin, so you'll need intermediate equipment.
What's the difference between 4 and 5 strings? The 5-string model (YEV-105 PRO, SV-255) adds an extra low string tuned to C, extending the range downward. Useful for violinists playing jazz or contemporary music.
Find Your Electric Violin at Twigg
Browse our selection of violins and string instruments to see the Yamaha models available at Twigg Musique, in Montreal and Quebec City. Lire cet article en français : Violon électrique Yamaha