Yamaha YEV Electric Violin Gear Package

YEV Violin

The YEV violin is the fantastic entry-level electric violin from Yamaha, available as a 4 or 5-string in natural or black.

The tone provided by the double piezo pickup bridge is exceptional in the under-$1000 price range. A volume control knob is accessibly located on the back of the YEV near the neck, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. A volume control activation switch on the back of the instrument locks and unlocks the volume control function so you can set the desired level for a performance without risk of raising or lowering it by bumping the volume knob. The 1/4-inch jack is located on the back central spine of the instrument, a wise placement that prevents the cable tugging on you as you play.

Fit and finish are outstanding for an instrument in this price point, with 6 different woods--maple, rosewood, spruce, mahogany, walnut and ebony--adding to the overall organic appearance and tone of the violin.

The YEV is a passive electric violin; just plug it into the amplifier and play. No batteries, no headphones, no preamps necessary.

Bow

• Best price -- Electric Violin Shop's EVS Bolt carbon fiber bow provides excellent tone production and a balanced feel at an exceptional price.
• Best value -- Upgrade to the EVS Bolt woven carbon fiber bow, which is a step up from the regular Bolt bow in terms of tone production and stability.
• Best performance -- The CodaBow Diamond NX offers exceptional performance at a fraction of the price of a comparable wood bow. CodaBow bows are revered by even the most discerning classical players for their balance, response and tone drawing capabilities.

Case

The Yamaha YEV *does not* come with a case included. If no case is selected we will ship the violin to you in its factory cardboard shipping box (like a cardboard case), which we pack inside a shipping box for further protection. For a good, basic hard shell case that fits and protects a YEV we recommend adding this Toshira TC-100 case.

Amp

• Best value -- The BOSS Katana-50 MKii amplifier is an amazingly low priced amp given it's power, speaker size and quality, and the fact it contains an extensive suite of onboard effects! You can use its effects in lieu of adding a separate multi-FX processor, which is made even more convenient by adding the BOSS FS-5L footswitch (sold separately) for switching between two effects channels during performance. Or just use the amp for it's great sound and add a multi-FX pedal to your package for more control on stage.
• Best tone -- The Fishman Loudbox Mini is an acoustic amp designed to bring out the best tonal qualities of your instrument. With onboard EQ settings and some nice acoustic effects, you'll sound like a pro playing through this guy. The Loudbox Mini has a nice reverb effect but lacks the big onboard multi-FX suite that the BOSS Katana has, so if you want the tonal upgrade *and* a wide array of effects, add a multi-FX pedal to the Fishman Loudbox Mini.
• Portable practice and busking amp -- The Yamaha THR5a amplifier is the size of a loaf of bread, but it puts out a very nice tone, has some nice onboard effects, and cool extras like AUX IN for playing along with audio tracks, and a headphone output, making the YEV into a quiet practice violin. Can run off batteries or plug in for power.

Effects

If you chose the BOSS Katana amp you will already have access to pretty much all of BOSS's great effects. You will be able to create a huge array of tones on the amp or with its accompanying Tone Studio software, however, you won't have access to more than two stored effects at a time. If you want more effects on the fly for performance, or if you upgrade to the Fishman Loudbox Mini amp, which has a much smaller onboard effects selection, consider adding one of the following multi-effects pedal options:

• Good: Mooer GE100 is a nice all-around entry into effects, with lots of presets and patch storage.
• Better: Zoom A1X Four is the first multi-effects processor designed with a variety of acoustic string and wind instruments in mind, including violin. With a cool orchestral strings effect and cool features like USB connectivity for recording and patch editing.
• Best: BOSS ME-90 is the most powerful and intuitive multi-FX pedal in its price range and is laid out like a true pedal board, making it easy to select and deselect effects individually or in combination during live performance. Use it ahead of a looper to layer different sounds. Use its USB output as a home recording interface.

If adding the ME-90 to your package, we also recommend adding the BOSS PSA-120S power supply, which can be found among the optional accessory items. There you will also find a convenient gig bag for the ME-80 unit (optional).

Looper options

Click links to learn more...

• Digitech JamMan Express XT
• Digitech's JamMan Stereo
• Boss RC-3 Loop Station
• Boss RC-30 Loop Station
• TC Electronics Ditto
• TC Electronics Ditto X2
• TC Electronics Ditto X4

Connections (Cable & Wireless Options)

Most amp & effects combinations required two cables—one from the violin to the effects pedal and one from the effects pedal to the amp. We recommend Planet Waves Classic 10’ cables for this package. One is pre-selected for you connection to the amplifier. If you are adding an effects processor you will need a second cable to make the additional connection.

Want to be cable-free? Add the Line 6 Relay G10 for an affordable wireless system that works great with the YEV up to 50 feet distance, or add the Line 6 G10S, with its pedal board-ready receiver for an even better, more roadworthy wireless system that offers more features and 130 foot range!