| The String Project Los Angeles Message Board is a part of our ongoing mission to become the foremost resource for modern string players. We will answer questions on all aspects of alternative string playing, ranging from use of amplification and electronic effects to questions about extended techniques, harmony, and improvising. Check in regularly for updates. Email your questions to forum@stringprojectla.com. |
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I'm interested in buying an electric cello, but I’m not sure where to begin or what kind of instrument to get. There’s no place in my area that I can try out these instruments. Do you know anywhere that I can get my hands on a variety of electric instruments? Are there any that you recommend? Paul S. Bakersfield, CA Your struggle to get your hands on an electric cello is not uncommon. The fact is, electric string instruments are still a relatively rare commodity since the market for them (cellos even more so than violins) remains so small. Indeed, there are so many intimidating options when it comes to electric instruments, (4-string, 5-string, 6-string, frets, funky shapes?!) that it's no surprise that string players have traditionally been reluctant to take the leap and buy one of these "unusual" instruments without first having been given the chance to try several options for himself/herself. One of our missions at String Project Los Angles is to establish a location where string players can come to try a cross- section of electric instruments of different makes and models. We hope to be the first online resource to provide podcasts and comprehensive product reviews for string players to collect information and opinions from REAL ELECTRIC STRING PLAYERS about each product so you can actually HEAR FOR YOURSELF and make an informed decision. The NAMM shows (January in Anaheim CA, and July in Austin TX) often host a variety of electric string instrument makers (Mark Wood, Ned Steinberger, Zeta, Yamaha), but since these trade shows are not open to the public, most musicians can't take advantage of this valuable opportunity to compare/contrast the products and talk to makers firsthand. The yearly IAJE and ASTA conferences are other large gatherings where electric instrument players and makers tend to be found. For those who live in a big city, some of the mainstream music stores (Guitar Center, Sam Ash) may carry a small number of Yamaha, Zeta, or Steinberger instruments in stock (usually just violins, though). Here in LA, we've even seen some appear from time to time at a few of the local violin shops. Be sure to call first, because their stock of solid-body instruments is spotty (and not particularly helpful for the professional string player seeking the hand-made instruments of the boutique electric instrument makers). Online, Shar and Southwest Strings offer a similar basic selection. A noteworthy exception is the Electric Violin Shop based out of Durham, NC. They offer instruments from a variety of makers (currently only 4 for cello), and their website can be a informative for those new to the world of electric string playing. Despite the increase in resources for the consumer over the past decade, it remains a challenge for curious violinists, violists, and cellists in 90% of the country to find a comprehensive collection of solid body electric string instruments. There are also great makers out there who don't sell the volume to warrant a booth at NAMM or to justify sending one of their valuable demo instruments to Guitar Center. For the professional musician who plans to make electric playing a significant part of their music, master instrument makers like Eric Jensen handcraft their instruments on a per-order basis. One may have little more than the maker's claims, photos, and player testimonials to upon which to base a decision. Many of these low-volume independent makers often advertise in the back of string publications and can be found online. It may be time-consuming process to research these makers, contact them, and deal with a variety of instrument trial policies. Some may be able to put you in touch with a musician in your area who plays one of their instruments. When it comes to playability, features, and aesthetics, we musicians have the right to make an educated decision before choosing a new instrument. Some factors to consider when you have tried several instruments: your Level of experience and budget (mainstream instrument vs. botuique), playing style (what settings are you going to use the electric instrument in?), and special features (fifth or sixth string, electronic effects, MIDI). A select few artists have begun to make their mark on these instruments, and for most string players, an electric instrument is little more than an exciting novelty. Until high school string programs are full of kids buying electric violins, don't expect to see a full service electric string instrument shop opening up any time soon. -Jacob/Rob |