The Acoustic-Electric 5 String Violin made by Glasser sounds awesome. What they usually do with 5 String Acoustic Violins is make the body a tad bit thicker so that way you low end power & high end clarity. In reality a True 5 String Acoustic Violin is actually a 14 in Viola with a High E String added to it. They also make 5 String Violas which have the CGDA Strings plus a High E string which is actually thinner than an average Violin E String which is greatly going to lower the tension. Another thing to keep in mind is that Viola length High E Strings have a little tube to protect them from digging into the bridge & to eliminate the squeaking, plus D'addario usually plates them in tin to make them stronger.
Yamaha has designed their Electric Bowed Stringed instruments to feel & play more like their Acoustic Counterparts so that it's simply a matter of pick up & play.
I always wanted to have Yamaha SV 255, Never played electric before.. would I regret if I buy one? I rarely play on stage, its more for me to enjoy, and do practice silently in the apartment I stay, and the direct headset connectivity are all plus points for me and ofcourse its so cool to look at.. I would want someone who tried it to tell me if Im going to make a bad choice..
I use an old RSA truvoice pickup a boss bluetooth and played through an AER 60 and get a totally natural sound...no nasal tone you usually get from most sets ups..
The C string on Glasser is driving me nuts - the pitch is bending all over the place. It's better with the Yamaha and the MSI, but still bends a little bit. My suggestion for anyone interested in the Glasser is to purchase the 4 string, instead of the 5. Since these are violins with an added C string, the first thing I would recommend is purchasing a C string for a smaller instrument, D'Addario short scale strings work well. Most viola strings are sized for an instrument 16"+ and it's possible the Glasser just has a C string that is too long.
@@theviolintech7632 Glasser makes a Violin C String that's just right in length, as well does D'addario. D'addario makes a 5 String Helicore Violin C String.
@@theviolintech7632 The Larsen Original Violin C String is just right. Octave Strings are so thick that a CodaBow Joule and Dark Kaplan Rosin ought to do the Trick. A CodaBow Joule is what I call a "Facilitator Bow" cause it facilitates good technique.
thank you for this video and sound samples - do want an electric violin to play in bands - where a traditional sound wont be loud enough. IF i were to pick up a electric violin then i would want a 5 string to expand the range of pitch to play. thanks again for this test.
@@theviolintech7632 I’m trying to decide between the Glasser and the NS NXTa. Have you tried that one? I’m thinking that with a pure electric I would get more practice time in with my kids in bed.
Hello, thanks for this detailed review! I was interested in the MSI one, but it's out of stock everywhere. Do you know why it's so hard to find? Also, what are their weight? The Yamaha is lightweight, but I cannot find any information about the MSI weight. Also, it's a detail, but I prefer to have gears to that it keeps in-tune easier. I've had bad experiences with acoustic violin that would be out-of-tune easily. What's your opinion about that?
I like geared pegs as well. On the high end acoustic violin that is well maintained by a good luthier the traditional pegs are still my preference but on the electric not necessarily. As far as the availability I believe that the MSI is not a factory build but one guy making them in his shop, so the supply will always be more limited than the Yamaha for example.
Geared pegs would allow you to get rid of those fine tuners from the Tailpiece on any Violin, Viola. Fiddler Tommy Jarrell popularized using machine heads on a Bowed instrument.
@@theviolintech7632 That's not really the case because these Geared tuners have gone under alot of updates. These Geared tuners are made out of Carbon Fiber (sometimes a composite):ruclips.net/video/5eq-rZOvpp8/видео.html so they're probably a tad bit lighter than Friction pegs. Geared tuners actually hold tune longer than Friction pegs, which means "No slipping pegs, no worries" because the material is more resistant to weather changes (big plus).
Greetings from Ukraine. Thanks for such a great review! I love to compose and produce music and would love to have any 5 strings violin. But here it's quiet hard for simple man to just buy a good sounding violin cause of the budget. I'm a beguiner in violin practice but I'll definetly use violin in my musical tracks. Thanks for so much ditalised explanation. If you would ever like me to collaborate with you, I'll agree with joy. There are some tracks on my channel here. Kind regards...
for me the yamaha had the sound that I liked the most, although on the fast notes I dont know if its because of the instruments design, felt like you would have to be way more extra careful not to disrupt the sound of the notes, sorry for my bad english. the last one was okay but Idk why i didnt like the sound, I dont know how to describe it but it was a little anoying. the fist one was just okay.
@@theviolintech7632 Oscar Stern here. The CodaBow Joule for Violin is made entirely out of Carbon Fiber which means it's going to hold up better (Dark Kaplan Rosin is what I call facilitator Rosin which means it'll make bowing with the Joule Bow a breeze). Here's a CodaBow Joule for Violin:www.codabow.com/products/joule?Codabow+-+(Dynamic+Search+Campaign)&hsa_acc=5857318649&hsa_ver=3&hsa_mt=b&hsa_src=g&hsa_kw=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ad=474231444698&hsa_cam=11286096690&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_grp=111313806906&gclid=CjwKCAiAsaOBBhA4EiwAo0_AnAFcpAOmMQ1eAZiz8QBM0yIJDsXHit4uIYCcacfUJoWpSu3Z7Uk7OBoCN8sQAvD_BwE.
I can't understand why you didn''t even mention the nasty harmonics coming from the Yamaha, especially the C string. I think you made the wrong choice. As far as sound quality is concerned the Glasser is by far the best although I don't particularly like the "cool" look. Give it some reverb and it could even sound like the real thing in electric mode. Does it come in a wood finish?
Look like the pickup does not work well for the C string compared to non amp. version. How about G string on the carbon fiber one? Does it have a big sound like a normal acoustic violin? Thanks.
I would say that the g string on the Glasser is ok for carbon fiber acoustic. However because of poor bridge set up it was hard for me to evaluate to have bulletproof opinion.
You forgot to mention that if you buy Yamaha SV 250/255 somewhere else except Electric violin shop, you will get unplayable instrument (bad distance between each strings, wrong scale: my first position is actually located in 2nd position, which is horrible to play) I'm so happy for you, that you didn't buy Yamaha
@@theviolintech7632 in two different countries: Spain and Slovakia. I've bought 255 in Barcelona, it was horrible in terms of string distance, and 250 I've bought in Kosice, and that one was just unplayable
@@theviolintech7632 I'm looking in a fair bit lower price range...and I don't know if it's just an artifact of the recording. But the yamaha's projection on the E-string always feels a lot better (crisper and a lit bit of that high end shimmer) to me, even though on other instruments I might find the low end to be a bit richer. Also did you find transitioning to the string positioning on a 5 string difficult coming from a 4 string? Kind of worried about that. My main objective is to get something I can play and practice again (it's been a few years sadly) with in my relatively thin walled apartment, but if I'm going to get an electric I might was well consider embracing the new possibilities. Honestly my budget looks to be around the NS WAV and YEV 105 if you have any experience on those. I really wish I could just live audition some instruments somewhere.
They all sound bloody awful!" The MSI sounds like a boxy, cheap, nasal, toy violin. The Yamaha always sounds reedy and weedy with no body of sound. The Glasser is best out of 3 but still sounds hideous. These instruments are a waste of time. Much better to buy a decent acoustic viola and if you must, mic it up, or buy a 5 string fiddle made of wood with a proper bridge and a decent sound. They are always better in the end than these other fashionable items which the ear gets very tired of after a few minutes.
That's the piezo pickup untreated you're hearing. Amplifying correctly an electric violin is always a story of impulse response, EQ, and slight reverb to make the piezo pickup sound better. Saying they are a waste of time is just not understanding electric violins at all, they are not at all just "fashionable".
Which is worse than a 5 string violin?.... A banjo player. Which is worse than a banjo player... an accordion player LOL which is what they make you play in Hell.
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The Acoustic-Electric 5 String Violin made by Glasser sounds awesome. What they usually do with 5 String Acoustic Violins is make the body a tad bit thicker so that way you low end power & high end clarity. In reality a True 5 String Acoustic Violin is actually a 14 in Viola with a High E String added to it. They also make 5 String Violas which have the CGDA Strings plus a High E string which is actually thinner than an average Violin E String which is greatly going to lower the tension. Another thing to keep in mind is that Viola length High E Strings have a little tube to protect them from digging into the bridge & to eliminate the squeaking, plus D'addario usually plates them in tin to make them stronger.
Bobby Hicks played 5 String Violin & the C String is a custom true Violin C String. Glasser makes both 4 & 5 String Instruments.
If I can say my opinion, as a professional violinist, it's a good choice, I would also reach out of the violin MSI.
I am glad we agree Dalibor!
Yamaha has designed their Electric Bowed Stringed instruments to feel & play more like their Acoustic Counterparts so that it's simply a matter of pick up & play.
I always wanted to have Yamaha SV 255, Never played electric before.. would I regret if I buy one?
I rarely play on stage, its more for me to enjoy, and do practice silently in the apartment I stay, and the direct headset connectivity are all plus points for me and ofcourse its so cool to look at..
I would want someone who tried it to tell me if Im going to make a bad choice..
Yamaha is a great product. With your needs I wouldn’t hesitate and get it!
Thanks for this detailed information. Nicely done!
I use an old RSA truvoice pickup a boss bluetooth and played through an AER 60 and get a totally natural sound...no nasal tone you usually get from most sets ups..
This video made me smile, love your humor, and hair haha good info as well)
Yay, thank you!
They still sound different. The Glasser Acoustic-Electric sounds more like an Amplified Acoustic when plugged in.
The C string on Glasser is driving me nuts - the pitch is bending all over the place. It's better with the Yamaha and the MSI, but still bends a little bit. My suggestion for anyone interested in the Glasser is to purchase the 4 string, instead of the 5.
Since these are violins with an added C string, the first thing I would recommend is purchasing a C string for a smaller instrument, D'Addario short scale strings work well. Most viola strings are sized for an instrument 16"+ and it's possible the Glasser just has a C string that is too long.
Great insight! Thank you for that. Regular violin players are not very experienced at managing the C string...
@@theviolintech7632 Glasser makes a Violin C String that's just right in length, as well does D'addario. D'addario makes a 5 String Helicore Violin C String.
@@theviolintech7632 Actually Glasser is now using a True Larsen Violin C String which is for more of a 5 String Violin than a Viola.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 thank you for this, very useful info for everyone with the 5 string violin!
@@theviolintech7632 The Larsen Original Violin C String is just right. Octave Strings are so thick that a CodaBow Joule and Dark Kaplan Rosin ought to do the Trick. A CodaBow Joule is what I call a "Facilitator Bow" cause it facilitates good technique.
thank you for this video and sound samples - do want an electric violin to play in bands - where a traditional sound wont be loud enough. IF i were to pick up a electric violin then i would want a 5 string to expand the range of pitch to play.
thanks again for this test.
The Violin Tech
Herrando, José wrote music for a 5 String Violin
Hey thank you so much for this review!! Good job!!
Thanks for watching!
Glasser sound best to me. Acoustic and amplified
Bobby Hicks plays 5 string Violin.
I have a Yinfente 5 String Cello w/ a High E String (same as a Violin but down an Octave).
So do you have an E string then? or you go to low F?
@@theviolintech7632 It's a High E
I’m happy with my NS Wave 5 string.
Wow, that Glasser sounds amazing!
It does!
@@theviolintech7632 I’m trying to decide between the Glasser and the NS NXTa. Have you tried that one? I’m thinking that with a pure electric I would get more practice time in with my kids in bed.
Hello, thanks for this detailed review! I was interested in the MSI one, but it's out of stock everywhere. Do you know why it's so hard to find? Also, what are their weight? The Yamaha is lightweight, but I cannot find any information about the MSI weight.
Also, it's a detail, but I prefer to have gears to that it keeps in-tune easier. I've had bad experiences with acoustic violin that would be out-of-tune easily. What's your opinion about that?
I like geared pegs as well. On the high end acoustic violin that is well maintained by a good luthier the traditional pegs are still my preference but on the electric not necessarily. As far as the availability I believe that the MSI is not a factory build but one guy making them in his shop, so the supply will always be more limited than the Yamaha for example.
Geared pegs would allow you to get rid of those fine tuners from the Tailpiece on any Violin, Viola. Fiddler Tommy Jarrell popularized using machine heads on a Bowed instrument.
I like them quite a bit although they seem not to hold the pitch as long as regular pegs...
@@theviolintech7632 That's not really the case because these Geared tuners have gone under alot of updates. These Geared tuners are made out of Carbon Fiber (sometimes a composite):ruclips.net/video/5eq-rZOvpp8/видео.html so they're probably a tad bit lighter than Friction pegs. Geared tuners actually hold tune longer than Friction pegs, which means "No slipping pegs, no worries" because the material is more resistant to weather changes (big plus).
@@theviolintech7632 I've read an article that Geared pegs actually hold the pitch longer than Friction pegs because they're stronger.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 so far in my personal experience that has not always been the case but as they say your mileage may vary.
@@theviolintech7632 These geared tuners are constantly getting updates.
The Glasser does not slaughter animals to make their instrument. Is this the case for the others?
What's difficult is finding a left-hand one.
Greetings from Ukraine.
Thanks for such a great review!
I love to compose and produce music and would love to have any 5 strings violin.
But here it's quiet hard for simple man to just buy a good sounding violin cause of the budget.
I'm a beguiner in violin practice but I'll definetly use violin in my musical tracks.
Thanks for so much ditalised explanation.
If you would ever like me to collaborate with you, I'll agree with joy.
There are some tracks on my channel here.
Kind regards...
I liked the Glasser the best 😁
How about Indian Carnatic violinist
That hair is awesome haha
sorry, I'm not musician and can't stop look at your beautiful hair ✨
keep it going
Ha, Ha!
msi i would give you one for this review
for me the yamaha had the sound that I liked the most, although on the fast notes I dont know if its because of the instruments design, felt like you would have to be way more extra careful not to disrupt the sound of the notes, sorry for my bad english. the last one was okay but Idk why i didnt like the sound, I dont know how to describe it but it was a little anoying. the fist one was just okay.
Fair enough!
Amazing
CodaBow Joule for Violin (and Dark Kaplan Rosin) ought to help.
Seems that slightly heavier bow helps with the sound especially down low.
@@theviolintech7632 Oscar Stern here. The CodaBow Joule for Violin is made entirely out of Carbon Fiber which means it's going to hold up better (Dark Kaplan Rosin is what I call facilitator Rosin which means it'll make bowing with the Joule Bow a breeze). Here's a CodaBow Joule for Violin:www.codabow.com/products/joule?Codabow+-+(Dynamic+Search+Campaign)&hsa_acc=5857318649&hsa_ver=3&hsa_mt=b&hsa_src=g&hsa_kw=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ad=474231444698&hsa_cam=11286096690&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_grp=111313806906&gclid=CjwKCAiAsaOBBhA4EiwAo0_AnAFcpAOmMQ1eAZiz8QBM0yIJDsXHit4uIYCcacfUJoWpSu3Z7Uk7OBoCN8sQAvD_BwE.
I can't understand why you didn''t even mention the nasty harmonics coming from the Yamaha, especially the C string. I think you made the wrong choice. As far as sound quality is concerned the Glasser is by far the best although I don't particularly like the "cool" look. Give it some reverb and it could even sound like the real thing in electric mode. Does it come in a wood finish?
i think glasser violin good item
you think
Look like the pickup does not work well for the C string compared to non amp. version. How about G string on the carbon fiber one? Does it have a big sound like a normal acoustic violin? Thanks.
I would say that the g string on the Glasser is ok for carbon fiber acoustic. However because of poor bridge set up it was hard for me to evaluate to have bulletproof opinion.
Mateusz - Ty pracujesz w jakimś sklepie muzycznym ? Pozdrawiam z Nowego Jorku
Hej. Nie! Bawię się w RUclips dla hobby
@@theviolintech7632 Aha , dzięki , pozdrawiam
To my ear, the Glasser sounded the best.
Bro I'm book 10 already
You forgot to mention that if you buy Yamaha SV 250/255 somewhere else except Electric violin shop, you will get unplayable instrument (bad distance between each strings, wrong scale: my first position is actually located in 2nd position, which is horrible to play) I'm so happy for you, that you didn't buy Yamaha
Oh! Wow, I guess there are some bad luthiers out there.
@@theviolintech7632 in two different countries: Spain and Slovakia. I've bought 255 in Barcelona, it was horrible in terms of string distance, and 250 I've bought in Kosice, and that one was just unplayable
Yamaha sounds very clean ✌
It does!
@@theviolintech7632 I'm looking in a fair bit lower price range...and I don't know if it's just an artifact of the recording. But the yamaha's projection on the E-string always feels a lot better (crisper and a lit bit of that high end shimmer) to me, even though on other instruments I might find the low end to be a bit richer. Also did you find transitioning to the string positioning on a 5 string difficult coming from a 4 string? Kind of worried about that. My main objective is to get something I can play and practice again (it's been a few years sadly) with in my relatively thin walled apartment, but if I'm going to get an electric I might was well consider embracing the new possibilities. Honestly my budget looks to be around the NS WAV and YEV 105 if you have any experience on those. I really wish I could just live audition some instruments somewhere.
What about NS? ruclips.net/video/kDEPCO44KA8/видео.html
that wig is hilarious
As a biggner, I think MSI is the best sound between them
C'est extrêmement laid, et ça demande quand même XX années de pratique...
Nice wig.
They all sound bloody awful!" The MSI sounds like a boxy, cheap, nasal, toy violin. The Yamaha always sounds reedy and weedy with no body of sound. The Glasser is best out of 3 but still sounds hideous. These instruments are a waste of time. Much better to buy a decent acoustic viola and if you must, mic it up, or buy a 5 string fiddle made of wood with a proper bridge and a decent sound. They are always better in the end than these other fashionable items which the ear gets very tired of after a few minutes.
Well, you don’t beat around the bush! Haha, love it!!!
That's the piezo pickup untreated you're hearing. Amplifying correctly an electric violin is always a story of impulse response, EQ, and slight reverb to make the piezo pickup sound better. Saying they are a waste of time is just not understanding electric violins at all, they are not at all just "fashionable".
Which is worse than a 5 string violin?.... A banjo player. Which is worse than a banjo player... an accordion player LOL which is what they make you play in Hell.
Lol
@@theviolintech7632 fun video thanks