Choosing an Amplifier

There are a number of diretions that one may choose in selecting an amp for bowed electric strings. Som factors that you may want to  consider are tone (always the first thing!), weight, cost, features, and function/purpose.  I will try to address all of these here in coming weeks.

Tone

Be cautious of just pluggin into any old electric guitar amp.  In my experience, these rarely do justice to an electric violin.  Guitar amps are designed for guitars and they tend to make electric violins sound VERY harsh and shrill.  Instead, Check out amps that are designed for lower instrments.  I have had GREAT luck with small bass amplifiers.  Keyboard amps also work well.  Some folks like the sound of small acoustic guitar amps, but I am less likely to recommend them.  In thelower price range, I like Hartke Bass Amplifiers. They make a small one for about $150.00 and It sounds really good with bowed electric strings.  Another option is a PA system. Your school may already have one for your use.  If you decide to go this direction, I really recommend that you still purchase a small amp for each student to use as a personal monitor. (See Amplification tips")  they will need to hear themselves and this is the way to ensure that they will.

Function/purpose

Does the amp have a "line out?"

This allows you to easily send the sound to a PA System and use the amp as a monitor.  This is a great feature to have at your fingertips.

How extemsive is the EQ on the amp?

This allows you to adjust the tone quality of the instrument. See my remarks on EQ in the          Effects Processing Powerpoint.

Does it offer any effects like reverb?

Some amps have an onboard effects processor.  This can be nice because it is always right with you.  You don't have to carry another piece of equiptment.  To me, this is not an important function of an amp. You can always purchase a fantastic effects processor for under $150.00.

Does it have an Aux Send and return?

This permits the player to have full control over the mix of an effects processor and the dry signal of the instrument.  Without this function, the effects are placed "in-line" that is - between the instrument and the amp.  With this function, the instrument is plugged directly into the amp and the effects processor in connected via the aux send and aux return.

How many inputs does it have?

It is always nice to have an XLR input for a microphone in an amp.  I really don't recommend plugging two instruments into the same amp for anything.  It gets very confusing for the player and dynamics seem to go out the window.

Does it have a microphone (XLR) input?

See above

Weight

Cost

Features

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