Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

When tradition meets innovation, the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin stands as a testament to electric brilliance in the orchestral world. Designed for musicians who crave the expressive depth of a violin with the amplified power of electric instruments, this violin fuses the best of both worlds. The FV-1 captures the essence of Fender's iconic craftsmanship, providing an electric edge to your classical or contemporary performances. Whether you're an experimenter, a genre-bender, or a purist looking to amplify your sound, the FV-1 is engineered to deliver a dynamic range of expressive tones.

Thanks to its solid body construction, feedback is minimized, allowing you to take center stage with confidence. The intuitive design ensures comfortable playability, making it accessible for both seasoned violinists and those venturing into the world of electric strings. With a rich history and notable endorsements from artists like Airborne Toxic Event and Hey Monday, the FV-1 isn't just an instrument; it's a musical statement.

Key Features:

  • Solid body design for minimal feedback
  • Comfortable playability suitable for various skill levels
  • Endorsed by renowned musicians for reliability and versatility
  • Ideal for both classical and contemporary performances
  • Electric-powered for a wide range of expressive tones

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model FV-1 Electric Violin
Finish Sunburst
Year 1990s
Categories Violins

FAQs

Is the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin is designed for live performances, offering a robust build and amplified sound that can cut through a band mix.

What kind of pickups does the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin use?

The Fender FV-1 Electric Violin is equipped with a piezoelectric pickup, which provides a clear and natural amplification of the violin's sound.

Does the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin require any special amplification equipment?

While it can be plugged into any standard amplifier or PA system, using an acoustic instrument amp or preamp can enhance its sound quality.

Is the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin suitable for beginners?

The Fender FV-1 Electric Violin can be used by beginners, but its electric nature might be better suited for those with some prior violin experience.

How does the sound of the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin compare to an acoustic violin?

The Fender FV-1 Electric Violin offers a more focused and amplified sound, which can differ from the rich, resonant tone of an acoustic violin.

Patrick Contreras

Patrick Contreras

Electric Violin Demo (Fender FV-1)

Video thumbnail for Electric Violin Demo (Fender FV-1) by Patrick Contreras

Electric Violin Demo (Fender FV-1)

Patrick Contreras

Patrick Contreras

Video thumbnail for Fender FV-1 Electric Violin: Owen Gets His Boyd Tinsley On (Video) by gearwire

Fender FV-1 Electric Violin: Owen Gets His Boyd Tinsley On (Video)

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for The Phantom of the Opera (main theme) by Koi Anunta ~ electric violin + orchestra instrumental by Koi Anunta

The Phantom of the Opera (main theme) by Koi Anunta ~ electric violin + orchestra instrumental

Koi Anunta

Koi Anunta

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender FV-1 Electric Violin.

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider retrofitting the Fender FV-1 with Barbera pickups, which place two piezos under each string, enhancing sound quality significantly.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pairing the FV-1 with a Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum DI box can improve the tinny sound caused by high impedance when plugged directly into an amp.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha YEV104 offers a more natural feel akin to an acoustic violin compared to the NS Design electric models, providing a balanced fusion of traditional and electric qualities.

    Source
  • Some players find a well-mic'd acoustic violin superior in sound quality compared to the FV-1.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Passive piezo pickups, like those on the FV-1, require a preamp due to their high impedance (>1M Ohm), which affects direct amp sound quality.

    Source
  • The FV-1's piezo element is positioned under the bridge in a "corral," but some users believe potting the sensor into one of the bridge arms offers better sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the FV-1 requires additional care and setup adjustments to achieve a decent sound, despite its satisfactory build.

    Source
  • Electric violins like the FV-1 emphasize flaws in technique, as pickups are highly sensitive to imperfections, making it challenging for beginners.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners reported the Fender FV-1 as heavy, which might affect prolonged playing comfort.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Currie uses Fender FV-1 Electric Violin

Billy Currie

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Ultravox

...
Verified via eBay

Billy Currie used a Fender FV-1 Electric Violin for early recordings, including the solo on "Artificial Life" up until the "Systems of Romance" album. This violin, along with his ARP Odyssey and other memorabilia, was sold on eBay in 2017.

See how Don "Sugarcane" Harris uses Fender FV-1 Electric Violin

Don "Sugarcane" Harris

Singer, Guitarist

The Mothers of Invention

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in this photo, Don “Sugarcane” Harris used a sunburst Fender FV-1 electric violin.

See how Sean Mackin uses Fender FV-1 Electric Violin

Sean Mackin

Singer

Yellowcard

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:20 in Yellow Card's "Way Away" video, Sean Mackin can be seen using a Fender FV-1 electric violin.

See how Jimmy De Martini uses Fender FV-1 Electric Violin

Jimmy De Martini

Singer

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Jimmy De Martini is seen with a Fender FV-1 Electric Violin.

T

The Fresh Beat Band

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Fandom, Inc.

The character Kiki from The Fresh Beat Band is confirmed to use the Fender FV-1 Electric Violin. This information is detailed by contributors on The Fresh Beat Band Wiki at Fandom, noting that the violin is one of the few props to undergo minimal design alterations.

Album Usage

The Fender FV-1 Electric Violin has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Fender Violins

Mendini MV500

$189.99 - $191.99

# 3

Rank

 
Cremona SV-130

$229.99 - $279.99

# 5

Rank

 
Student 4/4 Violin

$133.00 - $899.99

# 6

Rank

Sharon Corr Marianne Carroll Ben Morfitt
5 artists using
Violin

 

# 28

Rank

Paul McCartney David Hidalgo David Lindley
20 artists using
Pro Blue Electric Violin

$1,433.99 - $1,651.99

# 31

Rank

 

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jpc
    jpc

    Gear IQ 445