Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,993.99
Guitar Center
$1,727.99
Amazon
4.7 (4)
$1,992.98
Musician's Friend
$1,993.99
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$1,899.00
Gear4Music
£1,698.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Yamaha Silent Electric Viola SVV-200". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the future of string performance with the Yamaha Silent Electric Viola SVV-200. Designed for both practice and performance, this innovative instrument combines the tactile comfort of an acoustic viola with the cutting-edge technology of Yamaha's proprietary chip, offering a silent practice mode without sacrificing sound quality. The SVV-200's sleek, minimalist body design minimizes feedback, allowing you to perform confidently on any stage. Its dual piezo pickup system captures every nuance of your playing, delivering a rich and expressive sound through its studio-grade preamp.

Whether you're practicing at home with headphones, laying down tracks in the studio, or performing live, the SVV-200 offers unparalleled versatility. The viola features an easy-to-play 16-inch scale length and an unfinished neck that mirrors the feel of a traditional acoustic viola. For added convenience, the repositioned 1/4-inch output jack ensures your cable stays out of the way, while the standard frame accommodates most chin and shoulder rests.

The onboard EQ system lets you tailor your sound to fit any musical context, and its bypassable equalization circuit provides the flexibility to integrate with external studio equipment. With an auxiliary input, you can effortlessly play along to your favorite tracks, making it an ideal choice for both solo practice and ensemble settings.

Key Features:

  • 16-inch scale length with full-sized frame
  • Dual piezo pickup system for high-resolution sound
  • Studio-grade preamp and bypassable EQ
  • Standard 1/4-inch output and headphone jack
  • Auxiliary input for play-along capability
  • Compatible with most standard chin/shoulder rests

Product specs

Type Electric Viola
Number of Strings 4
Size 16"
Top Material Spruce
Back & Sides Material Spruce
Neck Material Maple
Pegs Ebony
Fine Tuners 1 (A String)
Nut Material Ebony
Bridge Material Maple
Tailpiece Ebony
Chin Rest Ebony
Strings Thomastik Dominant
Electronics Silent Viola Dual Piezo Pickups with EQ, headphone out, 1/4" line out
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What are the main benefits of the Yamaha Silent Electric Viola SVV-200?

The Yamaha Silent Electric Viola SVV-200 offers easy amplification without feedback, silent practice capabilities, and compatibility with effects. It maintains the feel and playability of a high-quality acoustic viola, making it ideal for both practice and performance.

Is the Yamaha SVV-200 suitable for silent practice?

Yes, the Yamaha SVV-200 is designed for silent practice with its headphone output, allowing violists to practice quietly without disturbing others while still enjoying a natural playing experience.

What type of pickups does the Yamaha SVV-200 use?

The Yamaha SVV-200 features dual piezo pickups, providing clear and natural sound amplification suitable for various performance settings.

Can the Yamaha SVV-200 be used with standard viola accessories?

Yes, the Yamaha SVV-200 can accommodate standard viola accessories such as shoulder rests and chin rests, making it versatile for different playing preferences.

What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha SVV-200?

The Yamaha SVV-200 is crafted with a spruce top, spruce back and sides, a maple neck, and ebony pegs, nut, tailpiece, and chin rest, ensuring durability and quality sound.

learnviolin

learnviolin

Warning don't buy the Yamaha SV200 until you watch this review

Video thumbnail for Warning don't buy the Yamaha SV200 until you watch this review by learnviolin

Warning don't buy the Yamaha SV200 until you watch this review

learnviolin

learnviolin

Reviews

PROS

  • Allows silent practice without disturbing neighbors, ideal for apartment living

  • Integrates well with amplifiers, expanding performance possibilities

  • Maintains a familiar feel similar to an acoustic viola

  • High-quality construction, reliable and aesthetically pleasing

  • Excellent for long practice sessions, suited for serious musicians

  • Exceptional sound quality, even when purchased used

  • Fun and engaging to play, more exciting than using a practice mute

CONS

  • Does not include a bow or case, requiring additional purchases

  • Sound can be relatively uniform without the depth of an acoustic body

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Silent Electric Viola SVV-200.

Use cases and applications

  • Electric violas are better suited for loud bands to avoid feedback issues common with acoustic instruments using pickups.

    Source
  • Owners find electric violas ideal for practicing quietly, especially if budget constraints allow for higher spending on other gear like amps and pedals.

    Source
  • The Yamaha SVV-200 pairs effectively with the Boss Katana amp, which is praised for its built-in effects and compatibility with electric string instruments.

    Source
  • For electronic synthesis purposes, the NS Design NXTa is considered quieter than other models, making it suitable for blending with synthetic sounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's critical to avoid leaving electric violas in cars for extended periods, especially in extreme cold, to prevent peg damage and electronic corrosion.

    Source
  • Users recommend having the Yamaha SVV-200 checked and set up by a luthier to address potential discomfort issues due to neck thickness and string height.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners report that electric violas excel with effects like fuzz, overdrive, and chorus compared to acoustics, though acoustics still have superior natural tone.

    Source
  • Some prefer acoustic violas with pickups over electric violas due to feedback issues and tonal quality, despite occasional challenges with feedback.

    Source
  • The Yamaha SVV-200 is noted for its onboard pre-amp and superior pickups, making it favored over the YEV-105 by some users for effect-driven performances.

    Source
  • The NS Design NXTa and Yamaha SVV-200 are comparably quiet, but the NXTa's solid design might make it slightly quieter in room settings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SVV-200 includes an onboard pre-amp and improved pickups, offering enhanced sound versatility compared to other models like the YEV-105.

    Source
  • The ZETA viola allows users to apply different settings or voices to each string, enhancing versatility for tasks like programming voice splits or drum kits.

    Source

Other

  • The Yamaha SVV-200 is considered economical at $1200, offering a mid to high-end electric viola option compared to more expensive professional models.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The NS Design NXTa viola, noted for its quieter acoustic sound, can effectively serve as a MIDI controller, but the ZETA viola offers separate MIDI outputs for each string.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
stringtone

High quality

Even when I bought it used, it still had an amazing sound. I would recommend this in a heartbeat - there is no better electric viola in the price range, and the design is amazing as well.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Cale uses Yamaha Silent Electric Viola SVV-200

John Cale

Singer, Guitarist

The Velvet Underground

...
Verified via Xs4all

This site states that Cale uses a Yamaha Silent Viola SVV-200.

Album Usage

The Yamaha Silent Electric Viola SVV-200 has been featured on the following albums:

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# 9

Rank

Colleen
1 artist using

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