Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$2,411.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$2,096.99
Reverb
$2,411.99 2 available New
Thomann
4.5 (12)
$2,039.00 $2,029.00 $10.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,799.00

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha SV-255 5-String Pro Silent Violin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your musical potential with the Yamaha SV-255 5-String Pro Silent Violin, a groundbreaking fusion of tradition and innovation. Designed for professional performance, this electric violin preserves the rich, resonant tone of its acoustic counterparts while offering the versatility of modern technology. Its dual pickup design ensures that every delicate nuance of your playing is captured with precision, delivering a sound experience that's as close to natural as it gets. The lightweight, chambered body offers a comfortable transition for traditional violinists, maintaining the familiar feel of an acoustic violin.

Perfectly suited for both stage and studio, the SV-255 features a streamlined control box that empowers you to sculpt your sound effortlessly. Whether you're connecting to an amplifier or going straight into a PA system, the line output and balanced XLR output provide seamless integration into any setup. With the added benefit of a headphone output, you can practice silently without compromising on tone.

For musicians seeking a silent practice solution that doesn't sacrifice sound quality, the SV-255 stands as a testament to Yamaha's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. The pickup blend control allows for meticulous adjustments, ensuring you find the optimal balance for your performance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring virtuoso, the Yamaha SV-255 is your ticket to a new realm of musical expression.

Key Features:

  • 5-string solidbody electric violin with acoustic-like resonance
  • Dual pickup design for capturing every playing nuance
  • Pickup blend control for mixing two pickups
  • Lightweight chambered body for natural feel and easy transition
  • Control box with volume, 2-band EQ, headphone output
  • Line and XLR outputs for versatile connectivity

Product specs

Type Electric Violin
Number of Strings 5
Size 4/4
Body Material Maple
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Pegs Ebony
Fine Tuners Wittner Ultra
Bridge Material Maple
Tailpiece Molded Plastic
Chin Rest Molded Plastic
Electronics VNP1 Bridge Pickup, Yamaha Piezo Body Pickup, Treble/Bass Controls, 1/4" Output Jack, 1/8" Headphones Jack, XLR Balance Jack
Strings D'Addario Zyex
Case/Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What makes the Yamaha SV-255 5-String Pro Silent Violin different from an acoustic violin?

The Yamaha SV-255 is an electric violin designed for silent practice and amplified performance. It features a VNP1 bridge pickup and Yamaha Piezo body pickup, offering a unique tonal range and control over treble and bass, unlike traditional acoustic violins.

Can the Yamaha SV-255 5-String Pro Silent Violin be used with headphones?

Yes, the Yamaha SV-255 has a 1/8" headphone jack, allowing for silent practice with headphones, making it ideal for late-night sessions without disturbing others.

Is the Yamaha SV-255 suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, the Yamaha SV-255 is equipped with a 1/4" output jack and an XLR balance jack, making it versatile for live performances and easy to connect to amplifiers and PA systems.

What kind of strings does the Yamaha SV-255 come with?

The Yamaha SV-255 is strung with D'Addario Zyex strings, known for their warm sound and excellent projection, enhancing the violin's overall tone.

Does the Yamaha SV-255 require a special case?

The Yamaha SV-255 is a full-size 4/4 violin, and while it does not come with a case, it can fit in most standard full-size violin cases, though a case designed for electric violins is recommended for optimal protection.

Electric Violin Shop

Electric Violin Shop

Yamaha SV-255 Silent Violin Pro at NAMM 2010

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SV-255 Silent Violin Pro at NAMM 2010 by Electric Violin Shop

Yamaha SV-255 Silent Violin Pro at NAMM 2010

Electric Violin Shop

Electric Violin Shop

Video thumbnail for 5-string Yamaha SV 255 Pro Violin for Sarah by Fiddlershop

5-string Yamaha SV 255 Pro Violin for Sarah

Fiddlershop

Fiddlershop

Video thumbnail for Jesus Florido demos the Yamaha SV-255, JamupPro XT and Airturn BT-105 by MergeProduction

Jesus Florido demos the Yamaha SV-255, JamupPro XT and Airturn BT-105

MergeProduction

MergeProduction

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SILENT Violin SV250 and SV255: Made for Unprecedented live stage experience! by Yamaha Music India

Yamaha SILENT Violin SV250 and SV255: Made for Unprecedented live stage experience!

Yamaha Music India

Yamaha Music India

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional blend of body and bridge pickups for versatile sound customization

  • Rich, warm acoustic-like tone, ideal for studio work

  • Lightweight design enhances comfort and ease of play

  • Five-string setup provides extended range and creative possibilities

  • Fits perfectly into a standard violin case

  • Highly natural sound, appealing to acoustic violinists

  • Strong performance with external pre-amp control for bass, treble, and volume

CONS

  • Pre-amp headphone output has noticeable noise, reducing its usability

  • High price point may not match perceived value for some users

  • Plastic frame and chinrest may appear less premium

  • Requires additional equipment for optimal performance (e.g., pre-amp, cables)

  • Some users find bridge pickup tone lacking compared to body pickup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SV-255 5-String Pro Silent Violin.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha SV-255 allows direct headphone connection, offering a practical solution for silent practice without amplification.

    Source
  • The Yamaha SV models, unlike the YEV, can be used with headphones directly due to onboard amplification, which is crucial for silent practice.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the Yamaha SV-255 is as loud as conversational speech (~60-70 dB) when played unplugged, which could be audible in adjacent rooms.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Yamaha Silent Violin as fun and consistently high-quality, emphasizing its role as a supplement to, not a replacement for, acoustic violins.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Electric violins like the SV-255, even unplugged, are quieter than muted acoustics but lack the warmth and intonation feedback of traditional violins.

    Source
  • Metal practice mutes on acoustic violins can achieve similar quietness to solid body electrics, but with more nuance retained.

    Source
  • Compared to the Yamaha YEV, the SV models are considered outdated by some users, with older pickup designs affecting sound quality.

    Source
  • The 3Dvarius Line and ZETA violins, though pricier, are noted for having piezoelectric pickups with one pickup per string, offering superior sound quality over the SV-255.

    Source
  • NS electric violins under $1000 are generally advised against due to poor sound and comfort, making the Yamaha YEV a preferred choice in that price range.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SV-255's C string is highlighted for experimentation, expanding musical possibilities beyond the typical four-string setup.

    Source
  • Ideal for nighttime practice without disturbing others, though traditional technique might suffer if used exclusively.

    Source

Build quality

  • The SV-255's chinrest is integrated into the plastic frame and not designed for removal, though some models allow modification with side-mounted chinrests using screws.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • For headphone use with models lacking onboard amps, users recommend Vox headphone amps, especially the bass model, for better compatibility with violins.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Europe, the Yamaha YEV's price is around €700, slightly above other markets, yet it's still considered a competitive option for its features.

    Source

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