AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Yamaha Electric Violins and Violas 2026
The top pick is Yamaha YEV-104 Electric Violin ($1,624). Yamaha SV-255 5-String Pro Silent Violin leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Yamaha YEV-104 Electric Violin
YEV104 Pro NBL Electric Violin · Yamaha
10 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
The YEV104 Pro NBL is a really solid choice for gigging violinists and studio players who want a natural acoustic feel combined with reliable amplification. The weight reduction is a big deal for comfort, and the ARE treatment makes it surprisingly expressive. It's a great all-rounder – good for everything from classical to folk to more experimental sounds.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a surprisingly warm, resonant acoustic tone even amplified.
- The ARE-treated maple bridge provides a natural, aged acoustic response and improved pickup clarity.
- Reduced weight (approx. 510g) makes extended playing sessions significantly more comfortable.
Cons
- The hollowbody design, while adding resonance, can pick up unwanted stage noise.
- Zyex strings, while decent, might be a first upgrade for serious players seeking a richer tone.
76AudioFu
Index↓ 12.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,848 · Aug 14$1,624 now$1,624€1,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha YEV-105NT Electric Violin
YEV105 Pro DR Electric Violin · Yamaha
6 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Strings5-string
The YEV105 Pro DR is a seriously refined electric violin. Yamaha's made a big leap in comfort and acoustic projection here; it’s surprisingly warm for a piezo. Ideal for gigging violinists or students wanting a professional instrument without the full acoustic violin setup and amplification headaches.
Pros
- Lightweight design (approx. 550g lighter) enhances playing comfort significantly.
- ARE-treated maple bridge delivers a surprisingly resonant and warm acoustic tone.
- Zyex/Helicore string set provides a balanced, modern, and articulate sound.
Cons
- Limited tonal versatility compared to more complex pickup systems or acoustic-electric hybrids.
- Deep Red finish might not appeal to all players; color options are restricted.
71AudioFu
Index↓ 6.8%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$2,006 · Aug 14$1,869 now$1,869€1,668 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha SV-255 5-String Pro Silent Violin
SV-255 Silent Violin · Yamaha
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings5-string
The SV-255 is a solid choice for violinists needing silent practice or discreet performance. It nails the feel of a traditional acoustic, with the added bonus of a built-in headphone amp and professional outputs – perfect for students, gigging musicians, or anyone wanting to practice without disturbing others.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a warm, resonant acoustic-like tone
- Dual pickup system offers versatile tonal shaping options
- Ebony fingerboard and pegs provide a familiar, high-quality feel
Cons
- Weight, while similar to acoustic, can still be fatiguing for extended practice
- Limited tonal palette compared to more complex electric violin setups
53AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 14$2,342 · Aug 14$2,340 now$2,340€2,088 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
The SV-250 is a solid entry into the silent violin world. It delivers a surprisingly natural acoustic vibe while offering the quiet practice and connectivity you'd expect. It's a great choice for students, gigging musicians needing discreet amplification, or anyone wanting a traditional feel with modern convenience.
Pros
- Spruce top provides a surprisingly warm, acoustic-like tone
- Ebony fingerboard and pegs offer a premium feel and precise intonation
- Dual pickup system allows for tonal shaping and versatility
Cons
- Limited tonal palette compared to more complex electric violins
- Weight, while similar to an acoustic, can still be fatiguing during long practice sessions
51AudioFu
Index↑ 5.6%since Aug 14$2,016 · Aug 14$2,128 now$2,128€1,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The YSV-104BR is a solid choice for students, practice-focused players, or anyone needing a discreet violin. Yamaha's Studio Response tech makes the amplified sound surprisingly realistic, and the lightweight design is a real bonus. It’s a well-rounded package that avoids the sterile feel of some silent electrics.
Pros
- Spruce body provides a surprisingly resonant acoustic foundation.
- Studio Response Technology delivers a remarkably natural amplified tone.
- The composite fingerboard offers consistent playability and durability.
Cons
- The composite fingerboard lacks the warmth and feel of traditional ebony.
- Plastic frame, while light, doesn't offer the premium feel of wood.
42AudioFu
Index↓ 7.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,209 · Aug 14$1,119 now$1,119€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The SVV 200 BR is a thoughtfully designed electric viola that bridges the gap between traditional and modern playing. It’s a fantastic option for students, studio musicians, or anyone needing a reliable, stage-ready viola with silent practice capabilities. Yamaha’s consistently excellent build quality shines through here, making it a premium-priced but worthwhile investment.
Pros
- Yamaha’s solid build quality ensures reliable performance for years.
- Piezo pickups deliver a surprisingly warm, natural acoustic viola tone.
- 16-inch scale provides comfortable playing feel, closer to a cello.
Cons
- Brown finish, while attractive, may not appeal to all performers.
- Limited tonal versatility compared to more complex acoustic-electric setups.
35AudioFu
Index↓ 3.4%since Aug 14$2,342 · Aug 14$2,262 now$2,262€2,019 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Electric Violins and Violas by the numbers
Measured across all 99 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,781 — half of all electric violins and violas here cost less.
most common · 35 models
median of 39 models · 4-string–6-string
most common · 14 models
How to choose the best electric violins and violas
Build Quality
Yamaha's consistent. You're not getting a fragile instrument here; these are built to gig. The neck profiles are generally comfortable, and the finishes are durable, though some models lack the visual flair of boutique instruments.
Pickup Voicing
This is where Yamaha shines. Their pickups aren't ice-picky or overly bright. They aim for a natural, woody tone that retains a lot of the acoustic character - it's not a totally artificial sound. You get a usable clean tone with a surprising amount of headroom before breakup.
Acoustic Feel
Yamaha understands that electric violins and violas shouldn't feel like alien objects. They've worked hard to maintain a familiar response and resonance, making the transition from acoustic easier. This is vital for players used to traditional instruments.
Versatility
While Yamaha doesn't excel at extreme distortion, their instruments are remarkably versatile. They work well for jazz, folk, studio recording, and even lighter rock styles - anything where you want an amplified acoustic voice, not a screaming electric one. You can coax some grit out of them with the right amp, but it's not their forte.
Ergonomics
The lack of a traditional body means they're lightweight and comfortable to play for extended periods. This is a huge win for gigging musicians who are tired of lugging around a heavy acoustic - or dealing with feedback issues on stage.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about going electric with your violin or viola? Smart move - it opens up a world of possibilities. Yamaha's been quietly building a solid reputation in the electric string world for decades, and they're not about flashy gimmicks. They focus on reliable performance and a surprisingly natural acoustic feel, which is what we're going to dig into.
Don't expect screaming metal tones from a Yamaha electric violin. They're built for reliability and a natural sound, not shredding. The YVS104 is a solid starting point, but if you're serious about recording, consider the YEV series for a more refined tone and better pickup voicing.
Pay attention to the bridge - a better bridge can significantly improve sustain and resonance.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 16 electric violins and violas from the Thomann catalogue (of 99 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Yamaha electric violins easy to set up?
Generally, yes. The neck relief is usually pretty consistent, but a professional setup is always recommended to optimize action and intonation, especially if you're playing a lot of gigs.
Can I use these with a standard guitar amp?
You can, but it's not ideal. A preamp designed for string instruments will give you a much more natural tone and more headroom. Guitar amps often emphasize the upper mids in a way that sounds harsh on a violin or viola.
What's the difference between the YVS104 and the YEV series?
The YVS104 is the entry-level model, and it's a great value. The YEV series (like the YEV105 and YEV106) have upgraded pickups, better construction, and a generally more refined sound - they're a noticeable step up for serious players.
Do I need to use a bow with an electric violin?
Absolutely. These instruments are designed to be played with a bow, just like their acoustic counterparts. You can use a pick, but you'll lose a lot of the expressiveness and nuances of the instrument.
Are Yamaha electric violas as good as their violins?
The principles are the same - solid construction and natural tone. However, the viola's lower register can sometimes be a bit more challenging to amplify cleanly, so a good preamp becomes even more crucial.
