Custom electric violin builder E.F. Keebler goes a little over the top with instruments like his Inferno. Pimp my violin, indeed: this is the first acoustic instrument I’ve ever seen that I can confidently say is NOT street legal. Take a look at these specs:
- 79 LEDs in the fingerboard in a flame pattern, reponsive to motion and playing
- 92 LEDs on the side for a flickering-flame effect, also responsive to music
- 12 additional flame lights
- Custom flame shell with custom engraving and airbrushing
- Pewter sculpted devil’s head, designed by the late fantasy artist James Lane Casey
- Laser-powered eyes and a spark-shooting mouth
You’ll pay a few grand for all the options, but it’s not just for show: Keebler’s designs are customized for playability, too. But, for you DIY types, you just have to appreciate the guts inside:
That’s just the beginning: electric violins are a must-have for music students, rockers, and (for some reason) crossover classical women wearing latex catsuits:
Viva, Violin Electrico!
Builder Mark Wood manufactures custom electric violins for a slightly broader audience, ranging from more traditional models to 7-stringed electric rocker ‘lins. Mark has his own electric violin-fronted rock band that tours with the likes of the Trans Siberian Orchestra, though he’s also been known to play duets with Celine Dion.
Most interestingly, though, Wood is taking an evangelical method about violins in general (electric and otherwise) to students, through his Electrify Your Strings program. And as it happens, today’s kids love 80s rocker dude chic. (Why not? The guy looks like he’s having a great time, and the kids catch on.)
CBS Evening News Video: A Music Teacher’s Revolution
Of course, there’s also the phenomenon of custom electric violins being fashion accessories for crossover violinists like the members of Wild, as seen below. But I can’t argue with an instrument that looks good with your catsuit, if that’s how you roll. If nothing else, I’m sure these women will shatter the long-haired rocker with electric violin image.
Izzy, seen here, has gone from being a Fiddler on the Roof to getting a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. But damnit, Izzy, the lens flare from your violin is blinding me! (Now, all I find disappointing is that these electric violinists haven’t connected with some spacier sounds to go with their instruments.)
More Violin Tech
When it rains, it pours violin stories:
Expanding the Violin: Diana Young’s Sensor-packed Hyperbow (with discussion of just how you’d play a bow that’s packed with sensors, like the one pictured below)
16th Century Music Tech: 11-yo Sirena Huang on Design Marvel of Violin (The original and best, explored)
