Techniques for Dealing with Bow Noise!

One of the most common complaints we hear from new electric violinists is that they can hear much much bow noise on their electric than their acoustic.
In this video, we talk about the two types of bow noise, the causes, and a number of possible solutions. We also hear from guest artists Dr. David Wallace and Timothy Huh.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

I was thinking, "I like the thump" right when you said it. It adds an accent and an earthiness.

[@macleadg]

The more I watch these videos, the more I learn. I also understand why there’s a Master’s & PhD program in electric violin. Much respect, many thanks, and keep up the great work! Someday I’m going to poke my head into the shop and buy some stuff.

[@mooretto]

I agree, his tips and topics are great. there aren't many channels with such in-depth knowledge about electric Violins. Unfortunately I'm on the other side of the globe to him, so I can't visit his shop yet...

[@BIGTREESJOE]

Great video! I’ve actually found that practicing e-violin with a preamp and flat EQ using headphones (and appropriate headphone amp) is a great way to practice and experiment with bowing. It really helped clean up bowing on my acoustic too.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Turns out practicing on an Electric Violin will to clean things up.

[@lenmcwilliams1058]

Very helpful video Matt. Timithy Huh's guidance was really helpful on how to set up an effective audio connection sequence. Applying it to what I have resulted in: Jordan 6s violin --> G10 wireless --> Focusrite 8i6 preamp --> Helix Stomp (Acoustic violin patch w. Langhof IR) --> Eventide H9 (Hall reverb) ----> Acus OneforBass Amp The result is a rich acoustic violoncello da spalla sound

[@hermespadilla]

The bow scratch noise can be reduced by tilting your bow a little, reducing the length of the hair ribbon that touches the string. Also, Rosin is just very problematic lol. There are rosins that work great on dry weather and others that work great on humid weather. That's only figured out by trial and error.

[@cauldronmusic1252]

Wow thanks for this! Exactly the information I was looking for. As a bassist and luthier I've only built electric uprights and bass guitars until recently building my first hardwood e violin. I have zero talent in terms of playing violin, and I'm glad to know it's not a problem with my instrument, just technique, eq, effects chain, and filters. Thanks again!

[@navaneethswaminathan6731]

This was a much needed topic and I was searching everywhere, but I found this video and it was bang on point!! Thanks a lot :))))

[@MusicRepo]

Awesome content as always. Thanks very helpful list of suggestions to try 🙏👍🙂

[@clodaghmcnaughan5926]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful in understanding what I was hearing.

[@JohnFHendry]

Great video correcting misinformation going around...

[@violacharlie]

Thanks Matt, you are a wizard!!!

[@Mojokiss]

thanks for the help! I'm using it in my studio and in the videos on my channel

[@sonja314]

Thank you so much I didn’t know what to with that bow thump!

[@ElectricViolinShop]

We're doing a deeper dive into high pass filters this week.

[@Fireman9143]

It sounds like Timothy has a dozen pedals in a specific order. Would you put a list of your recommended pedals and their order in the signal chain in the description?

[@tomforsythe7024]

I have found that the Pro-Art Tube MP works great for electric violin. They are cheap, and add some nice transients that warm up the tone.

[@CarolineTheFiddler]

Technique adjustment too

[@achrefkhalfa6613]

You the best bro

[@meals24u]

Whoaaah.. Crazy good video. What are the cheapest IR Pedals available?

[@wakana_violin]

I actually like the thump too!

[@theviolingeek]

Good advice, but you left out bow, and rosin suggestions!

[@vermillion2023]

What if I want to make more noise

[@IserithShay]

If I were to have use a graphical EQ Pedal (such as the behringer EQ700), I would then turn the dials down on the freqs 6kHz. That way "theoretically" I can control for both of these? And by down I mean to

[@ElectricViolinShop]

Most EQ pedals only pull down about 15 dB in each band. And those are band pass filters, not roll off filters, so it's not quite the same thing, but it might help. If you already have the pedal, it's worth a try.

[@luckyluke3254]

Great Video! Just one question: you talked about high pass filters for bow thump, what about low pass filters for the scratch? Would that work? Or is that not advisable?

[@ElectricViolinShop]

Sure. Just be careful that you don't remove too much of the air or brilliance of the sound. Chasing after bow scratch can make your overall tone pretty dull and lifeless. You're better off just letting it scratch a little. (It's pretty likely that no one really even notices besides you.)

[@luckyluke3254]

@@ElectricViolinShop right on, thanks for the answer!

[@pedroibarra9949]

Want to know what name of maker makes good acustic/electric violins

[@ElectricViolinShop]

We carry several. Glasser, Realist, Zeta, Wood, Bridge...

[@UpcomingJedi]

Dr. Wallace needs a preamp.