How many strings does the Yamaha YEV105 have?

The YEV105 is a five-string instrument, featuring the standard E, A, D, and G strings plus a lower C string.

What woods are used in the construction of the YEV105?

The body is crafted from a five-layer combination of hand-selected maple, mahogany, and spruce.

What type of pickup system does it use?

It utilizes a piezo-electric pickup that is integrated directly into the maple bridge.

Does the YEV105 require a battery to operate?

No, the YEV105 features a passive output design, meaning it does not require batteries to send a signal to an amplifier.

What is the finish on this specific model?

This specific model features a sleek, modern black finish.

Are the tuning pegs made of plastic?

No, the YEV105 uses orchestral standard ebony tuning pegs for reliable tuning and professional feel.

What strings come pre-installed on the YEV105?

The instrument comes fitted with D'Addario Zyex strings, which provide a balanced, natural tone.

What is the purpose of the fifth string?

The fifth string is a low C, which allows the violinist to play in the viola range without changing instruments.

Is the chinrest replaceable?

Yes, it comes with a standard ebony chinrest, but the design allows for typical violin hardware adjustments.

Can I use this violin for rock music?

Yes, Yamaha specifically describes this as a rock violin suitable for genres beyond classical music due to its feedback resistance.

What is the tailpiece made of?

The tailpiece is made from a synthetic resin, providing a balance of strength and lightweight performance.

How does the sound compare to a traditional violin?

While it uses tonewoods to maintain a natural character, the piezo pickup provides a focused electric signal that is clearer and more direct than an acoustic instrument.

Gear article

Yamaha YEV105 Electric Violin (Black Finish)

The Yamaha YEV105 is a professional five-string electric violin designed to bridge the gap between classical performance and modern genres. Finished in a striking black aesthetic, it features a unique five-layer central body construction crafted from maple, mahogany, and spruce.

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Overview and Design

The Yamaha YEV105 Series represents a departure from traditional violin aesthetics, opting for a visually stunning Möbius strip-like design that emphasises three-dimensional space. The black finish variant highlights its modern credentials, positioning it as a 'rock violin' suitable for high-energy live performance. The instrument incorporates a five-string layout, adding a low C string to the standard G-D-A-E tuning, which expands the melodic and harmonic range available to the player.

Construction and Materials

Despite its futuristic appearance, the YEV105 is grounded in traditional tonewood selection. The central body is composed of a five-layer sandwich of hand-selected maple, mahogany, and spruce. This specific combination is engineered to provide an excellent transient response and a natural, organic tone that avoids the 'plastic' sound often associated with entry-level electric instruments. The instrument is rounded out with professional-grade fittings, including orchestral standard ebony tuning pegs and a matching ebony chinrest.

Electronics and Sound Character

The sound generation relies on a high-quality maple bridge featuring a built-in piezo-electric pickup. This system is designed to capture the nuances of the wood's vibration and the player's bowing technique. Because it lacks a hollow acoustic chamber, the YEV105 is highly resistant to feedback, making it ideal for use on loud stages with monitors. The output is clean and natural, providing a neutral canvas for effects processing or direct amplification into a PA system.

Components and Hardware

The YEV105 is factory-fitted with D'Addario Zyex strings, which are known for their composite core that mimics the warmth of gut while maintaining the stability of synthetic materials. The tailpiece is constructed from synthetic resin, chosen for its durability and lightweight properties. The bridge is a standard-shaped maple component, ensuring that the physical feel of the strings under the bow remains familiar to those transitioning from a traditional acoustic violin.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is primarily aimed at serious musicians looking to explore genres beyond classical music, such as rock, jazz, or pop. While traditional violins are limited to four strings, the YEV105's fifth string makes it a versatile tool for those who might otherwise need a viola. Compared to other electric violins in the Yamaha range, the YEV series focuses on a lightweight, 'plug-and-play' design that does not require internal batteries for a basic passive output, standing in contrast to the more complex Silent Violin (SV) series.

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Frequently asked questions

How many strings does the Yamaha YEV105 have?: The YEV105 is a five-string instrument, featuring the standard E, A, D, and G strings plus a lower C string.
What woods are used in the construction of the YEV105?: The body is crafted from a five-layer combination of hand-selected maple, mahogany, and spruce.
What type of pickup system does it use?: It utilizes a piezo-electric pickup that is integrated directly into the maple bridge.
Does the YEV105 require a battery to operate?: No, the YEV105 features a passive output design, meaning it does not require batteries to send a signal to an amplifier.
What is the finish on this specific model?: This specific model features a sleek, modern black finish.
Are the tuning pegs made of plastic?: No, the YEV105 uses orchestral standard ebony tuning pegs for reliable tuning and professional feel.
What strings come pre-installed on the YEV105?: The instrument comes fitted with D'Addario Zyex strings, which provide a balanced, natural tone.
What is the purpose of the fifth string?: The fifth string is a low C, which allows the violinist to play in the viola range without changing instruments.
Is the chinrest replaceable?: Yes, it comes with a standard ebony chinrest, but the design allows for typical violin hardware adjustments.
Can I use this violin for rock music?: Yes, Yamaha specifically describes this as a rock violin suitable for genres beyond classical music due to its feedback resistance.
What is the tailpiece made of?: The tailpiece is made from a synthetic resin, providing a balance of strength and lightweight performance.
How does the sound compare to a traditional violin?: While it uses tonewoods to maintain a natural character, the piezo pickup provides a focused electric signal that is clearer and more direct than an acoustic instrument.