Does anyone have experience in amplifying string instruments? At the moment, it will be cello and violin. Any advice welcome - what works, what doesn't, common problems to look out for


Also, we're interested in using an effect pedal with the cello - any advice/comments on this would be appreciated too!

Thanks!

The best pick-ups are Barcus-Berry and Fishman; I've always had a Barcus. You use it in conjunction with an amplifier and/or PA system, using a jack to jack lead. The main problem to watch out for is feed-back, which you'll get if you have the instrument too close to the amp, or facing the amp - but no problems if you keep that in mind.

Thanks Violinia. I'll have a look into those brands.

Do they just attach to the bridge? I assume they wouldn't do any damage?

Also, does anyone have any experience with the Zoom 506ii effects pedal?

The Barcus has a little clip thing with a tiny mic attached to it which attaches to the bridge with a screw to hold it in place. It doesn't damage the bridge at all. There's a thin lead from the mic to a socket that clips onto the side of the violin with the same sort of clips that fix your chinrest to the violin (ie no harm to the violin). One end of your lead plugs into that and the other end plugs into your amp.

I use a Trace Acoustic amp, which has a brilliant sound. I'm not sure they make them any more but you can pick them up second hand.

Thanks again Violinia - that's great to know. I wonder where they clip onto cellos (obviously the bridge, but what about the other bit?!) Oh well ... that's for our cellist to work out!

Thanks again!