Violins don’t always need amplifiers seeing as some models come with built-in amps. However, it’s recommended to use an external amplifier to produce richer, fuller tones.
Before placing your order, you need to know that it’s rare to find an amplifier that is specifically designed for violin. Luckily, electric violins are compatible with most amplifiers on the market.
We created a list of the four best amplifier for violin, along with some factors to consider when choosing the right violin amplifier for your needs, so stick around!
Our Recommendations of Best Amplifier for Violin
We chose the best four violin amplifiers on the market based on their features, sound quality, size, power, and price points.
Pros
- Powerful yet highly portable
- Two channels for instrument and microphone
- Balanced XLR D.I. output
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The vinyl sides can peel off easily
- Not the most feature-packed
Fishman is one of the best brands in the market when it comes to amplifiers. They have a range of different options, and all of them are of good quality and produce top-notch sound.
The Loudbox Mini is the most portable amp by this brand yet. Still, it delivers the amazing tonal qualities that larger Fishman amps are well known for.
This 60W amplifier is perfect for small to medium-sized venues. It flaunts two channels for your instrument and microphone, allowing you to amplify your microphone at the same time.
What is more amazing about this small amp is that it features an XLR D.I. output that sends the sound directly to the PA system in a balanced line.
To add, it has a feedback-fighting switch and a three-band equalizer for controlling tone levels. Fishman Loudbox Mini is a highly recommended amplifier with all the essential features that a violin player needs.
Pros
- Simple, straightforward controls
- Cool effects like reverb, delay, and echo
- Two channels with a single input
- Various amp voicings and distortions
- Headphones output and AUX input
Cons
- An unpleasant pop sound when powering off
- Not the most powerful amp out there
Fender Champion is another small and portable amplifier that exceeds all the expectations and that’s perfect for a violin. The Champion provides tonal versatility to play any style you want on your violin along with various choices of amp voicings and distortion types.
The controls on this amplifier are simple and easy to use. The champion features headphones and AUX jacks so you can jam silently in your room and play other tracks alongside your violin.
We recommend the Fender Champion 40 for beginners. It has all the basic features a beginner needs while providing great tones and sound.
Pros
- 1×6″ Orange Voice of the World speaker
- Three-band EQ and dedicated overdrive control
- Headphone output with CabSim technology
- Compact and lightweight
- Perfect for beginners and intermediates
Cons
- Not a ton of features
- Not good for medium to large gatherings
Another great option for beginners and intermediate violin players is the Crush12 from Orange Amplifiers. You can use it for practice or backstage before a gig.
This Orange amplifier is pretty small in size, so you can take it with you everywhere. This 12W amp delivers loud, clean, and clear sound compared to its size.
It features three-band equalizers and dedicated overdrive control. To add, it has a headphone output with CabSim technology, which provides huge tones at quiet levels.
This cute amplifier with the retro style is a great beginner option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their first amplifier but still want to enjoy good quality.
Pros
- Tons of features
- Foot switch input
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Outstanding sound quality
- Durable build quality
- Perfect for professionals
Cons
- Not the most affordable
The Fishman PRO-LBT-600 is the most expensive option on our list, but it’s certainly worth every penny.
Fishman PRO-LBT-600 is an incredible amplifier packed with tons of features. Tone and feedback fighting controls, phantom power, and a dual effects section are all included in this amplifier.
We can’t forget to mention the balanced XLR outputs and the Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The incredible 120W amplifier delivers sound full of power while maintaining excellent sound quality.
Last but surely not least, this Fishman amplifier comes with a Foot Switch input for more control.
How to Choose the Best Violin Amplifier?
To choose the best amplifier for your violin, you should consider the following factors before making a purchase:
Power and Output Volume
The power of the amplifier is expressed in Watts, which tells us the maximum output volume of this amplifier. For practice at home or playing at small gatherings, start with 10W amplifiers up to 30W.
Less than 10W will produce a very weak sound. If you play at medium to large concerts, you might want to consider more than 30W. However, that will cost you more.
Number of Input Channels
If you’re going to play only one instrument, then a simple amplifier with one channel is enough. Otherwise, you need to consider an option with two or more channels.
Some models have hybrid jacks that allow you to plug either a microphone or an instrument in the same jack.
Size and Weight
Again this comes down to whether you need this amplifier for practicing and jamming in your room or playing with a big crowd.
The bigger the crowd, the bigger the amplifier should be because you’ll need bigger speakers and more volume, which aren’t available in smaller models.
Price
Of course, you need to choose the amplifier that best suits your budget.
The general rule of thumb is that the more you pay, the better the amplifier. However, many budget-friendly amplifiers will provide you with everything you need.
What’s Next?
Our favorite amplifier for violin is the Fishman Loudbox Mini. It has all the great features of a Fishman amplifier and it delivers an impeccable sound while being budget-friendly and portable.
If you’re a professional who needs a powerful amp that can project across a large setting, you’re better off with the Fishman PRO-LBT-600.
Hope you find this article helpful to you, be sure to check out others violin related article too.
You didn’t list any amps that are battery powered for street preformances
Thank you for the suggestion Steve, that’s a really great idea to include that. We will update the article very soon! Cheers 🙂