String Instruments

Yamaha began its development of orchestral string instruments only four years ago with the introduction of the wildly popular Silent String instruments. Now for the first time in its storied, 114-year history Yamaha has developed and is making acoustic orchestral string instruments. Combining tradition and technology to produce instruments of the highest quality, you can count on Yamaha to provide the string instruments of choice for the 21st century.

Acoustic orchestral string instruments are new to the repertoire of instruments designed and produced by the leading musical instrument manufacturer in the world. Now Yamaha can completely outfit any orchestra. With a high regard for centuries-old processes, these hand-crafted instruments not only preserve, but build upon, the tradition established in Cremona, Italy more than 300 years ago. As with all Yamaha products, that respect for tradition goes hand-in-hand with our ongoing commitment to the most up-to-date advances in music technology.

Yamaha's innovative and multiple award-winning family of silent electric string instruments have become the best-selling electric string instruments on the market. Appreciated by players and educators alike, the Silent String family is versatile, easy-to-use and fun. New additions to this family include professional models of Silent and Electric violins, an Electric 5-String and our first Silent Viola™.

Silent String instruments are designed with inspiration from their acoustic ancestors. Sized to feel as much like an acoustic instrument as possible, players enjoy the versatility and convenience of an electric instrument -- but without losing the comfortable familiarity they have with their own acoustic instrument. With features like reverb and an auxiliary input, practicing with headphones or amplifying for performance has never been easier or more fun.

Professional Acoustic Violins

The first orchestral string instruments ever produced by Yamaha are the culmination of a unique design process that began with original instruments by Guarneri del Gesu and 3-D computer imaging. Precisely engineered tooling and collaborations with modern master violinmakers helped create an original design for the 21st century. Born from a harmony between tradition and technology, the V30 and V60 are ideal for the serious amateur and professional artist.

Standard and Intermediate Acoustic String Instruments

New violins, violas and cellos are the first orchestral string instruments Yamaha has designed and built solely for young performers. All models feature solid, hand-carved spruce tops, maple backs, ebony fingerboards and pegs, and genuine inlaid purfling. The staff of the internationally renowned Guarneri House Violin Shop, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, completes expert setups.

Violins are available in half, three-quarter and full sizes. Violas are available in 14", 15", 15.5" and 16" sizes. A Strausberg brand cello is available in full size. These instruments are designed and sized especially for beginning and intermediate students, and are ideal as a first or step-up instrument.

New and Improved Silent Violin

Yamaha's Concert Select™ Silent Violin, recipient of Popular Science Magazine's Best of What's New Award in 1998, just got better. The same great features that made the SV-110K the most popular electric violin on the market-like a solid spruce body, ebony fingerboard and pegs, three reverb options and a quarter-inch jack-were kept.

Yamaha's Silent Electric Violins, still feature our Silent Practice™ technology, allowing violinists to play or practice anytime, anywhere, and still enjoy full-bodied tone and volume without disturbing others. Stunning tone and great playability make it the perfect choice for practice or performance with an amplifier.

Changes include an improved, quieter pre-amp and a re-shaped solid maple neck that feels like a full sized acoustic violin neck. The new and improved Silent Violin is available in three colors-brown, black and candy apple red-and can be purchased instrument only or with a tear-drop case, wood bow and rosin. Finally, one change we did not make.... the new, improved Silent Violin has the same great price.

New Silent Violin and Silent Viola

The next generation of Silent instruments is here. The new Silent Violin and Silent Viola are particularly appropriate for serious amateur and professional performers. The new generation was designed to provide the most acoustic sounding tone on the electric market. And with the addition of the first Silent Viola to our popular lineup, forming electric trios, quartets or even larger ensembles has never been easier.

Dual piezo pickups and a single dial EQ system provide a player with greater control of the violin's tone. A studio quality pre-amp improves amplification and recording results. The built-in quarter-inch output jack ensures a secure connection. Finally, a re-designed lower bout allows any standard shoulder rest to be used. The Silent Violin is available in brown, black and two new colors-cardinal red and ocean blue. The Silent Viola is made to 16" scale and is available in brown.

New Electric Violins

A new approach to the design of electric violins has resulted in a revolutionary pickup system. Yamaha's original design sandwiches a maple bridge within a composite shell. Sensors resonate separately beneath each string giving the tone an incredible depth and dynamic range with an electric edge.

The new electric violin is available in a four-string model and a five-string model. Both models feature gear style tuning heads for accurate, long-lasting pitch control. And for added versatility, these new instruments include a headphone jack for Silent Practice™. Each model is available in three colors; electric red, cosmic blue and amber brown.

Silent Cello™

The Silent Cello and the Compact Silent Cello provide cellists with the opportunity to play in the rich acoustic environment of a concert hall, without having to be there. Both models offer easy to use functions along with playability to fit individual styles and techniques.

The compact model allows for quick and easy setup with its folding leg-supports, removable chest and arm supports, and machined tuning heads. Because of its slimmer dimensions and compact capabilities, this cello is extremely easy to carry and transport. It can even fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane.

Silent Bass™

Yamaha’s Silent Bass is designed to give bassists a compact, easy to transport instrument that feels, plays and sounds as close to an acoustic upright bass as possible. Played pizzicato or with a bow, this 3/4–scale instrument delivers solid full-bodied tone making it an excellent choice for any type of performance. By removing the detachable frame everything slips into the included soft bag. And although it features the Yamaha Silent Practice™ technology, the Silent Bass delivers a serious sound that’s meant to be heard.

String Accessories

Arrive in style to your lesson, rehearsal or gig with the new Yamaha violin gig bags. Durable nylon with rip-chord fasteners keeps your violin securely covered. Backpack straps allow you to carry your violin with ease. Available in gray or red.

Created specifically for orchestral string instruments, the YT-240 features individual tuning modes for violin, viola, cello and bass. A built-in microphone allows tuning of acoustic instruments, while electric instruments can connect directly to the tuner’s input jack.