I`ve been playing acoustic for about 9 years and would like to learn electric as well. I already know that Zetas sound amazing but besides this brand can someone give me some input on the best electric violins to buy based on sound and price. thanks.

Yes, ZETA`s are great but spendy! I got an electric 5 string thru www.swstrings.com
and played it in gigs with a rock band. When paired with a BOSS Digital Delay/Reverb it was great. You can experiment with other pedals too.............that is, if you`re interested in a more eclectic sound. Anyway, it was $595 with a custom case/no bow. For the money it served me just fine and it really sounds just fine. I have two students with electric fiddles.......one has a Yamaha which, by the way is nice because the reverb is built in....and the other has a ZETA. An electric fiddle doesn`t require a body. It requires good effects peddals and a base amp ........... yes, a bass amp works just as good as an accoustic and it is usually less $$. I have a `Workingman`s SWB`. Anyway, hope that helps.

If you think Zeta are good, then you`re in for a pleasant surprise when you try some of the other instruments that are available, but less known.

I play a "Bridge" electric http://www.electricviolins.com

It is a hollow bodied kevlar and carbon fibre instrument, and has a fine acoustic sound (for an electric), but is instantly playable and setup. I also have a Zeta Jazz 5 string. In comparison, the Zeta has a very thin and metallic sound, while the Bridge is full, and quite warm. It also looks a lot better.

All I`m saying is, shop around.

Come and chat to us all on www.fiddleforum.com

Mark.