September 6, 2011 at 01:18 AM ·

I played on a friend's fiddle that was fitted with a "Realist" pickup.  It sounded *great* going through an ordinary guitar amp.  But the realist is expensive and I think it needs to be placed between the bridge, which probably means the bridge needs to be refitted, something that you would want a luthier to do.  That's going to add probably $75 to the total cost.   Plus it could change the sound of the violin when not amplified. 

More on the Realist here:  http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=9947

Baggs and Barcus-Berry are good too, I've been told.

September 6, 2011 at 10:08 PM ·

Hi!  I really like the fishman.  Here is one for $110,  There is one for $160 but it works much better.

http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/2735/Band/Orchestral_Strings_-_Accessories/Fishman/Violin_Pick-Up.htm

I've also tried the band and it works great too.  The nice thing about it

http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/8014/Band/Orchestral_Strings_-_Instruments/Headway_Music_Audio/The_Band_Violin_Pickup.htmt, it is easy to put on and remove.

September 6, 2011 at 10:30 PM ·

 Most of the people I know play with a Fishman V-200.  I have used one with a Fishman pre-amp that I originally bought for my dobro and into an acoustic guitar amp.  It works well.  You might try the website for www. electricviolinshop.com or give them a call.  They are very knowledgeable.  

September 7, 2011 at 02:58 AM ·

You might also want to check the

Shure WB98H/C BETA 98 Clip-On Condenser Instrument Microphone

which does not affect the acoustic sound (more than a smigden).  It's easily removed, and easily put on.  You can clip it onto your chin rest.   (Please, no chin or shoulder rest digressions!)

September 7, 2011 at 03:25 AM ·

 I'd always suggest a mic if you can afford it. I'm currently using DPA4099 and it's fantastic, but it's $600 which is the same price as your violin!

If you want low budget, I've had experiences with Fishman V200 and I think it sounds great but you have to pair it with a preamp, and I did bought the Fishman ProEQ II. Most electric violin's setting will give nice but grainy sound, or rather, not focused. Fishman V200 did give a very focus "electrified" sound.

Note that many pickup will require you to alter your violin a little, mostly the bridge, Fishman V200 is no exception but you might be luck that the bridge's wing slot is large enough to slot in the piezo piece. At the same time most pickup will alter the sound of your violin acoustically too, due to some pressure added to the vibrating plate (extra chin rest style clamp that carries the 1/4" jack). That's why I'm suggesting the DPA mic - require no alteration, just plug and play, and no side effect on the sound when the mic is clipped on (the clamp is rather gentle and it basically just hold in place rather than clamp/clip in place).

September 7, 2011 at 04:27 PM ·

 The David Gage Realist gives more signal before feedback than the Fishman, Baggs or Schatten. However, for acoustic playing, the Realist dampens the instrument more.  The DPA sounds fantastic, truest to violin tone, but for loud music, won't give as much gain.  Good luck!