10 Best Violin Pick Ups 2025 in the United States

The KNA VV-3 is a piezo pickup designed for violins and violas, offering a natural sound quality that many musicians will appreciate. Its wooden sensor casing is lightweight and unobtrusive, fitting neatly into the eye of the bridge without requiring significant modifications to the instrument. This makes installation straightforward, and the device can be detached or left installed when not in use, adding to its convenience.

The solid ebony and cork-lined jack housing ensures a firm grip on the instrument, which is beneficial for maintaining stability during performances. However, some users might find the adjustable cork-lined clamp slightly cumbersome to handle initially. The pickup is compatible with 1/4" jack instrument cables, making it versatile for various settings. Handcrafted in Europe, it combines birch and ebony wood, which contributes to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

On the downside, while it generally resists feedback well, it might not be completely immune in very high-volume settings. The product dimensions (2 x 2 x 4.5 inches) and a weight of just 1.76 ounces make it portable and easy to handle. The KNA VV-3 is a solid choice for musicians seeking a reliable and high-quality pickup for their violin or viola.

The Electric Violin Bunnel Edge Outfit from Kennedy Violins is a solid choice for those looking for a full-package electric violin setup. It features a piezo ceramic pick-up, which is known for delivering a clear and amplified sound. The installation is straightforward, as the violin comes professionally set up and ready to play right out of the box. This is especially convenient for beginners or those who prefer not to deal with setup complexities.

Sound quality is a strong suit, with players praising its rich tone and the ability to easily adjust the tone and volume thanks to the control sliders on the instrument's face. The inclusion of a mini amp and headphones enhances its usability for both practice and performances. However, as a clearance item, it may have slight cosmetic defects, though these do not impact playability or sound.

Compatibility is broad, with standard output jacks allowing connection to various amplifiers and audio devices. Durability is assured with a solid maple body and ebony fittings, plus the lifetime warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee provide additional peace of mind. This electric violin outfit is particularly well-suited for intermediate players who want a reliable and complete kit, though beginners also stand to benefit from its ease of use and quality accessories.

The Fishman V-200 Classic Series Violin Pickup is a solid choice for violinists looking for an easy-to-install and lightweight solution. Its piezo-ceramic design helps maintain sound quality while minimizing any unwanted muting, making it suitable for live performances and recordings. The installation method is straightforward, requiring no alterations to your instrument, which is a significant advantage for those who want to preserve their violin's original state. Additionally, it has a decent feedback resistance, allowing for a clearer sound even in louder environments.

A notable strength of this pickup is its compatibility; it works well with various violins and can perform adequately without a preamp, though having one can enhance sound quality. The recommendation for an impedance matching preamp, while not mandatory, might deter beginner players who are looking for a plug-and-play solution. Also, while it is lightweight, some users may find that piezo pickups can sometimes produce a somewhat harsher tone compared to other types of pickups.

Despite its popularity, the pickup ranks in the middle tier of best sellers, suggesting that while it performs well, there may be other options in the market that some players might prefer. The Fishman V-200 is particularly well-suited for performers who need a reliable and easy-to-install pickup, but those seeking richer sound profiles and less harshness may want to explore other alternatives.