Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
PreVamp
1. Why does my violin need a dedicated preamp?
Violin pickups and contact microphones deliver a weak signal. When plugged straight into a mixer, amplifier or pedalboard, the sound tends to become harsh, nasal or “plasticky” and loses body in the low end. Most preamps on the market are designed for guitar or bass, not violin. The PreVamp was designed for the violin: it adapts that signal and shapes it with a 3-band EQ tuned to the violin’s frequencies. The result is a more natural, stable sound, wherever you plug in.
2. What’s included with the PreVamp?
The PreVamp pedal, its user manual and the Strikell warranty. The power supply is not included: it uses the same one as any guitar pedal (9 V DC, center negative), so if you already use pedals, you most likely have one.
3. Which instruments is the PreVamp compatible with?
It is compatible with 4- to 7-string electric violins and with amplified acoustic violins fitted with a piezo pickup or contact microphone. It is not compatible with condenser microphones that require phantom power (48 V). It is also compatible with violas and cellos.
4. Can I use the PreVamp with my pedalboard, amplifier or mixer?
Yes. The PreVamp goes first in the signal chain: violin → PreVamp → pedalboard, multi-effects unit (Line 6 HX Stomp, Boss, Zoom, etc.), amplifier or mixer. That way, everything after it receives a signal that is already adapted and equalized. We recommend starting with the impedance set to HIGH (10 MΩ) and the EQ flat, then adjusting from there.
5. What’s the difference between the PreVamp and an acoustic guitar preamp?
Guitar preamps are voiced for the range and dynamics of the guitar. The PreVamp is calibrated for the violin: its EQ bands target the violin’s frequencies, and it adds a string selector and an impedance selector for passive and active violin pickups.
6. Can I use the PreVamp to record at home or in a studio?
Yes. Connect it between your violin and the input of your audio interface or mixer, and record with your sound already equalized. Strikell’s demos are recorded this way, with the PreVamp set to flat EQ and no effects.
7. What is the PreVamp’s booster for?
It boosts your signal by +6 dB with a single stomp, without touching the mixer. It’s ideal for solos or passages where you need to stand out from the band. It is switched on and off with the On/Off footswitch.
8. Is the PreVamp difficult to set up?
No, it takes just a few minutes. With your instrument connected, start with the impedance selector on HIGH; if you’d like to compare, try LOW and keep whichever sounds best. Next, set the string selector to 4/5 if you play a 4- or 5-string violin or a viola, or to 6/7 if you play a 6- or 7-string violin or a cello. Finally, set bass, mid and treble to the center, adjust the volume, and from there fine-tune bass, mid and treble until you find the sound you’re looking for. If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
9. What cables do I need to connect the PreVamp?
Cables are not included, but you can use standard guitar cables (6.3 mm jack, also known as 1/4"). You need two: one to connect your instrument to the pedal and another to connect the pedal to your amplifier, mixer or pedalboard.
10. Where can I hear how the PreVamp sounds?
The PreVamp page features reviews and real audio tests by Matt Bell (Electric Violin Shop), Daniel Medin (Medins Make Music) and Eduardo Bortolotti (Violín Versátil). There you can hear how it sounds with different violins and gear.
11. Can I connect the PreVamp directly to the mixing console for a live show or a recording studio?
Yes. Both live and in the studio, the PreVamp gives the sound engineer an already-equalized violin sound, so there’s no need to fight the pickup’s tone. It connects to the console with a standard instrument cable. If the console is far from the stage or the setup uses XLR cables, connect the PreVamp to a DI box and from there to the console.
Electric violins
1. What are the Organic Line violins like?
They are neck-through electric violins, with the body and neck made from a single piece, crafted from a selection of woods with 3D-printed accessory parts. They offer a warm tone with a well-defined presence. There are four models (Volcano, Terra, Saline and Nature), available in 4 and 5 strings.
2. What are the ARQ Line violins like?
They are neck-through electric violins that combine selected woods with steel parts. It is our lightest line and the one that feels closest to playing an acoustic violin. There are two models (Luma and Forza), available in 4 and 5 strings.
3. What’s the difference between the Organic Line and the ARQ Line?
The difference lies in the design, the parts and the woods. The Organic Line uses 3D-printed accessory parts, while the ARQ Line uses steel parts. Each line has its own selection of woods for the neck-through body. The ARQ is slightly lighter. Both are available in 4 and 5 strings.
4. How much do Strikell violins weigh?
Organic Line violins weigh 600 to 700 g (21 to 25 oz). The ARQ, our lightest line, weighs 550 to 650 g (19 to 23 oz). Both fall within the usual weight range for an electric violin.
5. Can I use any shoulder rest with Strikell violins?
Yes. Both lines accept any standard violin shoulder rest, so you can keep using the one you already have.
6. What’s the difference between a 4-string and a 5-string electric violin?
The 4-string violin has the same strings as a classical violin (G, D, A, E). The 5-string adds a low C string, the same as the viola’s, which extends the range and gives you an extra resource for improvising.
7. What’s included with a Strikell violin?
The violin arrives strung, set up and ready to play, with its case. The pickup is built in and requires no battery. The bow is not included.
8. What do I need to plug in and play a Strikell violin?
Your bow, a standard instrument cable (6.3 mm / 1/4" jack) and something to plug into: an amplifier, a mixing console or an audio interface.
9. Do I need the PreVamp to use a Strikell violin?
It isn’t required, since the violin connects like any electric instrument. However, the PreVamp is the ideal companion for any electric or amplified acoustic violin, whether Strikell or another brand: it delivers a more natural sound and more control on any stage. Our demos were recorded with it.
10. How long does it take to build a Strikell violin?
Between 90 and 120 days, because each violin is handcrafted to order in our workshop. We keep you updated on its progress every month. Once it’s ready, we ship it via DHL Express with a tracking number.
11. Can I order a custom violin?
Yes. While keeping the base design of each line, you can choose the color, the woods and the number of strings. Contact us with your idea and we’ll design it together.
12. How do I care for my electric violin?
Keep it in its case when you’re not playing it, and avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity, as with any wooden instrument. If you have any questions about maintenance, contact us.
13. Can I practice quietly at home with the violin?
Yes. Thanks to their solid body, Strikell electric violins are very quiet when not plugged in. Connected to an audio interface or an amplifier with a headphone output, you can practice at any time without disturbing anyone.
14. How can I hear or try a violin before buying it?
Each line’s page features audio demos of the 4- and 5-string violins, recorded with the PreVamp set to flat EQ and with no reverb, delay or other processing, so they reflect the instrument’s true sound. You can also try one at Electric Violin Shop or Williams Fine Violins (USA), or visit our workshop in Buenos Aires by appointment.
Purchase, shipping and warranty
1. How do I buy a Strikell product?
Choose the product you’d like to buy on this website and tap “Pay with PayPal, credit or debit card.” You can pay with your PayPal account or with a card. As soon as we receive your payment, we’ll contact you to confirm your shipping details.
2. Where else can I buy Strikell products?
In addition to this website, through our official dealers: Electric Violin Shop (Durham, North Carolina, USA) and Williams Fine Violins (Nashville, Tennessee, USA).
3. How is payment processed?
Payment is processed securely through PayPal. If you pay with your PayPal account, your purchase is protected if the product doesn’t arrive or isn’t what you ordered. Prices are in US dollars (USD), and before confirming you’ll see the amount in your local currency. We don’t offer our own installment plans, but if your bank allows you to split the purchase into installments, you can do so.
4. What happens after I pay?
We’ll contact you to confirm your shipping details. If the PreVamp is in stock, it ships within 1 to 2 business days; if not, within 15 business days. Violins go into production, and we’ll update you on their progress every month. Once your order ships, we’ll send you the DHL tracking number.
Can I pay for a violin in more than one payment?
Yes. You can reserve your violin with a deposit and pay the balance while it’s being built. The full amount must be paid before shipping.
6. Can I buy a violin and a PreVamp together?
Yes. Contact us and we’ll put together an order with both.
7. Is shipping free? Which countries do you ship to?
Yes, international shipping is free via DHL Express to every country DHL serves. To confirm coverage in your country, you can check dhl.com or contact us.
8. When does my order ship and how long does delivery take?
We ship Monday to Friday until 3 p.m. (Argentina time), and DHL Express takes approximately 3 to 10 days to deliver, depending on where you are in the world.The PreVamp ships within 1 to 2 business days if in stock (otherwise, within 15 business days); violins ship once they are finished (90 to 120 days).
9. Can I track my order once it ships?
Yes. When your order ships, we’ll send you the DHL tracking number so you can see where your package is at every step.
10. Do I have to pay customs duties?
Import duties and taxes are paid by the buyer. When the package arrives in your country, DHL will contact you by email or phone so you can pay them and receive your delivery.
11. What warranty do the products have?
All Strikell products come with an official manufacturer’s warranty: 1 year against manufacturing defects. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, impacts or lack of care of the instrument or pedal.
12. What happens if something breaks after the warranty expires?
We’ll still be there for you. Contact us and tell us what happened, and we’ll help you find the best solution: if a part is needed, you can purchase the replacement from us and have it installed by a local luthier. We don’t carry out repairs in our workshop.
13. If something goes wrong, how can I solve it from my country?
Contact us by WhatsApp or email and tell us what’s happening, ideally with a video. Many issues can be solved with a remote guided adjustment. If a part needs to be replaced, we’ll send you the replacement so a local luthier can install it, and we’ll support you throughout the process. That way, your instrument doesn’t have to travel back.
14. Can I return a Strikell product?
Because our products are made to order and shipped from Argentina, we don’t accept returns. That’s why we offer personalized guidance before you buy, so you can be sure the product is right for you, and if it arrives with a manufacturing defect, the warranty covers you.
15. I have a store. Can I sell Strikell products?
Yes. Email us at contacto@strikell.com telling us where your store is located and which products you’re interested in, and we’ll send you our dealer terms.