Yamaha Debuts VNP1 Bridge Pickup System for Violin

The VNP1 is a dual-sensor, grounded bridge pickup permanently attached to a high quality Aubert bridge blank and connected to a unique single barrel side-mounted jack. The side-mount features only one barrel, causing less interference with the user's shoulder rest. The VNP1 is the only pickup system of its kind to provide a fully grounded circuit, almost completely eliminating outside noise and interference due to improper grounding.

Replacing the bridge of an acoustic instrument with the VNP1 turns any violin into an electric violin. It offers excellent reproduction of sound, and the grounded circuit eliminates 60 cycle hum and other unwanted noises while two contact sensors in the bridge capture the full spectrum of sound from G-string to E-string; one is directed toward the bass side and one is aimed at the treble side of the bridge, allowing a warm, full, realistic replication of sound. The VNP1 enables acoustic violin players to plug into any sound effects processor and amplifier/speaker.

"Yamaha offers an excellent pickup combined with high-quality materials to give demanding players the very best system for amplifying their acoustic or electric violins," states Daryl Silberman, product specialist for Orchestral Strings, Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division.

The VNP1 is expected to ship in August.

For more information, visit Yamaha at Summer NAMM 2004, Nashville Convention Center, Booth 648; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.