Traditional stringed instruments of the violin / viola family need special considerations when attempting to convert them to play 'electric' by fitting 'pickups' to them. The fact they weren't designed for it must be accepted.

Many solutions have evolved which all have their own merit. Players should decide on some quite fundamental issues prior to purchase.

The owner of an instrument which is of much value will not wish to mutilate it in any way and may wish to preserve acoustic characteristics whilst still acquiring the full rich tone for amplification. Under these circumstances the options for fitting pickups become more limited.

Players will know that any appendages or weight added to the sensitive bridge will affect the acoustic sound, not least by muting; indeed a technique used for quieter practicing.

The use of adhesives will invariably leave surface marks on removal and are mostly poison to varnish.

Specially made bridges embracing pickups become an integral part of the instrument and not easily transferred to another instrument even with the skill required to fit a bridge correctly.

The many variables should be borne in mind whilst striving for the preferred sound from a converted acoustic violin. Playing styles, instruments, the amplifiers and speakers, volume levels and even the environment are some of the variables affecting the choices and levels of satisfaction. It is generally accepted that there is a learning curve. A level of experience and a little practice is needed for most players embarking on the often mysterious path of playing "electric" however accomplished they may be as violinists.

There are of course some areas of common accord. The output must surely sound very like the original instrument. Freedom of movement would be favoured by most players and some form of local volume control is useful whilst playing.

The AUTOLYCUS approach is just one of many pickup systems but with some unique features. (US Patent applied for)

Consider where the sound of a stringed instrument is produced. It is surely produced by the body shape, its dimensions and materials. The bridge is a very sensitive structure and best left alone on a traditional instrument.

There is a logic that the sound post is the focal point of the instrument and accepting that it would be an ideal place from which to pick up the full tone of the instrument. The Autolycus pickup does just this. In fulfilling that primary function it also avoids any customisation, avoids the possibility of damage from the use of adhesives, and the problem of muting is virtually non existent. Higher output levels and especially of the lower frequencies, are availed to the pickup. The skill in fitting is minimal and the pickup can be moved very easily and quickly from one instrument to another by the user.

A light weight connector (RCA type) is fitted which can safely hang down from the instrument and a safe means of taking any strain on the connection is offered for those who feel it necessary - at the cost of a few cents!

Freedom of movement is fully established when the pickup is used with the Autolycus Pedal/Preamp since it sits on the floor for foot operation whilst both hands are busy with playing. The player is not tied to the instrument by preamps on the belt or in a pocket. The foot pedal has a preset volume lift for those important lead breaks that can literally be "kicked" in. The in built pre-amp also optimises the important electrical matching and interface between pickup and any main amplifier and its associated controls.

Preamp battery life is very long and can be years rather than months with modest use. In normal volume mode the current drain is a mere 220 microamps. At high volume with the LED indicator on the unit draws about 1.5mA. With the output jack removed the unit is switched off.

Autolycus - designed by an award winning "fiddler", qualified electronics engineer, and long term band member.

Happy fiddling.