5 String Lyra Violins

An eclectic violinist and conductor renowned worldwide for both his solo concerts and his work with the Bingham String Quartet.

His one-man show “Lines and Loops” involves an eclectic mix of violin, electric violin and live looping. He tours extensively both in the UK and abroad, and also gives workshops and demonstrations to groups of all sizes and ages.

Founder of the Bingham String Quartet.

"I’ve used Bridge instruments as my main electric violins for about 15 years now, both in my work with various bands, including no-man with Steven Wilson, and in my solo recitals, where I do a lot of live-looping."

"The live-looping setup involves connecting the Bridge to my laptop via an audio interface and then using one of the many looping software programs currently available and sending the result out to my amps. It’s relatively straightforward, but of course I complicate it by adding effects, bass pedals and some percussion. However you can start simply with looping at home with just an electric instrument, an interface and any digital device, even a tablet or phone. Why not give it a go!"

"Two things are key for me in an electric instrument - ease of playing and quality of sound. Bridge come up trumps on both fronts: build quality and attention to exact dimensions mean that the instruments are immediately comfortable to play, and good electronics give me a clean and accurate violin sound prior to any effects I may want to use."

"With the four and five string instruments I use, the decision by Bridge to keep some hollow acoustic space in the design, rather than going completely skeletal, also means that I get a little more acoustic sound in my ear which - as a classically trained player - I find I appreciate."

"And they look great!"

"Paul and Ceris are to be congratulated on the quality range of instruments they offer and the excellent customer service they provide."

FUSE, Eclipse Quartet Also played with Mc Fly, Lucie Silvas, Arctic Monkeys.

"Having tried a load of electric violins from different makers, our search ended with Bridge. From a playing point of view, these instruments are very responsive under the bow, allowing for a great range of tone colours. The sound is rich, as a violin should be (electric or not) and having three 5-stringed fiddles is a dream for our compositions - we can all play viola now!!!! Our first gig with them was at the Albert Hall, and they sounded monster, with an even tone throughout the range. This reliability and playability coupled with their stunning looks makes Bridge a winner, and we look forward to getting our next set soon!"

"If you could say that playing an instrument gave the same sensual pleasure as immersing yourself in a bath of warm chocolate... that says it all really. Its smooth action makes it a true Celtic Speed Machine. I had two ambitions in life - one was to own a Bridge violin, the other was to live forever. So far so good!"

"I've tried loads of electric violins ... wooden ones, plastic ones and even one made of Martian putty but it has to be said that Bridge (for 'tis a Lyra I have) buries them alive on all counts. Having tone and volume controls on the instrument is a major bonus: Its light weight sits with my every movement (if you've seen Blue Horses, an essential quality) and almost becomes part of you. Its smooth action makes it a true Celtic Speed Machine."

"I love the feel and look of it - a really classy piece of design... It says "c'mon, have a try - y'know ya want to."

"And that's it... Never look back, hypnotised forever and personally I wouldn't dirty my bow on anything else."

"Bridge violin? - Coz I'm wurrrth it!!!"

"...as a British string arranger, string contractor and violinist now based in Los Angeles I’ve seen lots of brands of electric violins, cellos and basses in action. I’m completely satisfied with my choice to play Bridge."

"Oh I really love my new Bridge Violin. While searching the internet for a new 5 String Violin I found the Bride Lyra Octave. I was very exited to try and hear this instrument personally. Before I bought it, I had some questions about it, which were answered completely and quickly by the Bride-Team."

"So, what can I say about the instrument? The Lyra Octave is so beautiful! The sound is natural, warm, dark and truly impressive. The deep „C“ sounds so cool! With a base-amplifier instead of a guitar-amplifier even more, because everything vibrates nearby it:-) Amplified she sounds like a full size cello. That was exactly that kind of something new I searched for my violin performances."

"I can absolutely commend her."