Bridge Aquila Octave Violin

Bridge Aquila 4 String Violin and Octave Violin

Electric instruments are not included in our 30 days back trial/money-back guarantee, they are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Standard Aquila tuned to GDAE the Aquila is an easy transition from an acoustic violin, with the benefits of low volume for practice, and high volume for performance with no feedback! The Octave is tuned GDAE an octave below the Aquila. The Aquila Octave allows the violinist to almost cover the cello register making it useful for building string sections, and accompanying treble voices and instruments, as well as purely solo.

Select any colour to browse the detailed pictures and descriptions of the materials, components, and fittings.
Available in six house colours and custom finishes.

The body is hollow, moulded from a Kevlar and carbon fibre composite with a high strength-to-weight ratio. The hollow body generates a sound profile within the body structure presenting an open sound without the use of reverb or delay. It is smooth and forgiving when played and allows low-volume practice without the use of headphones or amps. Highly stable across temperature and humidity ranges.

Headstock
Inspired by the Stradivari 1710 Viola da Gamba, and modified to the modern-sized peg box, this headstock has become the trademark of Bridge Instruments. The distinctive shield, through peg box and neck, is carved from a single maple block.

Pegs and Strings
The high-quality ebony pegs are professionally fitted to give a smooth tuning action. The Aquila Octave is fitted with Super Sensitive Octave or Thomastic Superflex Oktavgeige strings.

Fingerboard and nut
The ebony fingerboard and nut are professionally shaped to modern standard orchestral measurements, allowing for the heavier gauge octave strings, and are traditionally finished.

Bridge
The bridge houses the ‘Bridge’ pick-up system, a piezo crystal configuration. We designed the ‘Bridge’ pick up system specifically and only for use with our instruments. It is designed to pick up both the string vibration and the body resonance generated from the hollow composite body. Utilising all the properties of a traditional acoustic bridge it captures the warmth of tone synonymous with its acoustic counterpart, with no feedback.

Controls
All our electric range of instruments carry a volume and tone control, easily accessible for quick adjustment during performance. The tone control is a tilt control, not a boost/cut control, changing the tonal range of the instrument.

Battery Holder
The battery holder is located neatly on the underside of the instrument. It houses a 3V coin cell battery, which keeps the instruments light, is readily available, and is easy to fit. It provides approximately 1000 hours of playing time and only drains whilst the jack is connected. Quick and easy to replace. The battery powers the Bridge Active Circuitry.

Bridge Active Circuitry
Each model has its own sophisticated and bespoke active circuitry frequency dedicated to each string configuration and designed to perform in conjunction with the BRIDGE pick-up system.
It supplies power to drive effects and radio packs and puts the string player on equal footing with every other amplified instrument in the band.

Tailpiece and Chinrest
All our electric range of instruments is fitted with a lightweight alloy tailpiece, fitted with integral individual tuners.

Chinrest
This is a Dresden style chinrest. The style may vary with availability, but will always be of equal quality.

Endpin
Ebony endpin in keeping with the high-quality ebony fittings of the Aquila Octave

Case Included
Hard oblong case with a shaped interior, 4 Bow Holders, and plush red velvety lining.
Black Canvas Cover with Large Music Pocket.

Bow Included
Black Fibre Bow with ebony frog, nickel fittings, and winding.

If you find this item cheaper online, contact us.

Bridge Reviews

Jon Sevink – The Levellers
Custom Aquila

When Bridge Instruments approached me to try one of their new violins, I jumped at the chance. It was an opportunity to work with someone who understood what an electric violin could and should sound like.
Over a period of about nine months Bridge developed and I road tested a number of different pick-up and electronic systems to arrive at the one I use today. From the start I was impressed that we were working with a resonant hollowbody as opposed to the ‘planks’ that everyone else was using, this seemed to give a more responsive ‘acoustic’ sound making the instrument sound like a violin and not a synthesiser. We worked a lot on the frequency range and tone to give the ‘bite’ and ‘attack’ that I need to be heard above electric guitars and drums, yet retaining the mid-frequency power that can (with a few effects!) make one violin sound like a full string section. The end result is what I would call the first REAL electric violin on the market, professionally tested in recording and live performances.

Peter Knight
Steeleye Span, Gig Spanner, Feast of Fiddles

Review of The BRIDGE Octave Violin
For the last few months I have been playing an amazing new violin developed by BRIDGE. It is the same size as their AQUILA violin, but tuned an octave lower. The sound is more like a cello than a violin, and i will always remember the first time I put bow to string and heard what this wonderful instrument has to offer – what a sound!

Cristina Kiseleff
Classically trained and with many years of stage experience, the electric violinist Cristina Kiseleff has won numerous prizes in national and international competitions, recorded CDs with various international projects, toured and performed extensively throughout Europe, South Africa and Zambia.

Brian McNeill
Head of Traditional Music, Glasgow Academy
Feast of Fiddles

My two Bridge violins are what I’ve been waiting for all my
playing life. They are the first electric instruments I’ve ever had
which are capable of giving me a truly acoustic sound when amplified.
The Brian McNeill Signature model just soars, and my Octave model comes
across on stage like the most responsive cello in the world. I just
don’t think they could be bettered.

Didier Riey

“I have been playing a Bridge electric violin for a few years now and I must say it has a winning sound and a distinguished futuristic design.
The violin’s dynamic yet round tone, beautifully complements the energy of every live show.
I love my Bridge violin – great sound, great looks! ”

Delivery

We deliver to customers across the UK and worldwide. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email confirmation with your shipping details and tracking number.

We work with trusted courier partners such as UPS and Parcelforce to ensure the safe and prompt delivery of your purchase.

Please note that if you cancel your order for any reason other than those set out in our Returns and Refund Policy (for example, if you change your mind prior to dispatch or shortly after), we reserve the right to deduct any associated payment processing fees—such as PayPal or card transaction charges—from the amount refunded.

Returns and Exchanges

We understand that sometimes a product may not meet your expectations. You may return your item within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, provided it is in its original packaging and in resaleable condition. The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the customer unless the product is faulty or incorrectly supplied.

Please include your full contact details and either the original invoice or a note clearly stating your name, address, order number, and whether you’d like an exchange or refund.

Returns should be sent to:

Standard Returns Policy

We are happy to exchange or refund any item that is faulty, damaged, or unsuitable for your needs. To qualify, items must be returned within 14 days of receipt, in perfect condition, and in their original sealed packaging with all labels and seals intact.

Your statutory rights are not affected. Please refer to our full Refund Policy below for additional information.

How to Return an Item (UK Customers)

• Pack the item securely in its original packaging (or an alternative sturdy box if necessary).
• Remove any old delivery labels.
• Enclose your invoice or a note including your name, address, contact details, and order number.
• Use a tracked postal or courier service of your choice when sending your return.
• Customers are responsible for the cost of return postage, which will not be reimbursed unless the item is found to be faulty or sent in error.

Once we receive your return, we will process it within 14 days. Refunds will be made to your original payment method, minus any applicable postage costs or transaction fees.

UK Exchanges

If you wish to exchange an item, we will cover the postage for the first replacement to UK addresses. Please include a note with your parcel clearly stating the item you wish to receive in exchange.

International Returns

Customers returning items from outside the UK are required to use a duty-paid service. Returns sent via duty unpaid or held by customs cannot be accepted.

Please securely repack your item (preferably in its original packaging) and remove all old shipping labels. We do not cover international return shipping costs. You must use a tracked, insured service suitable for your region.

Standard Returns Address

Please include your contact details, invoice, or a note indicating whether you would like a refund or exchange. You are responsible for paying return postage costs, and we recommend adequate postal insurance in case your parcel is lost or damaged in transit.

For any return queries, please email enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london.

Refunds

Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for purchase. While we aim to process all refunds within 24 hours of receiving the return, please allow up to 10 working days for the funds to appear in your account, depending on your payment provider.

In cases where an item is faulty, we may reimburse reasonable return postage costs upon confirmation. Please contact us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london for assistance.

Refunds will only be processed once the returned goods have been received and inspected. Proof of postage must be retained as evidence of return.

Refund Policy Summary

• Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt.
• Items must be unused, in their original packaging, with all tags attached.
• Returns without prior approval may not be accepted.
• Certain items are non-returnable, including perishable goods, custom-made items, personal goods, sale items, and gift cards.
• Damaged or defective items must be reported immediately upon receipt.
• Refunds, once approved, are issued to the original payment method. Original shipping charges are non-refundable, and deductions may apply for payment processing fees (e.g., PayPal).

For return requests or questions, please contact: enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london.