L3F1 MUSIC

Electric Violin

Ben Lee from FUSE Break Official Violin World Speed Record

Ben Lee from acclaimed rock electric violin duo FUSE with Linzi Stoppard sets a new official Guinness World Record holder for "Fastest Violin Player In The World".

The record stood at 1 min 5.26 seconds, equivalent to 13 notes per second. Not only will Ben Lee be trying to eclipse a seriously fast time, in order to satisfy the criteria laid down by the Guinness World Record™ officials, he will be performing on an acoustic violin, as opposed to his more familiar bespoke Swarovski crystal Bridge electric violin exclusive to FUSE.  There will also be an expert from the Royal College of Music on set to make sure Ben hits every note.

In his first attempt before a TV audience of 3 million, Ben reached an astonishing speeds of over 15 notes per second but was deemed to have missed 3 notes. In speed terms that is 1/5 (one fifth) of a second.

Ben wasn't finished there, "a fifth of a second is tough to take' he said after the TV attempt but vowed to be back. This is one of the most technically demanding musical Guinness World Records™ but Ben knew it was well within his reach so as promised a further attempt was made on April 2010. This time there was no doubt - Ben took just 64.21 seconds to blaze through all 810 notes of the technically demanding "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Rimsky-Korsakov. Ben Lee had set a new world record and was now the fastest fingers in the world!

Ben Lee is a graduate from the Royal College of Music and has worked with the Arctic Monkeys, Goldfrapp, Mark Ronson, Kaiser Chiefs and Amy Winehouse amongst other acclaimed artists.  He is now a member of FUSE, electric rock violin duo with Linzi Stoppard.

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FUSE
Electric violin duo Ben Lee and Linzi Stoppard's eponymous debut album "FUSE" was out in May 2010 (Universal / edel Records). This year FUSE has performed live on TV to an audience of over 100 million with appearances at GQ Men of the Year Awards, Glastonbury and London Fashion Week.  FUSE bridges the gap between classical and pop music showing that the violin is more versatile than just the cliched classical cross-over we have all become used to.

"FUSE" features 14 incredible tracks including ‘Fix You' by Coldplay, Michael Jackson's ‘Beat It', the title track by Andreas Johnson and a stunning blend of the mediaeval ‘O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana and Zeppelin's ‘Kashmir'.  All tracks have been reworked and reanimated in the unique FUSE way.  The duo have had to invent new ways to render melodies that were vocal on the original tracks.

As Linzi says, "It's completely fresh, no one thought that what we do was even possible.  Everything you hear is violins!  The style that we use when we play is more akin to that of a guitar player, with more soul and electricity – literally!  We chose work from artists that are huge stadium acts, and that's where we want to be.  It is that big and that powerful - get some ear plugs!   We specialise in blowing away people's preconceptions."

What FUSE do can have a truly global appeal; there are no language barriers.  Whilst they are very proudly a string band, listeners can sing along to the choruses that we all know.  With the release of "FUSE" in May, FUSE will be bringing their unique brand of entertainment to a whole new audience, let's hope they are ready!

For more information -
http://www.fuseofficial.com
http://www.linzistoppard.com

About the Author

Never before has a string act dared ventured into the world of electric guitars like FUSE in 2010 – it's a first. Don't be fooled by the incredible guitar-like sounds, arrangements, techniques and solos – these are not guitars you are listening to but electric violins FUSE-STYLE.

Is it harder to learn the violin on an electric?

I am considering purchasing a violin and paying for lessons; so am new to violin playing - I am looking to ultimately play the electric violin - does it not matter whether I start with a classical violin or electric?

Hey Liam! I'd suggest you not go electric first. Regular is easier. Go electric a little later!

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Linzi Stoppard's Five Top Tips to Learn the Electric Violin

Linzi Stoppard is one of the most coveted, exciting and edgy electric violinists in the world today. Her unique vision to take the traditionally classical instrument to uncharted territory has positioned Linzi at the top of her field.Linzi is one half of the virtuoso electric violin group FUSE.

Their eponymous debut album was released in May 2010 through Edel Records. Along side fellow band mate Ben Lee FUSE harness their bespoke Swarovski Signature Bridge electric violins and seize classic Rock tracks and put them through the FUSE wringer!

Linzi's intoxicating high impact performances of pop rock has entranced audiences worldwide has allowed Linzi to lead the way as the Princess of the electric violin world.

Did you know Linzi also performs for schoolchildren, at their elementary schools, and inspires them to take up the violin.
Here is her advice: "The electric violin can be a real alternative to the commonplace guitar. "

She recommends five steps for young people interested in the electric violin. "My five steps are"

1.) Buy yourself a starter electric violin and amp combo from Ebay. check that it works, if you can.

2.) Learn the basics, such as scales, and bowing techniques, from a couple of How to Play the Violin books, and DVD's.

3.) Sign up through a local college for some group violin lessons, and mix with like-minded people.

4.) Use your musical influences to experiment and develop your own sounds.

5.) Never stop believing in yourself, and take every opportunity to get out thee, and play live. If I can do it, you can!"

About the Author

Never before has a string act dared ventured into the world of electric guitars like FUSE in 2009 – it's a first. Don't be fooled by the incredible guitar-like sounds, arrangements, techniques and solos – these are not guitars you are listening to but electric violins FUSE-STYLE.

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