Gear Review: Yellowcard violinist Sean Mackin on His Classical and Zeta Electric Violins

Sean Mackin, violinist and vocalist for the pop punk/alternative rock band Yellowcard, recently took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for PureGrainAudio about his favorite piece of gear, his violin. Whether on tour or in the studio, this is the gear that helps Sean obtain that sweet, Yellowcard sound.

What one piece of gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Sean: Well, I have two sounds. One is a classical violin, and the other is an electric violin. The classical is an acoustic tone through a microphone. Live I use some reverb and an LR Baggs pickup. It sounds so good. The electric is a Zeta Violin and I use it through an amplifier with some wah; it sounds cool.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Sean: Well, I play violin and I have to have great instruments to sell that signature Yellowcard sound.

What are the major pros and cons?
Sean: Well, the pros are, I play violin. It’s different. No one does it but me. The cons are I play violin. If I’m bad it’s my fault. There is not really a mold to go by.

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever chance it?
Sean: I’ve had my violin since I was 16, I play it every day, and I’d never change a thing. Thanks Mom!

Check out the song: “For You, And Your Denial”