Yamaha Design “Synapses” SV120
1997 / SILENT VIOLIN
GOOD DESIGN LIFE-SCAPE DESIGN AWARD
A Silent Violin that brings excellent sound damping characteristics to the superb playability of an acoustic violin.
Reconstruction
Our goal was to create a violin that made as little sound as possible; a “silent” violin. How much could we reduce the sound of the violin without losing its legendary playability, refinement, and desirability? Relying on the principles of acoustics, we were able to create a genuinely silent violin position,
Minimal
How far could we pare down the compositional elements of the violin without losing its playability or affecting its grace and presence? Could we purify the genuine nature of the violin? To reduce resonant amplification, we were able to reduce the size of the sound box and remove one entire side of the instrument’s body.
Inspiring
The essential element of playability; this design retains the wood strip on its right side as a bowing guide, utilizing the same fingerboard and bridge as an acoustic violin. Since it is also the same weight as its acoustic counterpart, the SV-120 offers an authentically natural playing experience.
Dual-View
This instrument had to be beautiful, no matter how avant-garde the results. Our design was to be easy for the musician to play, and feature an authentic, genuine appearance. At the same time, it was vital that the violin’s design supported the presence of the player, rather than assuming the limelight..

- Takashi Honda
- Designer
- Yamaha Design Laboratory