Maybe it’s because they sound cool. Maybe it’s because they look cool. Maybe it’s because we’re all Kansas fans at heart (or not). But electric violins, and fretted violins, have begun to gain traction. Companies like Wood Violins have brought to market some instruments that have shaken the silly old reputation of the traditional “new wave” violin. (Though that may not stop people from making fun of electric violins, at least not yet.)

Wood even makes violins with six strings and a lacquer finish just like an electric guitar. In fact, if you don’t look closely, you’d swear you were looking at a flying V guitar by the look of these things. Wood has cellos, too. Now, what could would whine about violin lessons on one of these puppies? Check them out.