I have played the old Yamaha SV200 for about 10 years and was never very satisfied with the sound. I love the YEV, both for its sound and for its looks! Yes, a violin should be made if natural wood.
On low volumes the sound is very sweet and quite acoustic, especially with some EQ and some reverb. On higher volumes, it holds up very well and stands out in a band-sound.
tip: the Line 6 G10S transmitter fits exactly with this fiddle!
tip: play this fiddle with an acoustic amp for a great warm sound!