For no particular reason at all (you know how these things take you sometimes) I am considering trying an electric violin. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has made the switch and why, what it's like, any specific things to look out for with choosing an instrument and general playing and how it differs. What's it like to practice, is it really loud to be in the room with?

Would also be interested to hear about any particular type of shoulder rest you use (if any) with violins that are a non-standard shape.

Id love one absolutely love it

I use an electric one to pracitce with - its the SV-150 from Yamaha. Its alot quieter than an acoustic but I get the full effect by using the headphones..others in the same house can still hear it but not as loud as through the headphones.

I still prefer the acoustic (but thats prob cos I brought a new one recently and so getting alot of pleasure out of it. I tend to use the electric one to learn songs - just find it easier that way....plus my neighbours cant heear any mistakes I make..

I have a second-hand Bridge E-Violin and a really cheap Chinese semi-acoustic. They are both fine to play with, although I think it depends on what style you play if they sound 'authentic'. The Bridge is fine for Pop, Rock and jazzy stuff, the (slightly modified) Chinese is better for Folk and Classical stuff.
Nothing beats my acoustic though, especially for classical playing.

They are only loud if you put the amp on (which you absolutely have to from time to time, otherwise it's no fun )

Both are non-standard shape, but they both work with normal shoulder rests (I had to bend them a bit, but it's absolutely no problem, at least not for me - everyone is of course a bit different on that matter).

There is a silent electric violin on e-bay for £59.....