In 1977 Classic Jazz violinist Jean luc Ponty pioneered the use of the 5-string electric violin, with a lower C string as well as the Violectra, a 6-string electric violin with low C and F strings.
Ponty was among the first to combine the violin with MIDI, distortion boxes, phase shifters, and wah-wah pedals. This resulted in his signature, almost synthesizer-like sound perfected on his track Nostalgia.
Ponty's works have laid the groundwork for new age musicians and continue to be sampled by artists today. "Nostalgia" was sampled in Black Milk's "Bounce".
