Posted in: String by thestickman on February 12th, 2009 | 8 Comments
The bowed instrument with the high voice. Born of ancient origins, it is a favorite instrument of classical musicians as well as folk/traditional and jazz performers.
Image Source – Wikimedia Commons Image
A diagram image showing the basic parts of the violin. The violin is glued together using what is called ‘hide glue’ which is an adhesive made from animal product. Hide glue is strong water-based glue that is intended to allow the violin to be disassembled if necessary, and then reassembled when the adjustments or repairs are completed. Most stringed instruments are not designed to be disassembled this way, only the violin.
A weaker strength of this adhesive glue is use on the nut and fingerboard and it is common to have need of repairs to these components.
Violins (or fiddles) can be ornate with carvings or more ‘traditional’ with plain coloration that reveal the detailed nature wood grain. The best, most coveted violins are the ones made in the 16th through 18th centuries by skilled families of luthiers (“violin makers”) such as Stradivari, Guarneri and Amati. Prized today for the unique and mellow sounds, they are the pinnacle of the violin-makers craft. The older a violin gets the nicer the tone becomes because as the wood and varnish union ages, they becomes more flexible. The master craftsmen learned secrets over time how to craft their instruments to emit the very best sounds. The overall size, materials used (certain wood provides better sound that other varieties) gradient thicknesses and even the stain and varnish used contribute to the final result. As the wood and the varnish age together, they become more supple, creating a more desirable tone when played. Older violins sound the very best. All of this together can make the best-sounding musical instrument. Mass-produced instruments almost certainly do not adhere to the majority of these traditions, yet they seek to produce the best sounds possible and come as close as possible to the works of the masters.
Glynis Smy February 12th, 2009 at 8:47 am
I played as a child but no more. My son’s future father in law is the violin/cello maker William Piper in the UK, he has a world wide reputation, and I can’t wait to hear him play at the wedding!
Loved this article.
lindalulu February 12th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Wonderful article Stickman, I think they are so beautiful with their site and their sound. I saw a program with them being made. Very nice indeed!
Aspire2 February 12th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
When I hear one violin played well it is a great feeling, but i absolutely love it when an orchestra of violins play together (is there a collective name for 5+ violins?). There is nothing quite like it for raising the hairs on the back of the neck.
thestickman February 12th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
“…is there a collective name for 5+ violins?..”
-Do you mean “quintet?” It is like the quartet but uses 2 violas, 2 violoncellos and maybe a double bass. It is sort of a ‘chamber music’ thing and sometimes you see these groups performing at outdoor weddings. My cousin was married in an outdoor ceremony and she had a 5-some of violins (or violas… I have to admit that I would not have been able to spot the difference) and there was a bass player. The high and low tones of the ensemble really works well outdoors near/under trees and such, as this ‘traps’ the music and you seem to hear it 3-D
Jose Monaca February 12th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Really nice article.. I have played the violin for 13 years. My dad was my personal teacher.. Thanks for sharing this
AC Hamilton III February 13th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Really awesome article stickman. I love hearing a violin or fiddle. My string instrument to play is a piano. Very interesting.
AC
denus February 17th, 2009 at 12:30 am
ill stick to guitar
thestickman July 8th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I need to get back to playing violin again. I love it. :-0