2 - The physics of the violin

Summary

Introduction

A study of the physics of the violin gives a fascinating insight into how the instrument converts the player's intricate motions into musical sounds. Practising musicians are often blissfully unaware of the ways in which their instruments function, but a basic understanding of the mechanics involved can be of great benefit when teaching, selecting instruments or dealing with minor problems. It also brings a little more objectivity to a subject otherwise clouded with myth, mystique and superstition.

The twentieth century has witnessed a great increase in the scientific evaluation and development of a wide range of musical instruments. Occasionally, investigations are designed specifically to improve the performance of instruments or to achieve greater control during their manufacture. Some of these studies have been successful. More usually, they are carried out purely for the sake of curiosity – a desire to seek a rational explanation of an observed phenomenon. The researcher now has a wide range of powerful analytical techniques at his disposal. For example, he can use sensitive electronic instrumentation, high-speed computers and even lasers to probe the tiny vibrations of the violin. Although these physical studies have demonstrated the basic action of the violin and unravelled a few of its 'mysteries', they are still far from answering those tantalising questions relating to the finer details of violin tone.