The Classical Violin
The classical violin is the most famous bowed string instrument in the violin family of string instruments. It has the smallest size, and has the highest pitch. The classical violin is the earliest make of violins, and the shapes, models and designs of modern violins were first created by Andrea Amati in year 1555. Since then, there are many improvements made to enhance the quality of violins made. The world's most celebrated violin makers are Stradivari and Guarneri. Their famous violins are unique, one-of-a-kind, and are always the favourites among many famous violinists, including Yehudi Menuhin and Niccolò Paganini. Violin HistoryHere's just a short history of how the violin came about. String instruments, such as the lute and the lyre, came from Asia in ancient times. Then the bow came to Europe from Persia. In the Middle Ages, musicians in Europe played a number of string instruments with the bow, including one called the rebec, which had two or three strings. In the 15th century, a six-stringed instrument called the viol became popular. There were three kinds of viols, one for each of the three voice parts: treble, tenor, and bass. But the viol had a weak tone, so instrument makers gradually changed its form until the violin family emerged around 1600. The treble viol became the violin, the tenor viol became the viola, and the bass viol became the cello. The Violin PartsLets look at the different parts of the violin... Pegbox Scroll Fingerboard Violin Neck Bridge F holes Fine Tuner Tailpiece Violin Chin Rest PegboxThe pegbox contains four pegs, which controls the tightness of the four violin strings, G D A E. The pegs are turned upwards or downwards during the tuning of the strings. Learn how to tune your violin here. Each peg is inserted and extended through the pegbox. It barely comes out from the other side.ScrollThe scroll of the classical violin is mainly for decorative purpose, and may sometimes be used to hang the instrument.FingerboardThe fingerboard is glued to the neck of the violin. While playing the instrument, the musician presses the strings to fingerboard, to change their pitches. The strings are tied in a way that they lie above the fingerboard. The fingerboard does not touch the body of the violin, but passes above the belly of the violin.Violin NeckThe neck of the classical violin carries the fingerboard. It is usually made of maple with a flamed design compatible with that of the back of the violin. The neck, together with fingerboard, supports the tension of the strings. The shape of the neck and fingerboard determines how easily the violin may be played.BridgeThe bridge is another important part of the violin. Without it, the violin can't be played. The top curve of the bridge holds the four strings at an appropriate height from the fingerboard, and the arrangement of the strings allows each to be played by the bow separately. While playing, the bridge also transmit the vibrations from the strings to the top, and through the sound post, to the back. Check here for more details of the violin bridge!F holesThe F holes can also be called the sound holes, the former referring to its shape, the latter to their acoustical function. They help the instruments to project the sound more efficiently. the overall design and opening of the F holes will determine the internal acoustics of the violin.Fine TunerOther than using the pegs, fine tuners can also be used for tuning. Pegs are used when strings are more than a semitone out of tune, while fine tuners are used when less than a semitone out of tune. Looking at more experienced violinists, their classical violins only have fine tuners on the E strings, as it is the most sensitive string to tune.TailpieceThe tailpiece of the classical violin anchors the strings, and so it must be strong enough to withstand the combined tension. Fine tuners are affixed onto the tailpiece, to assist in the tuning of the strings, especially the E string.Violin Chin RestA violin chin rest is attached to the lower part of the body, to assist in the positioning of the jaw or the chin of the violinist on the violin. However, some professional and famous violinists, like Niccolò Paganini, do not use a chin rest on their violins.Let's check out some antique classical violins and their makers too. Ever wondered how high can these violins cost? See their values here!. Return from Classical Violin to Ultimate Violin Tools Home
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