If you take 10 violins from 10 different makers and put them next to each other, they all look alike from the distance. When you get closer, you start noticing differences. When you play them, the differences are even more obvious and maybe out of 10 you will find only one or maximum two instruments that really make you happy. Why is that? Is it the wood, is it the design, is it the workmanship, is it the set up?
2006-06-28 06:52:12 · 13 answers · asked by fineartlover4 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Science will explain the uniqueness of each violin very easily: wood is an anisotropic material, which means that it does not have the same properties in all directions. Also, the wood has unique and independent mechanical properties in the direction of the 3 perpendicular axes, longitudinal, radial, and tangential, which makes each centimeter of wood from the same trunk different than the next one, in all three directions. The sound produced by a piece of wood is affected by its dimensions, density, humidity content and mechanical properties. As a result, each piece of wood has its own unique acoustical properties, which will make each violin a unique entity.
2006-06-29 08:22:25 · answer #1 · answered by Elvira A 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All of the above, as well as the materials used. Wood, glue, varnish, how thin/thick each piece of wood is, the internal posts. These all affect the sound a violin makes. For decades, different manufacturers have been trying (in vain) to reproduce the beauty and timbre of the Stradivarius. I just read recently (can't remember the site, though) that some guy supposedly figured out the secret: it was the glue. Question is, can he reproduce it?
Personally, I think one of the reasons why Strads sound so awesome is because they're so old! Combine all that workmanship and cure it? It's like a very fine wine. mmmmm.. perfection! : ) (And yes, I've personally heard a Stradivarius up close...even held it.) And let's not forget the skill and gift of the player. Those make a difference, as well.
2006-06-28 14:03:49 · answer #2 · answered by Jen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tuning helps just like on any stringed instruments.
Wood - different wood can cause different tones and different vibrations which makes different sounds.
Structure - the weasy it is hollowed out and assembled creates different tones as well. Sound is created byt he vibrations and the different waves. Each company makes their instrument a different way that is why you see different sounds.
2006-06-28 13:57:35 · answer #3 · answered by BIFFERD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above. Mostly, however, the design and wood quality decide the outcome. Think Strativarius.
2006-06-28 13:56:05 · answer #4 · answered by Rabbitonfire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some are higher quality violins- just like anything else in the world
2006-06-28 15:19:55 · answer #5 · answered by crazytexasgirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its all three of those, plus varnish quality. that is why Stradivari violins are so popular because he had a recipe for varnish that did not interfere with the violins tone.
2006-06-28 13:56:55 · answer #6 · answered by operatic♫mimosa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the quality of materials used.
2006-06-28 13:55:27 · answer #7 · answered by Madi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it happens due to the quality and age of the wood the strings and craftmanship
2006-06-28 14:03:04 · answer #8 · answered by rajib n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the work man ship Right????
2006-06-29 00:10:00 · answer #9 · answered by albaby 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all of the above
2006-06-28 13:55:14 · answer #10 · answered by akg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋