What exactly are C bouts and F holes???

Question

I have an idea of what they are. Are these terms referring to the F looking cut-outs and the C looking indentation of the violin family instruments. I also heard of a "bout" as referring to the bending of a string.

Answer 1

The previous poster has it right. The F holes are part of the rather complex acoustical set-up of string instruments. They, together with the resonating chamber, sound post, bass bar and, of course, the strings, create the sound we know and recognise. The F holes let the sound out of the resonating chamber, basically. The shape of the holes is more for decorative than purely acoustic reasons.

The bouts are that shape because nearly all string instruments have evolved with that basic shape (compare the guitar and the violin - they're not THAT different). Some string instruments, of course, have other shapes (eg lutes, balalaikas, bouzoukis). The shape of the resonating chamber does not have any substantial effect on the sound - this depends more on size, proportion, the materials used and the 'set-up'. Plenty of experimental violas and cellos have been made in diffrent shapes with very pleasing acoustic results.

Answer 2

Yes, F holes are the cut outs on the top.
The C shaped indentation in the sides is usually referred to as the middle bouts.

Answer 3

Well, the f-holes are the hole on both sides of the violin and i've never heard of a c-bout.....look on this website

Answer 4

an F hole is on any stringed (orchestra) instrument.. there are two and they are shaped like the f in forte. they're on the front

Answer 5

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