Violin Through The Years

The violin is a very interesting instrument. It produces music according to the technique of the violinist. It is an instrument that belongs to the string family. It is considered to be the soprano of the family. It is also an important part of the orchestra instruments. the violin has come a long way from where it all started and has acquired popularity through the different musicians that have played the violin.

The violin has originated from Europe where Andrea Amati made the first violin. The violin was inspired by the lira and the rabab. In addition to this, Amati made the violin to be an elegant and noble instrument like the lute in the early years. Amati made the violin with care and precise measurements to meet the requirements of the Medici family.

From the very first violin of Amati came different variations of the violin. Nowadays, there have been variations and changes in the original violin components. These changes are mainly due to technology and the growing need to market violin as an instrument for all ages.

Some changes that have happened in the aesthetics and components of the violin include:

1.) The fingerboard is lengthened to allow it to play higher notes

2.) The fingerboard angle has change to male more dimensions

3.) One centimeter was added to the neck because of raising the pitch of the violin

4.) Bass bar increased in weight in able to achieve higher string tension

Different classifications and types of violin have also surfaced. Violins can be first classified into two types: the acoustic and the electric violin. The acoustic violin is the conventional violin. It is recommended for beginners. The other kind, electric violin uses electricity. Its sound is sharper than the conventional violin.

The violin can also be classified according to the era that it was produced. There are basically three classifications of the violin; baroque, classical and modern violin. The baroque violin has an angle that is shallow and a shallow neck. Chin rest and shoulder rests were not important during this era. The strings of the violin were put in the violin with equal tension. The classical violin had a thin neck. Modern violin has a sharp angle and has a high tune.

Violins are also classified according to the audience that they cater. Here are a list of the sizes of violins and their corresponding target market.

1.) 1/16- this size is suitable for three to four year old children and has and arm length of 14 to 15 3/8 inches.

2.) 1/10- it has the same market as the 1/16 only that it is higher arm length

3.) 1/18- has an arm length of 17.1 to 17.5 inches and is for 3 to 5 year old children

4.) 1/4- for children aged 4-7 and has an arm length of 17.6 to 20 inches

5.) 1/2- has an arm length of 20-22 inches and is for children aged 6-10

6.) 3/4- for children 9-11 years old and has length of 22- 23.5 inches

7.) Full size- this is the size for children aged 9 and above. It is used by adults.

All these classifications are guide to choosing the right violin for a certain person. Violins are precious instruments that they need to be chosen carefully.