[Prologue]
Why are people so captivated by the sound of the violin…? The first time I heard the sound of a violin up close was a few years ago… It might sound like an exaggeration, but my mind went completely blank, and I felt as if my soul had been drawn in… It was such a mystical experience that I found myself yearning to “play a sound like that myself.”
The violin has a long history; it was born 500 years ago and appeared in this world in a form that was already nearly perfected. It is a truly mysterious instrument, shrouded in many enigmas… Although the manufacturing process and structure are fundamentally almost identical, each and every instrument possesses a unique character and inherent qualities.
This time’s theme: “In Search of the Ideal Tone…”!!
I want you to discover that one special instrument—the one that’s just right for you—from among all the string instruments in the world!!
Are you unsure about which instrument to choose? Don’t know which one to buy? We launched this project hoping to help you with just that!!
Our store specializes in used instruments. Of course, personal preference plays a role, but used and vintage instruments that have been played for many years produce a rich, wonderful tone!!
Which country was that instrument made in? Who played it? What kind of journey has it been on so far…? Doesn’t just thinking about it get you excited!? ^_^
So, we’ve compiled articles about string instruments organized by topic. We hope these serve as clues and inspiration in your search for the perfect instrument…
[The History of Cremona, Italy]
• Why Did Cremona Become the Mecca of the Violin!?
Who made the “world’s oldest surviving violin”!?
While there are various theories, the name most often cited as the leading candidate is Andrea Amati, the founder of the Amati family.
Among the great master luthiers of Cremona, Italy, Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati are particularly famous…
Andrea Amati’s legacy was passed down to his two sons, but Italy during this era was in the throes of political and military turmoil. The plague raged, and many talented luthiers were struck by misfortune.
Amidst these circumstances, Niccolò Amati—a gifted member of the Amati family—carried on the family tradition as the third-generation master. It is said that the Amati family reached its peak and flourished during Niccolò’s time.
By the time he turned 40, Niccolò had surpassed all others in popularity, renown, and skill. The 100 years beginning from this era marked the golden age of Cremona violin making!!
He was also famous for having many apprentices and training outstanding craftsmen!!
Among them were Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Guarneri, the founder of the Guarneri family…
It is said that many craftsmen from all over Europe worked at the Amati workshop, and Niccolò is said to have generously shared all his skills and knowledge…
As a result, Cremona—which produced master luthiers such as Stradivari and the Guarneri family—became the mecca of violin making.
[The Secret of the Swirls and Tone]
• The Secret of the Scroll!?
The swirled part of the violin… is called the “scroll.”
Today, almost all stringed instruments on the market feature the same “scroll” as old violins.
Very occasionally, you might see ones carved in the shape of a lion or other animal… (^O^;)
So! This scroll is a key point to check when choosing an instrument!!
If you take a really close look at each one… hmm, something’s different…
That’s right—there’s a wide variety, from beautiful and delicate shapes to rough and powerful scrolls…
It’s often said that Stradivarius scrolls are delicate and beautiful, while Guarneri scrolls are rugged and full of power.
You can also see differences in shape depending on the country of origin, such as Italy or France. The size of the scroll, how it flares out, and the carving technique are all factors to consider, and skilled experts can often tell the approximate country of origin and era just by a quick glance at the scroll! (◎o◎)
Since the scroll is a part where the maker’s personal style is most clearly evident, it’s easy to grasp the instrument’s individuality and characteristics, making it a key point for appraisal.
It’s also a real treat to “stare intently” at the scrolls of various violins, try them out, and select your instrument!!
It’s truly a world of great depth…
･Does the scroll’s swirl pattern actually affect the tone!?
There are various theories, but does the scroll actually affect the sound!? (゜レ゜)
It’s a mystery… I get the feeling it doesn’t really affect the sound… but since the scroll is part of the instrument, it probably does have some influence…
Does the sound quality really change based on such subtle differences in construction?…
That said, violins with beautifully crafted scrolls are visually stunning and give the impression of being high-quality instruments…
While scrolls serve a decorative purpose, some instruments are deliberately crafted with asymmetrical scrolls specifically for acoustic reasons. Hmm… It really is full of mysteries…
[String Instruments: A Story About Bows]
String instruments such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bass are classified as bowed string instruments. Bowed string instruments are… a general term for instruments played by rubbing the strings with a bow. Hmm, the conclusion… You need a bow to play the violin!! (^O^)b
About the bow…
A violin bow uses about 160 to 180 strands of horsehair. Furthermore, the price of horsehair varies depending on its origin—such as Mongolia, Canada, or Italy.
You’ll notice differences in quality—such as tone, volume, responsiveness, and durability—so you can choose a type based on your personal preference and playing style. Bows with Italian horsehair, which is generally considered high-quality, offer excellent overall balance, a great playing feel, and a positive effect on tone!!
The bow stick is primarily made from Brazilian wood or Pernambuco… but Pernambuco is used in many high-quality bows… why is that!?
It’s simply because Pernambuco wood—with its high density, bending strength, and resistance to humidity—possesses properties that make it ideally suited for string instrument bows!!
However, since Pernambuco is on the brink of extinction and becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, there are concerns about soaring prices for violin bows.
In recent years, carbon bows—which boast exceptional strength and durability—have also become widespread, and I imagine many of you use them for your regular lessons!!
Bows have evolved as well, with new products emerging one after another!!
Prices vary widely… Since the bow is just as important an instrument as the instrument itself, you’ll want to choose one with care!!
You can try out bows at the TCGAKKI string instrument section, so be sure to come find a hidden gem among our used bows!!
[The Wood Used to Build Violins!?]
String instruments are constructed with a spruce top, maple sides and back, and an ebony fingerboard.
Excluding parts like the tuning pegs, the instrument is assembled entirely from wood, creating a beautiful form and a high-quality feel!!
Of course, even within the same type of wood, there are different grades…
Wood that is well-dried and has a beautiful grain is considered high-grade and commands a higher price. So, what makes a good instrument…!?
Craftsmanship is certainly a factor, but the quality of the sound is determined first and foremost by the wood!! It is through high-quality materials and the skilled craftsmanship of master artisans that an instrument truly shines!!
• Back Plate Edition: Single-Piece vs. Two-Piece – A Look at Violin Back Plates…
When it comes to the back plates of string instruments, most are made from either a single piece of wood (one-piece) or two pieces of wood joined and glued together at the center (two-piece)...
By the way, it’s said that a single-piece back is rarer and more valuable… but is that really true?
Generally, a one-piece back is considered higher-grade. This is because it requires twice the surface area of wood compared to a two-piece back, making it much more difficult to source the necessary material.
As for single-piece and two-piece backs… both have their pros and cons.
While a single-piece back carries a higher risk of warping over time, it has a higher overall vibration rate, resulting in smoother sound transmission!!
One of its charms is that it adds a rich, full-bodied quality to the overall tone!!
On the other hand, two-piece bodies are less prone to warping caused by wood shrinkage, and their symmetrical grain patterns possess a unique beauty.
It’s difficult to say which is superior…
[Compatibility Between Instrument and Bow…]
Is there such a thing as compatibility between the instrument itself and the bow!?
When I first started playing the violin, I didn’t really understand any of this… but now I feel like I’ve come to understand it somewhat.
I, too, have gone through a cycle of buying and selling numerous instruments—from beginner models to handcrafted pieces—to get where I am today…
I’ve tried all sorts of bows over the years, and when I’ve compared two violins of roughly the same class using the same bow, I’ve definitely noticed differences in tone and playability depending on the individual instrument. The same goes for the reverse combination—the bow and the instrument!! Of course, individual variations in the instrument itself are certainly a factor, but I’m convinced the bow also plays a definite role!!
Finding the right partner is a daunting journey…
Afterword
The Unknown World of String Instruments, Part 3!! This installment’s theme: “In Search of the Ideal Tone…”!! What did you think!?
The world of the violin is deep and full of mysteries!! I’m sure there are many of you struggling to choose the right instrument.
TCGAKKI String Instruments Section is here to fully support you in choosing your violin!!
You can even try out different instruments in-store!! & We’ll help you find your ideal instrument based on your budget and other preferences!!
We also warmly welcome those who are just starting out!! Please feel free to consult with us anytime!! We hope this brings you closer to TCGAKKI…｡ﾟ(ﾟ´Д｀ﾟ)ﾟ