Scan 5
Guckert's Illustrated Self Instructor for the Violin, 1900
18 lines. Read by computer on 18 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1The Violin
3The Violin is called "King" of all stringed instruments. It is necessary for the pupil to understand the most essential parts of the Violin. The instrument consists of more than 50 parts or pieces, put together scientifically, and carefully graduated in thickness, in order to procure the best tone. If the wood is too thick it will produce a muffled thick tone. The Bridge is generally made of maple, and should always be adjusted by a Violin maker or an expert with the instrument, who understands thickness of wood necessary. The sound post should be set about one eighth of an inch behind the right foot of the Bridge. The pressure of the strings on the Bridge holds the sound post in place. It should not be meddled with after the proper place has been found for it. All Violins do not have the post in the same place. Should the Bass be heavier or lighter than the Treble the post may be moved to strengthen either and should be attended to by an expert.
5The Strings
7There are 4 strings on the Violin, namely G, D, A and E. The 3 higher ones are made of gut (or sinew) and the lower one of gut or silk wrapped with finest copper or silver wire.
9How to Tune the Violin
11Get the pitch of the note (open A string) from a tuning fork, pitch pipe, Piano or Organ. Tune E string 5 tones higher than A string. D string 5 tones lower than A string and G string 5 tones lower than D string. When tuned properly, the strings should sound the following notes or tones
13At most any music store you can get a pitch pipe, all four tones, which helps the beginner to learn to the proper pitch.
15The Violin Bow
17The Bow consists of the Stick, Horsehair, Frog and Tip. Snakewood is considered best for the stick. White horse hair is superior to colored. The frog is generally made of ebony. The Rosin is applied to the hair. Take good care of the Bow. As soon as you have finished playing, unscrew the hair far enough to allow hair to separate. Before playing give the Bow a few strokes of Rosin. Keep your Violin in a dry place, wrapped in soft silk (wool will do.) Keep dust and Rosin wiped off from under the strings. Should the pegs (or keys) slip, put a little chalk or powdered Rosin on them where they fit in the holes of the head (or scroll.)
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