Books › The violin : how to choose one, 1893 › scan 78
Scan 78
The violin : how to choose one, 1893
10 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 74. See the scan on archive.org.
1them by this test. When the first note which he will get at position No. 7 is F natural, thus—
3the wood he is working on is high-toned wood, and before he will have got all the other notes correct at the other positions the plates will be comparatively thin. If, on the contrary, the first note which he gets at position No. 7 should be D natural, thus—
5the wood is low-toned, and he must work very cautiously in taking off more, as he may be at the other notes before the finish is all on the plate. It is true that even if he chanced to take off too much wood he could patch it up again to a given tone; but it is better to leave it on from the first.
7In copying the tones of an old breast it is well to look carefully for double notes, one of which will come easily, the other by hard pressure of the bow, as these are a double guide to the exact quality of tone. When it is possible to do so the Bass Bar should be removed from the old breast and the notes jotted down; then the Bass Bar put on again, and the notes in their altered condition again recorded. The result should be an exact copy, but as I have hinted, the whole school of tone for modern violins adapted to modern concert pitch and modern requirements has yet to be created, for it is clear that the plates must be made thicker, to bear the increased pressure, which will allow of the Bass Bar being left smaller and lighter, and that in turn will not only allow the breast to vibrate more freely, but distribute the pressure more equally over the whole instrument. Here then is a chance to distinguish yourselves, ye violin makers who love the labour and do not grudge thought and study and ceaseless experimenting. Think not that I wish to grasp the earth, or keep any secret or lord it over any one. There is the way; a sure way—a fixed and scientific method—follow it and the world shall bless you and the result of your labours through all time. But, mark you,
9SECRECY IS NOW DEAD.
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