Scan 92
The Violin: Its Famous Makers and their Imitators, 1875
2 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 54. See the scan on archive.org.
1general outline of the great Amati's instrument, and that it pleases the eye. From the acoustical point of view, it may be conceded that it does not tend to increase of power, as the sound is caused to lodge as it were; but, on the other hand, it is probable that the sweetness of tone so common to the instruments of Nicholas Amati must be set to its credit, for in proportion as the form is departed from the sweetness is found to decrease. The sound-hole has all the character of the preceding Amatis, together with increased boldness; in fact, it is a repetition of that of Jerome with the exception of this difference. The sides are a shade deeper than that of the brothers Amati. The scroll is exquisitely cut. Its outline is perhaps a trifle contracted, and thus is robbed of the vigour which it would otherwise possess. From this circumstance it differs from the general tenour of the body, which is certainly of broad conception. The maker would seem to have been aware of this defect, if we may judge from the difference of form given to his earlier scrolls as compared with those of a later date, in which he seems to have attempted to secure increased boldness as more in keeping with the work of the body of the instrument. It must be acknowledged, however, that these efforts did not carry him far enough in this direction. The wood used by Nicholas Amati for his grand instruments is of splendid quality as regards acoustical requirements, while as regards appearance also, it is unexception-
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