Violin
Violin reviews, articles, and tips for beginners and beyond
In this series...
History
The modern-day Violin is descended from two Arabian instruments; the Rabab and the Rebec.
They were widely played in Western Europe during the 15th century, evolving into the Violin we recognise today by the mid 16th century.
The standardisation of the design is believed to be thanks to the Italian Violin maker Andrea Amati, who had to mass-produce a large order for Catherine de Medici, the Queen Regent of France, in 1560.
Violin Specs
A Violin has four strings, tuned to the notes of G, D, A and E.
The strings were originally made from catgut, but in modern times they are usually steel.
The strings are attached to the four tuning pegs, which are used to alter the pitch.
They are strung over the bridge, which raises them above the fingerboard.
How To Play
The Violin is held under the chin, with one hand supporting it, with your fingers on the fingerboard.
The most common way to play the Violin is to scrape the strings with a bow, which is normally made from wood and horsehair.
Another technique is the pluck the strings with one hand, which produces a very different sound from using the bow.
The most expensive Violin ever purchased was $16 million!
At nearly 300 years old, the extremely rare piece was once owned by the granddaughter of Lord Byron.
Don’t worry though, you can buy a brand new violin for as little as $30!
Violin Music
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Violin
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