Violins

Violins are bowed string instruments in the violin family. Played under the chin and drawn with a bow, they can also be plucked (pizzicato). The instrument resonates through the wooden body, with four strings typically tuned to G3, D4, A4, and E5. The violin’s range covers roughly G3 to E7.

Originating in 16th-century northern Italy, the violin was refined in Cremona by makers such as Andrea Amati, Antonio Stradivari, and Giuseppe Guarneri. It became central to Western classical music and remains essential in orchestras, chamber music, and solo repertoire, as well as in folk and popular genres.

Construction: The top plate is usually spruce; the back and ribs are maple; the neck ends in a pegbox and scroll with ebony pegs. The f-holes project sound, and internal features such as the sound post and bass bar help shape tone. The strings pass over a bridge to a tailpiece and are tuned by pegs (and sometimes fine tuners). Modern strings are steel or synthetic; historically they were gut. Standard size is 4/4; smaller sizes (3/4, 1/2) suit younger players.

Playing: Violinists produce sound with a bow made of horsehair, or by pizzicato. The instrument supports a wide expressive range and a large solo and ensemble repertoire.

Maintenance: Regular rosin, cleaning, and environmental control preserve tone and playability; avoid excessive humidity or sudden temperature changes.