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General: Different body sizes in acoustic instruments

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    • CommentAuthorAlexe
    • CommentTimeOct 18th 2007
     
    What are the pros and cons of different body sizes with the same string sets, say a small viola and a violin with identical strings. ie from E string down?
    • CommentAuthorAlexe
    • CommentTimeOct 19th 2007
     
    After now having perused all the sections on this website, I've noticed that on the instruments shown the centre string is connected to the fifth peg, whereas I have been connecting it to the C string.
    Is there any definitive reason for this?
  3.  
    You want each string to pull as straight as possible over the nut. So the best way to get each string pulling as straight without criss crossing each other in the peg box is to have the "E" and "A" on the treble side with the"E" wound on the peg closest to the nut. The "D" string can pull straight over the center of the nut to the last peg on the bass side, the one closest to the scroll, and the "G" and "C" with the "C" being closest to the nut on the bass side. This also reduces the break angle over the nut for the "D" string which comes over the nut at the highest point. Having the "C" and"G" string closest to the nut also reduces the amount of leverage the string exert on the scroll/pegbox area. The stress may be minimal but there is no reason to increase the leverage just in case the violin fell over and bumped the scroll.

    As the size of the body increases or decreases the air volume inside the violin also increases or decreases. One reason that not all 4-string conversions to 5-strings work well is because there is not enough air volume inside the violin to give the "C" string enough power and growl. GENERALLY speaking the larger the air cavity the deeper the resonant tone. Often you hear of viola conversions that have the opposite problem as a violin conversion...the "E" string is weak or some other issue based on how your ear hears the sound.

    I hope that makes sense and helps.
    • CommentAuthorAlexe
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2007
     
    Yes, that makes sense and answers my query.

    I'm hoping that in due course as the site becomes better known, that there may be posts on instrument dimensions that have been proven to give a good tonal range across all five strings, particularly in the smaller sizes.
  5.  
    I am placing the information about this forum at as many other forums as I can in an effort to get the word out. Help spread the word.
  6.  
    I play both violin and viola (but am primarily a violist). I would rather see a 16" viola with an e string than a 14" violin with a C string. The violin body just can't provide the space needed to get the C string to really speak with depth and good tone. The problem with a 16" instrument is getting an e string that isn't going to break easily at that longer length. One also has to worry about the additional pressure caused by a fifth string on the spruce top. I am still looking for a good 5 string VIOLA to cover some concerts where I have to play something that in uncomfortably high on the regular 4-string viola, or do a lot of jumping from low to that same uncomfortable height required by some 20th-century composers.
    • CommentAuthorberg
    • CommentTimeNov 5th 2007
     
    IVSymphony - for me the exiting thing is not wether it is a viola or violin with an added string.. I see it like a new instrument with new possibilities.

    I can see that your reasons for having a fifth string is in order to play viola parts that go up high.

    I am more into having and instrument that can accompany singing play bass-lines as well as melodies with the ease of the violin..

    Some of the luthiers mentioned on these pages do indeed make both a violin and viola in 5 string versions
  8.  
    IV Symphony, are you sure that a larger violin cannot produce the deep tones with the added "C" string?
    I agree that generally, not all, standard sized violins that have a 5-string added do not produce the deeper tone on the "C" string that most 5-string players are looking for.

    A violin that is purpose built to be a 5-string with some size modification can indeed produce big sound and still have sparkling powerful highs fro the "E" string. This instrument can still be small enough for smaller women to comfortably play it too.
    • Taniaon Meadow stage1 (600 x 556).jpg
    • CommentAuthorPatrick
    • CommentTimeNov 6th 2007
     
    Hi All

    Greetings from Ireland, Barry that is a great photo, the violin looks amazing, Cant wait to be playing my Dudley 5 string later this week!
  10.  
    Thanks Patrick, That is Tania Elizabeth on stage at MagnoliaFest last weekend. It was an incredible time. There are so many extremely talented musicians in this world!!\

    Here is your violin while it was on my bench.
    • Daly back2007 10 01 044 (600 x 402).jpg

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