Violin Family

The violin, the most commonly used member of the modern string family, is the highest-sounding instrument of that group. Its four strings are stretched over a high arched bridge that permits the playing of one or two strings at a time, as well as the nearly simultaneous sounding of three or four as chords. The overall length of the violin averages about 60 cm (23.5 in), whereas the sounding length of the strings, from bridge to the nut at the end of the fingerboard, is about 32 cm (12.75 in). The instrument is held on the left side of the body, while the right hand holds the bow. The wider end of the instrument is placed between the player's left shoulder and chin, while the left hand encircles its neck, the fingers stopping the strings to produce the various pitches. Sound is produced by drawing the bow across the strings to make them vibrate, or by plucking the strings. The range of the violin extends from G, the lowest open string, upward nearly four octaves. The strings are tuned a fifth apart at G3(196 Hz), D4, A4, E5(659.3 Hz). Many consider that violin making reached its pinnacle in the work of Antonio Stradivari and Guiseppe Guarneri in the 18th century. Although the basic construction of the violin has been long established, the subtle variations which make an outstanding violin are the stuff of legend.
The sound quality can be changed considerably by the place where the string is bowed. If bowed close to the bridge (sul ponticello) then the sound is brighter with more harmonic content. If bowed further from the bridge (sul tasto) then the sound is darker, more mellow with less harmonic content.

String Instrument:

A string instrument (or stringed instrument) is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating stringsThe most common string instruments in the string family are

Guitar

"Acoustic guitar" refers to hollow-bodied guitars without electric amplification. They may have nylon or steel strings. The strings of a six-string guitar are tuned to E, A, D, G, B, E, a fourth apart except for the major third interval between B and G. Frets are placed by the fret rule "one-eighteenth the remaining length of the string". This makes them a semitone apart. Top plate made of spruce or cedar. Spruce more prevalent in steel string "folk" acoustics while cedars are more prevalent in classical guitars. Williams, Jim, A Guitar Makers Manual. Brazilian rosewood is favored for making the backs and sides of a guitar because it is very hard and tends to contribute to a brighter sound. A round hole 3 1/4" to 3 1/2" in diameter in the top plate creates a cavity resonance which strengthens the sound produced.

Violin

The violin, the most commonly used member of the modern string family, is the highest-sounding instrument of that group.The strings are tuned a fifth apart at G3(196 Hz), D4, A4, E5(659.3 Hz). Strings characteristically produce a fundamental resonance plus all the string harmonics. The sound of the instrument is enhanced by body resonances including the air resonance of the f-holes.

Viola

The viola is the alto of the violin family, and it has the responsibility of playing the tenor part in the string quartet. Larger and heavier than the violin, it is tuned a fifth lower and has a darker, somewhat nasal tone. The strings are tuned a fifth apart at C3(130.8 Hz), G3, D4, A4(440 Hz).String instruments characteristically produce a fundamental resonance plus all the string harmonics.

Cello

The cello, or violoncello, is the second largest member of the VIOLIN family of musical instruments. It is tuned an octave below the VIOLA and serves both as a melodic and bass instrument in chamber and orchestral music. The body of the cello is approximately 76 cm (30 in) long and is much deeper than those of the violin and viola. The cellist is seated and supports the instrument between his calves, with its lower end raised off the floor by an endpin. The strings are tuned a fifth apart at C2(65.4 Hz), G2(98 Hz), D3(146.8 Hz), A3(220 Hz) if tuned in equal temperament to the A4(440 Hz) standard.

Double bass

The double bass, also called bass Viol or contrabass, is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the orchestral string section. The standard double bass has four strings and a range from E just over an octave below the bass staff, upwards for nearly three octaves, although some instruments may have five strings in order to extend the range downward. The strings are tuned a fourth apart at E1(41.2 Hz), A1, D2, G2(98 Hz).

Electric Guitar

Electric guitars are most often made with solid bodies since they depend upon electromagnetic pickups and amplifiers to produce the sound and are not dependent upon the resonance of the hollow body like the acoustic guitar.

Musical instrument: A musical instrument is constructed or used for the purpose of making the sounds of music. In principle, anything that produces sound can serve as a musical instrument. The history of musical instruments dates back to the beginnings of human culture. The academic study of musical instruments is called organology.