- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Clarendon Press (1 Aug 1997)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0198166230
- ISBN-13: 978-0198166238
- Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 16 x 2 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,417,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
| |||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Plus, get an extra £5 Gift Certificate when you trade in books worth £10 or more before June 30, 2012. Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. |
Product details |
More About the Author
Product Description
Review
a comprehensive look at what is known about the mechanics of the violin family. In a very readable and non-mathematical style he explains the nature of sound production...and confronts the question of tone assessment. Professor Beament's book is a refreshing read full of information which goes a long way to filling a distinct gap in the market. (The Strad )
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
Throughout its history the violin has had a mystique with many curious beliefs. Physicists have now discovered how it produces its sound, though this knowledge is largely inaccessible to makers and players. This book explains how strings vibrate and the roles of the bow, bridge and body, glue and varnish, without assuming the reader has any scientific background. But physical sound is a poor indicator of the sensations it produces, and the core of the book explains how that sound relates to the sensations we hear. This leads to the conclusion that most of the myths are groundless, but also that nothing can be achieved by applying any modern technology to making or playing; indeed, it would be a disaster if that happened. Practical advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments conclude the discussion. This book is intended for amateur and professional violin makers; string players/performers; string teachers and students; students of acoustics/electronic instruments.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Browse and search another edition of this book.
Browse and search another edition of this book.
First Sentence
There are three simple ways of producing pitched sound: hitting something, making air in a tube vibrate, and plucking a stretched string. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
There are three simple ways of producing pitched sound: hitting something, making air in a tube vibrate, and plucking a stretched string. Read the first page
Explore More
Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organise and find favourite items. |
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
There are no customer reviews yet on Amazon.co.uk.
5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5 reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
A must read for every violinist and luthier!
20 May 2003
Format:Paperback
This book contains the most important physical aspects of how a violin works, in a format you wont need a Ph.D. to understand. While "The Physics of the Violin" is a more complete reference, this manuscript does a better job of putting the physical principles in the contexts of musicians and luthiers. I recommend it to every violinist, especially those who like to tinker with their instrument!
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Worth the Money
28 Jan 2000
Format:Hardcover
The mechanical physics involed in sound being produced by a violin are concisely explained. The book relates what the physical principles are that determine the overall sound, while at the same time maintaining a respect for the craftmen of old who created so many legends about why a violin sounds as it does. I like this book!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
A lot of bla bla bla about violins.
8 Oct 2010
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Though I enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it, mainly to a newer violin builder, it fell way short of what I was looking for. Maybe because of my science background (structural engineer) I was looking for something a little more scientific, rather than a really dummed down book for non-science builders. It really wasn't that helpful for me, as I already knew, or have heard everything in this book several times. Still, a well written and useful book, but not if you are a physicist or want any real specific data. I really enjoyed his wife's book on violin construction though "Violin Making, by Julliet Barker", but even that one leaves out some useful tips for the total beginner. The best all around violin book on construction, I believe, is "The Art of Violin Making" by Johnson/Courtnall. Another book, a little like this one, fairly hokey, but a good read, and nice DVD, is the "Tap Tuning" book by Siminoff. The more I learn, and the more I build and set up violins, I think that having 500 fiddles under your belt, and setting up hundreds others is much more practical than all the scientific dogma in the world. Its amazing what a good bridge, and well fit sound post do to nearly any decent fiddle. Just take your time and enjoy, both the frustration and the joy that comes after the mistakes and experiments.
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Music > Instruments > Violin
- Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Music > Reference
- Books > Reference > Encyclopaedias
- Books > Science & Nature > Physics > Applied Physics > Sound & Waves
- Books > Science & Nature > Physics > Reference
- Books > Scientific, Technical & Medical
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
