15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for every violinist and luthier!, 20 May 2003
By Judd Taylor - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (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:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the Money, 28 Jan 2000
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism and Sound (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:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A lot of bla bla bla about violins., 8 Oct 2010
By Benjamin Herbst "Benny Blonko from the Bronx ... - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Paperback)
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.