Violin is a string instrument which is an indispensable item in Indian Classical Music. It is also known by the name Fiddle. It is most prominent in the Western Classical tradition as well. Violins are used from Chamber Music to Orchestras in Ensembles and also as Solo Instrument.
Strings and Body
A typical Violin has four strings tuned in perfect Fifths with Notes G3, D4, A4 and E5. In Musical Theory a Perfect Fifth is the musical interval corresponding to a pair of pitches with a frequency ratio of 3:2.
Most violins have hollow wooden body and played by drawing a bow across its strings. The Bow is a Tensioned Stick which has hair coated in Rosin affixed to it. Usually Horse-Tail Hair is used. Rosin is a solid form of Resin obtained from Pines and other plants. Coating the Hair with Rosin facilitates friction and thus causing a vibration of the strings.
Versions
There are Electric versions of Violins which have a solid body and Piezoelectric Pickup. They are mostly used in Rock and Jazz Fusion music. The Pickups are connected to Audio Amplifiers and Speakers thus producing audible sound.
A normal Violin costs approximately Indian Rupees 4,500 whereas an Electric Violin costs something like INR 10 to 15,000. There are much costlier types also available for professional use.
History
The history of Violins date back to 16th Century and in Italy. Modifications happened during 18th and 19th Centuries giving the instrument more powerful sound and projection. Components of Violins are made from different types of wood such as maple, ebony, rosewood, willow, spruce etc. Normally maple is used for making the back plate, rib, neck and scroll where as spruce is ideal for the front plate.
Read more about the manufacturing process of violin here
