Violins are made up of various component parts, all of which are important to the quality of the finished instrument. By understanding what the various parts are, it will give you a sound knowledge base to carefully select the instrument for you.
Bridge
The bridge is an important part of the violin in terms of sound and playability and its correct fitting is vital. The more expensive the bridge, the higher quality of wood (maple) is used.
Tuning Pegs
Pegs are generally made of ebony, rosewood or boxwood, although some cheaper instruments use stained hardwood. The correct fitting is important as tight pegs may cause damage to the instrument and loose pegs may slip and cause tuning problems.
Tailpieces
These are traditionally the same wood as the pegs.
Chinrests
Chinrests are traditionally ebony, rosewood, boxwood or stained hardwood although plastic chinrests are generally accepted by teachers for student instruments.
Fingerboards
As a fingerboard will wear with use, the best material is ebony which can be re-shaped or scraped smooth. It is widely accepted that stained rosewood is used on student instruments, but it may be worth avoiding stained whitewood (usually found on the very cheapest instruments).
F-Holes
F Holes are cut with a fret saw and then carefully finished with a knife. In addition to allowing the sound from the instrument, their size and shape give flexibility to the front.
Parts of a Violin Explained
Violins are made up of various component parts, all of which are important to the quality of the finished instrument. By understanding what the various parts are, it will give you a sound knowledge base to carefully select the instrument for you.
Bridge
The bridge is an important part of the violin in terms of sound and playability and its correct fitting is vital. The more expensive the bridge, the higher quality of wood (maple) is used.
Tuning Pegs
Pegs are generally made of ebony, rosewood or boxwood, although some cheaper instruments use stained hardwood. The correct fitting is important as tight pegs may cause damage to the instrument and loose pegs may slip and cause tuning problems.
Tailpieces
These are traditionally the same wood as the pegs.
Chinrests
Chinrests are traditionally ebony, rosewood, boxwood or stained hardwood although plastic chinrests are generally accepted by teachers for student instruments.
Fingerboards
As a fingerboard will wear with use, the best material is ebony which can be re-shaped or scraped smooth. It is widely accepted that stained rosewood is used on student instruments, but it may be worth avoiding stained whitewood (usually found on the very cheapest instruments).
F-Holes
F Holes are cut with a fret saw and then carefully finished with a knife. In addition to allowing the sound from the instrument, their size and shape give flexibility to the front.
