Construction

The violin is basically a small wooden box with strings stretched across the surface, but the finest examples can cost in the region of a million pounds. Every detail of the instrument contributes to its sound and for hundreds of years crafts people have guarded their secrets from competitors. You can find fascinating details about violin construction and even see video clips of instruments being made by visiting violin maker, Hans Johannsson's website.

Construction

The bow is an equally important part of the instrument: its weight and balance greatly effects the violin's sound and playability. The bow consists of a wooden stick with horse hair stretched between the two ends. The part of the bow that the player holds is called the frog and the other end or very tip of the bow is known as the point. In this video clip Miranda Dale of the Philharmonia Orchestra describes and explains the construction of a violin...