Modal Analysis of a Trapezoidal Violin Built after the Description of Félix Savart

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Authors

  • Tim DUERINCK 1. Faculty of String Instruments, Harp, Guitar and Violin – Making, I.J. Paderewski Academy of Music, św. Marcin 87, 61-808 Poznań, Poland; 2. Royal Conservatory Ghent, University College Ghent, Hoogpoort 64, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, Belgium
  • Ewa SKRODZKA 1. Faculty of String Instruments, Harp, Guitar and Violin – Making, I.J. Paderewski Academy of Music, św. Marcin 87, 61-808 Poznań, Poland; 2. Institute of Acoustics, A. Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland, Poland
  • Bogumił B.J. LINDE Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 57, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland, Poland

Abstract

One-dimensional experimental modal analysis of an unvarnished trapezoidal violin built after the descriptions of F. Savart and an anonymous trapezoidal violin on display in the Music Instrument Museum of Brussels is described. The analysis has revealed ten prominent modes. A mode that may potentially play a role of the “tonal barometer” of the instrument is pointed out. The mode shapes are symmetric and of high amplitude, due to the construction of the instrument. Subjective evaluation of the sound quality demonstrated no pronounced difference between the trapezoidal violin and a normal violin.

Keywords:

trapezoidal violin, modal analysis, mode shapes.

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