Violin Forum/Message Board

Jack Rushing · Member Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

Almost all violinist, often refer to their violins as Her or She. Some actually
call them by a feminine name, like Helen, Louise, Betty, etc.
Is this a custom or tradition, or is it that the violin seems to have more of
a lady-like character, to the player or the audience?
Wonder if Paganini considered his " Cannone " to be feminine?
Just wondering.

Gizmo · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: Precedent

Maybe gender is partly tied to history. I'm thinking of the "Lady Tennant" Strad which was a gift from Charles Tennant to his wife.

I'm sure that the names I call my violins are not acceptable for this forum.
_________________
I NEVER PRACTICE. I'M NOT FAMOUS YET.

Amalia · Member Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 129

Strads are often named after a previous owner, but this does not usually determine whether the violin is considered to be male or female. The owner of the Marquis deReviere Strad, for example, considers the violin to be a female. I think for me it has more to do with the voicing of the individual violin. With several violinists in the family, we have a number of violins and I tend to rank them according to quality, character and appearance. Most I think of as females, but those that are noticeably rugged looking or rough sounding, I might consider males.

Busker · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 5:23 pm Post subject: Gender

My Violin is female.
Beautiful head. Long slender neck and graceful shoulders. Tucked in waist and very generous in the hither portion.

Jack Rushing · Member Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

Right On.!!! Well described. I think most of mine are female, but some
of them are more beautiful than the others. I believe they are aware of
it too. I tell them that some of their sisters are not quite as good looking,
but have a better voice. Then they pout, and don't sound as good as they
are capable of. I believe I have a couple of grouchy old males too. I dress
them up with a nice new soundpost, a new bridge,with adjustments, the works, without them showing much improvement. I guess they are just
meant to be grouchy sounding.
Seems to me a violin can tell whether you like it or not, and it will respond
accordingly.

Jack H. · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:29 am Post subject:

To quote Waldo from an old episode of the Little Rascals,
"Things of beauty, grace and speed are often reffered to in th efemenine gencer."

I cannot think of any other reason.

I named my '68 Dodge Coronet 'Babe'

Jack H.