Violin Forum/Message Board

Jason Cooke

When I recently opened up an old violin made for a Violano sold in the first part of the last century by Chicago's Mills Novelty (now in WI) -- a "self-playing violin and piano" --, I found a D and an F with a # notation under the F. I assume these are plate tuning notations. Confirmation or other explanations, anyone? And what do these particular notations mean if they relate to plate tuning?

Dave Chandler · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 8:29 pm Post subject: Markings in old violin

I would think (just my guess) one of the plate's mode frequency was at F# (when held in a particular position between thumb and forefinger, and tapped at a particular point.) Adding the ribs may have reduced it to D or it could refer to one of the other modes. Unfortunately, I'm currently away from home and don't have my notes. I'm sure one of the other readers will add more light to this. Don't know why they would have left these visible. Can't think of any other meanings for these marks but for plate frequencies.
_________________
Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

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Jason Cooke · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 5:39 am Post subject:

Thanks, Dave. Makes sense. I was puzzled as you were that the notations were left there. Now that the top is off, of course, it occurs to me that I need to hear how the instrument sounds, particularly on the chance that it was played extensively by the Violano before falling into my hands in its current pre-opening state of disrepair. At least find out what a cheap, factory-made Czech instrument of the early 20th century sounds like. Another opportunity to explore the mysteries by gluing 'er back up, fitting a soundpost and bridge and giving it a try! Or maybe just another distraction from the violin-wannabe sitting on my workbench... Jason

Jason Cooke · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 5:40 am Post subject:

Thanks, Dave. Makes sense. I was puzzled as you were that the notations were left there. Now that the top is off, of course, it occurs to me that I need to hear how the instrument sounds, particularly on the chance that it was played extensively by the Violano before falling into my hands in its current pre-opening state of disrepair. At least find out what a cheap, factory-made Czech instrument of the early 20th century sounds like. Another opportunity to explore the mysteries by gluing 'er back up, fitting a soundpost and bridge and giving it a try! Or maybe just another distraction from the violin-wannabe sitting on my workbench... Jason

Jason Cooke · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 5:40 am Post subject:

Thanks, Dave. Makes sense. I was puzzled as you were that the notations were left there. Now that the top is off, of course, it occurs to me that I need to hear how the instrument sounds, particularly on the chance that it was played extensively by the Violano before falling into my hands in its current pre-opening state of disrepair. At least find out what a cheap, factory-made Czech instrument of the early 20th century sounds like. Another opportunity to explore the mysteries by gluing 'er back up, fitting a soundpost and bridge and giving it a try! Or maybe just another distraction from the violin-wannabe sitting on my workbench... Jason