Acoustic enhancer for violin

Subject: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Will Fly
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 08:52 AM

I popped into my local violin shop in Sussex this morning to replace the 2nd (A) string on my violin, as the winding was fraying, and had my usual chat with Michael, the owner, while he was doing it.

He pointed to a violin suspended between two loops of cord. There was a small black box sitting on the strings on the bridge, and the black box was plugged into a mains socket. "Put your hand on the violin", he said - which I did, to find it vibrating.

The device was an acoustic enhancer - designed to "start up" new violins or reinvigorate old ones. The violin in question hadn't been played for 40 years. Apparently, a week of one of these plugged on to the instrument is the equivalent of 3 months playing. We wondered if there was a guitar equivalent.

Acoustic enhancer

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 08:56 AM

You let someone else change yours strings Will ?

Dave H

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Will Fly
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 09:01 AM

The problem for me is that, at £46 a set, I can't afford to always have a spare set of strings in the violin case. I keep promising myself I'll keep a new set on hand - but I don't often have a spare £50 note in my pocket! I have innumerable sets of guitar strings and loose singles all over the place.

I'm just thankful I don't play a 'cello - £150 for a reasonable set - oh, and around £1,000 for a set for a double bass...

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Will Fly
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 09:02 AM

PS: Michael's changing the string in the shop is our excuse for a half-hour chat and a coffee. :-)

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 09:08 AM

"Acoustic enhancer for violin"

For beginners, that is a handsaw, isn't it?   :-P

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: mattkeen
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 09:11 AM

I have heard of similar ideas for acoustic guitar
Put a speaker cab on its back and run a bassy, rumbley piece of music (heavy metal?)through it at low volume

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 09:37 AM

Perhaps somebody should invent a cylindrical acoustic transducer that you could insert into a flute or clarinet so it sent a low-frequency buzz up the bore...

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 10:54 AM

There was a device around in the States about 10 years ago to which you could have your brand new guitar attached, and it would vibrate at a frequency which, it was claimed, would age the guitar overnight, with a consequent improvement in tone.

IIRC Rick Turner, the well known guitar maker had a hand it its development, and I further seem to remember that it was endorsed by no less than Jackson Browne, who had his guitar treated on the machine.

Haven't heard much of it lately, however ...

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Zen
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:08 AM

ToneRite

Much beloved of US bluegrassers. I remain unconvinced as yet.

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 07:39 AM

The movie Red Violin has a scene in which a violin is vibrated almost to a breaking point by a large vibrating unit.

I invented two passive enhancers for boxed string insruments which require no electricity. One of them was called a Soul post. I also sepanded on the work by Starker to develope a sound post of extraordinary power.

Enhancers go way back. One of the famous ones was called a Virzi.
I own an orginal 1930 Virzi violin which has a kind of mini violin inside the violin.

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Will Fly
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 07:45 AM

I own an orginal 1930 Virzi violin which has a kind of mini violin inside the violin.

Any pics? What happens to the sound? Just curious.

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 10:20 AM

More on the Virzi Violin tone producer Here. Intriguing stuff.

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 11:07 AM

Gibson used them on some of their top range mandolins.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: GUEST,David
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 06:05 AM

I have now developed an Acoustic Enhancer for (Acoustic) Guitar - same principles. Details are on www.violinman.co.uk.

Best wishes

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Will Fly
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 08:53 AM

Fascinating stuff, David. I wouldn't have a use for one these myself - all my instruments are played regularly - but I can see it being of regular use in certain circumstances in large private collections and in retail areas.

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 11:30 AM

Be careful with those things. Just been listening to "No Highway" on the radio, in which aeroplane tail planes fall off, with predictably unfortunate results, after prolonged exposure to low frequency vibration.

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 02:54 PM

Subject: RE: Acoustic enhancer for violin
From: greg stephens - PM
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 11:30 AM

Be careful with those things. Just been listening to "No Highway" on the radio, in which aeroplane tail planes fall off, with predictably unfortunate results, after prolonged exposure to low frequency vibration

the "mile high club" to blame for that, IMO...