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19 Apr 06 - 07:21 PM (#1722334) Subject: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: The Fooles Troupe The EV appeared on an Aussie new inventions show. EV (Ergonomic Violin) by Tricia Ho The EV is an ergonomic electric violin with detachable frames making it completely adaptable for each player's needs. CONTACT DETAILS: http://triciaho.carbonmade.com tyche83t@hotmail.com Inspiration A former violinist with the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, Tricia knows all the points where players get pain. The idea came when her violin teacher joked that she should design an instrument to help players. Her lecturer suggested she consult ergonomist David Bacon, who lent her his thesis on the musculo-skeletal problems of orchestral musicians. How does it work? EV is the first electric violin designed to suit both the player's ergonomic requirements and their personality whilst optimising the usability and performance of an electric violin. It consists of a violin body with a range of flexible polymer detachable frames that will be available in various designs, 'and colours'. These frames are interchangeable. The benefits of this interchangeability include target market appeal, increased product lifespan, easy replacement in case of damage, readily available customisability, and therefore increased user-control. Its main focus is to ease the strain placed on violinists, whilst allowing the unique design to adapt to each player's special needs. The EV exists as both a solution to an ergonomic problem, and a celebration of the colourful personalities of violinists. For more info - see the web page above (which will probably be up for a while) which has more links. |
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19 Apr 06 - 10:44 PM (#1722442) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: katlaughing That is very interesting and does look really comfortable. If I played all of the time I might consider it, but I'd have a hard time giving up my wonderful old violin made of wood! Some of the other inventions were quite ingenious, too! Thanks, kat |
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20 Apr 06 - 11:57 AM (#1722879) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: Gorgeous Gary For those who might be interested in an ergonomic design but still want a wood instrument, check out David Rivinus's Instruments. The specific page I linked to is his ergonomic violin, but what he's really made a splash with is his ergonomic violas. My uncle Don Ehrlich earned a fair amount of press a couple of years ago for becoming the first player in a major orchestra (San Francisco Symphony) to play one of Rivinus's violas. -- Gary |
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20 Apr 06 - 12:03 PM (#1722889) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: Sorcha I think it looks hideous. |
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20 Apr 06 - 12:30 PM (#1722912) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: Desert Dancer There's been research that shows how the human mind prefers symmetry (sees it as more beautiful) to asymmetry. Often in life, I realize I can find much beauty in something that just functions well. It's an adjusted esthetic. How does a clothesline in a yard look to you? Having a friend who is tortured by her inability to play as much as she'd like because of a repetitive strain injury, I think maybe I could learn to like something different than the traditional shape. I'm not so fond of the electric sound... but Gorgeous Gary's link provides an alternative there. ~ Becky in Tucson |
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20 Apr 06 - 02:15 PM (#1723005) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: Hawker Wow! Maybe it has no symmetry, but the freedom it may offer to people with ,limited mobility, RSI etc. fantastic. Well done her! Cheers, Lucy |
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20 Apr 06 - 02:24 PM (#1723014) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: katlaughing GGary, thanks for the link. At first glance those look like something out of a Picasso! Much more an assault to my senses then the other. A second glance and I can see how it would be very helpful! Thanks, again, kat |
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21 Apr 06 - 08:11 AM (#1723672) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: Grab Looks like any other electric violin to me. Graham. |
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21 Apr 06 - 08:20 PM (#1724287) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: The Fooles Troupe Except for the plastic bit that can be moulded to fit around the neck of the player, and also the whole thing is 'modular' - you can buy bits that fit together to build one in the the colour of plastic of your choice. On the show she was encouraged to try to get the holding fitting to work with 'real' instruments made of wood, but didn't seem all that interested... |
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22 Apr 06 - 11:58 AM (#1724686) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: Gorgeous Gary Yes, the shape does take some getting used to. I describe it as taking a viola and stretching the opposite corners like a piece of beach taffy. My uncle describes the sound (IIRC) as a bit deeper than the traditional viola sound. BTW, the San Francisco Symphony is in town tonight (DC); I'll be down at the Kennedy Center. If any other locals are lurking about, keep an eye peeled. -- Gary |
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22 Apr 06 - 07:04 PM (#1724927) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: Desert Dancer Just look for the really gorgeous guy? ;-) |
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22 Apr 06 - 08:35 PM (#1724969) Subject: RE: The EV (Ergonomic Violin) From: The Fooles Troupe I'm sorry, I won't be there! :-P |