The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound [Hardcover]

James Beament (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 21, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0198166230 | ISBN-13: 978-0198166238

Throughout its history the violin has had a mystique with many curious beliefs. Physicists have now discovered how it produces its sound, though this knowledge is largely inaccessible to makers and players. Assuming no scientific background, this unique book explains not only how a violin produces sound but also of how that sound causes what we hear. Drawing on extensive experience as a performer and composer, Beament includes down-to-earth advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`...a comprehensive look at what is known about the mechanics of the violin family. In a very readable and non-mathematical style he explains the nature of sound production...and confronts the question of tone assessment. Professor Beament's book is a refreshing read full of information which goes a long way to filling a distinct gap in the market.' The Strad --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

James Beament is at Queen's College, Cambridge and an Emeritus Professor at the University. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 21, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198166230
• ISBN-13: 978-0198166238
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,103,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for every violinist and luthier!, May 19, 2003

By 

Judd Taylor (Saint Petersburg, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Paperback)

This book contains the most important physical aspects of how a violin works, in a format you wont need a Ph.D. to understand. While "The Physics of the Violin" is a more complete reference, this manuscript does a better job of putting the physical principles in the contexts of musicians and luthiers. I recommend it to every violinist, especially those who like to tinker with their instrument!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Money, January 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Hardcover)

The mechanical physics involed in sound being produced by a violin are concisely explained. The book relates what the physical principles are that determine the overall sound, while at the same time maintaining a respect for the craftmen of old who created so many legends about why a violin sounds as it does. I like this book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot of bla bla bla about violins., October 8, 2010

By 

Benjamin Herbst "Benny Blonko from the Bronx ... (McCall Idaho) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Paperback)

Though I enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it, mainly to a newer violin builder, it fell way short of what I was looking for. Maybe because of my science background (structural engineer) I was looking for something a little more scientific, rather than a really dummed down book for non-science builders. It really wasn't that helpful for me, as I already knew, or have heard everything in this book several times. Still, a well written and useful book, but not if you are a physicist or want any real specific data. I really enjoyed his wife's book on violin construction though "Violin Making, by Julliet Barker", but even that one leaves out some useful tips for the total beginner. The best all around violin book on construction, I believe, is "The Art of Violin Making" by Johnson/Courtnall. Another book, a little like this one, fairly hokey, but a good read, and nice DVD, is the "Tap Tuning" book by Siminoff. The more I learn, and the more I build and set up violins, I think that having 500 fiddles under your belt, and setting up hundreds others is much more practical than all the scientific dogma in the world. Its amazing what a good bridge, and well fit sound post do to nearly any decent fiddle. Just take your time and enjoy, both the frustration and the joy that comes after the mistakes and experiments.