Imitation, genetic lineages, and time influenced the morphological evolution of the violin.

ABSTRACT: Violin design has been in flux since the production of the first instruments in 16th century Italy. Numerous innovations have improved the acoustical properties and playability of violins. Yet, other attributes of the violin affect its performance less, and with fewer constraints, are potentially more sensitive to historical vagaries unrelated to quality. Although the coarse shape of violins is integral to their design, details of the body outline can vary without significantly compromising sound quality. What can violin shapes tell us about their makers and history, including the degree that luthiers have influenced each other and the evolution of complex morphologies over time? Here, I provide an analysis of morphological evolution in the violin family, sampling the body shapes of over 9

SUBMITTER: Chitwood DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4189929 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature