Why it works?
Why
does playing a violin make it sound better?
This is an age old question many violin makers and scientists have
tried to answer. The truth is
there are hundreds of different things going on that are changing when one is
playing an instrument. One of the
prevalent theories is that playing-in(de-damping) an instrument relieves the tensions
inherent in all instruments that are new or left fallow.
Relieving
tension allows the instrument to vibrate freely. As a result, your instrument
becomes incredibly responsive, problem notes improve, less bow pressure is
required, the sound comes more quickly with less effort and the overall
quality of tone improves.
By
mounting on the bridge, ToneRite naturally transfers vibrations through the
bridge and into the instrument; just as the strings do when you play.
Amplitude and frequency have been optimized to achieve greater results
than playing yourself.
Audible improvements are heard after only one hour. When used over a long period of time, your violin only continues to improve. Ideally, the ToneRite Signature should be used any time you are not playing but it is especially important before a performance. Warming up your instrument makes it more responsive and easier to play which gives you more confidence.
The Playing-In(de-damping) Phenomenon
Musicians have admitted it for hundreds of years that stringed instruments improve in tone and responsiveness from age and playing. In 1821, Jacob Otto in Germany published a small book describing his experiment with a mediocre violin, wherein he tied pieces of gut string around the neck to act as frets and make the sound brighter. He then played every note possible fortissimo repeatedly, for hours, singly, as octaves, double stops, 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, broken chords, etc. After a few days of this, the violin was so greatly improved that the concertmaster of the orchestra at Gotha, Germany offered him a large sum of money for it.
You can improve your instrument the same way by vigorous playing. The vibration forces all the parts to vibrate at greater amplitude, relieving some of the tension caused by gluing everything together along with strains generated by spruce drying faster and shrinking more than maple. Never leave an instrument in the sun or in a hot car trunk. The heat and shrinkage may split the top. This ‘playing in' of a new instrument is something that may be apparent immediately, but it is generally conceded that the improvement continues for ten to fifty years, depending on how much you play it. A weak or thin note gets better, and it takes less bow pressure to produce the same sound level. The sound comes quicker with the touch of the bow, and the quality of the tone improves. If you are lucky, the development of that sublime clarity may occur, that lets the sound stand out against an orchestra, and ring from the ceiling to the audience. Vigorous playing breaks down the tightness and stiffness, and eventually it plays more easily. (Don't bother with the frets).
This treatment will not cure the defects of poor wood, bad varnish, poor workmanship, or bad fitting and adjustment.
-- from AmacViolins.com
Articles and papers of interest.
Fingers That Keep the Most Treasured Violins Fit --New York Times
Harmonic Overtone Analysis of ToneRite Signature
Advanced Prototype
To optimize ToneRite's designs we've developed an advanced prototyping system incorporating our ToneRite Signature. This device is completely computer controlled and is able to analyze and map the entire vibration gradient of an instrument's surface. From this, we are able to quantifiably design our products and ensure quality and performance.
Makers and dedicated enthusiasts have also wanted a tool to measure acoustical qualities of their instruments. This device is also able to analyze acoustical qualities of an instrument and compare them other instruments. With this device makers can fine tune their instruments and unlock the secrets of a great instrument.
Patent Pending
