Bowed string instrument

Types of bowed string instruments

Bowed string instruments are all stringed musical tools that produce sound through the use of a bow. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on the music genre and the player's preferences. There are four main types of bowed string instruments, which include:

• Violin family: This family of instruments is the most popular and widely used in orchestras and chamber music. The violin is the most known and plays the highest pitch. It is smaller than the viola and cello and has a brighter sound. The viola is slightly larger than the violin and has a deeper tone. Cellos and double basses are larger instruments in this family, with cellos producing music in the bass clef and violas in the alto clef.
• Bowed psalteries: These instruments are played by drawing a bow across the strings. They are played by hand without a plectrum. The strings are plucked with the fingers or thumbs. They come in different shapes, with the most common being triangular and rectangular. The bowed psalteries produce a sound similar to the harp or dulcimer. The most popular bowed psalteries are the Swedish and modern psalteries.
• Hardanger fiddle: This is a traditional Norwegian string instrument in the violin family. It has extra sympathetic strings that vibrate alongside the main strings. The sympathetic strings give the Hardanger fiddle its unique and haunting sound. It is used in traditional Norwegian folk music and dances. The fiddle is played with a bow like the violin, and the technique requires a good ear to differentiate the sound of the main and sympathetic strings.
• Erhu: This is a Chinese musical instrument and is one of the most popular Huqin instruments. The erhu has two strings that are played with a bow, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds, including the mimic of a crying person. It is used in various music genres, such as classical, folk, and popular music. The sound box of the erhu is often decorated with intricate designs, making it a beautiful instrument.

Bowed string instruments scenarios

In addition to the regular commercial applications for bowed string instruments like retail sales and music education, some instruments have unique uses that affect buying decisions. Here are some of the industry's most important use scenarios:

• Film and television

  Film and television producers often purchase string instruments in bulk through music licensing companies. Instruments like the violin, viola, and cello are popular for soundtracks because they evoke a wide range of human emotions. They are also easy to pair with other instruments like the piano, making them a versatile choice for soundtracks.

• Live events

  Festivals and event organizers often purchase string instruments for live performances at their events. While most events hire musicians and music groups to perform, some events may require the organizers to provide the instruments to ensure uniform quality. Further, some events like music festivals may have sponsors that provide the instruments and musicians free of charge.

• Orchestras and music groups

  Orchestras and music groups require quality instruments for their performances. Most music groups use the same brand of instruments to ensure uniform quality and sound. This has led to some instrument manufacturers offering special orchestral packages for music groups. These packages contain a large number of instruments at a discounted price and are tailored to the specific needs of the music group.

• Music education

  Schools and music academies often purchase string instruments for their students. Institutions look for quality but affordable instruments that provide an excellent playing experience. Many instrument manufacturers provide custom packages for schools that contain several instruments at a discounted price. This allows institutions to save money while getting quality instruments.

• Repair and maintenance

  Many string instrument players are aware that they need to regularly maintain and sometimes repair their instruments. This has led to an entire industry focused on the tools and materials needed to keep instruments in top condition. Common instrument parts that need replacing are strings, bows, and cases. Further, many players seek out quality rosin for bowing.

How to Choose Bowed String Instruments

When purchasing bowed string instruments for resale, business owners should consider the target market, instrument quality, and additional features.

Many people learn how to play string instruments using violins. Therefore, it is important for buyers to stock beginner violins for students. A beginner violin should come with a case, bow, and extra accessories. A student violin with a good quality chin rest, pegs, and tailpiece will be easy to tune and play. For advanced players, business owners should get high-grade violins crafted from premium tonewoods. Professional violins have better sound quality and craftsmanship.

In most cases, professional musicians will purchase violas and cellos. Buyers should get violas and cellos in different sizes to accommodate various players. The larger the viola or cello, the deeper the sound it produces. A high-quality viola or cello will have excellent tone and projection. To cater to the portability needs of customers, buyers should get 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 sized cellos. For the viola, a 15”, 16”, and 16.5” instrument will suit different players.

The quality of the double bass is also key. Business owners should be aware that the quality of the instrument's wood and its age will affect the sound it produces. A well-crafted double bass will have a warm and deep tone. Some pieces are crafted from solid wood, while others are a combination of solid and laminated wood.

As mentioned earlier, the target market will determine what instruments buyers get. If the market is made up of music schools and teachers, then they will look for affordable and quality instruments for their students. If the market is made up of professional musicians, then the buyer will be looking for high-quality and expensive instruments. Therefore, business owners should know the demographics, psychographics, and spending habits of their potential customers before making any orders.

To attract a wide range of customers, buyers should get instruments at different price points. Understanding the craftsmanship, materials, and features that affect an instrument's price will help in choosing the best quality pieces.

Finally, to make sure they get quality instruments, buyers should look at the instrument's construction. They should choose instruments crafted from quality tonewoods or mahogany. Business owners can inspect the finish of the instrument to see if there are any scratches or cracks on its body. A well-crafted instrument will have smooth edges, a consistent grain pattern, and no visible seams.

Functions, Features and Design of Bowed String Instruments(Combined)

Bowed string instruments come in different designs, each tailored to suit the specific requirements of the instrument and the playing style. Here are some common designs alongside their functions and features:

• Violin

  The violin's design features a compact body, a curved shape that aids in sound projection, and a highly arched top and back for enhanced acoustics. It has 4 strings tuned to perfect fifths, with the lowest string at 196 Hz and the highest at 880 Hz. The tuning pegs, chin rest, and fingerboard are designed to provide comfort and playability. Its size and shape allow for a wide range of dynamics and expressive capabilities, making it one of the most versatile instruments in music.

• Viola

  The viola has a larger and broader body than the violin, resulting in a deeper sound. Its design features a similar shape to the violin, with a slightly arched top and back, but with broader bouts and a thicker neck. This design allows for sound projection and resonance in the viola's lower to middle tonal range. The strings are also thicker and have lower tension, contributing to its rich and mellow sound.

• Cello

  The cello boasts a large, hollow wooden body with an intricate internal bracing system that enhances sound resonance and projection. Its curved shape, with a deeply arched top and back, allows for rich, warm tonalities and deep bass notes. The cello's four strings are tuned an octave lower than the viola, providing a wide range of pitches from deep, resonant tones to higher, lyrical melodies.

• Double Bass

  The double bass features a large, hollow wooden body, with a flat back and top, and a curved side that enhances sound projection. Its size and shape allow for deep, resonant bass tones that provide the foundation of the harmony in orchestras and ensembles. The instrument's tuning is also unique, with the four strings tuned in fourths, with the lowest string (C) an octave below the bass guitar.

• Hardanger Fiddle

  This design features additional sympathetic strings that resonate under the influence of the played strings, creating a rich, echoing sound. These sympathetic strings are located beneath the regular strings and are housed within the same bridge. The instrument's body is also adorned with intricate carvings and inlays, often made from contrasting woods, which adds to its visual beauty and cultural significance.

• Erhu

  The erhu features a long, thin neck with a hexagonal shape, which provides a comfortable grip and prevents slipping. Its tuning pegs are made of metal and wood, allowing for precise tuning adjustments. The soundbox of the erhu is usually made from hardwood, which enhances its resonance and durability.

Q&A

Q1: What are the differences between bowed and plucked string instruments?

A1: The main difference between the two is the tool used to play them. While bowed string instruments are played using a bow, which causes the strings to vibrate and produces a smooth, sustained sound, plucked string instruments are played using fingers or a plectrum. The sound produced is sharp and shorter. Other than that, both categories of instruments share similarities, such as the use of a soundbox that amplifies the sound produced by the vibrating strings.

Q2: What are some common uses of bowed string instruments?

A2: Bowed string instruments are versatile and can be used in different settings. They can be used in orchestras, chamber music, and solo performances. They are also used in bands, such as jazz, rock, and pop bands. Besides music, bowed string instruments can also be used in education, where students learn music theory and practice playing techniques.

Q3: What factors should one consider when buying bowed string instruments?

A3: Several factors need to be considered when purchasing bowed string instruments, such as the size of the instrument. It is important to know that bowed string instruments come in different sizes and that the right size is important for playability and comfort. One should also consider the quality of the instrument. High-quality instruments are made with premium materials and skilled craftsmanship. Finally, buyers should consider the price of the instrument.