The Violin: Modern Violins - Part 6 of 7

What does a modern violin look like? Kevin Smith of The Violin Shop in San Diego explores Joseph Curtin's Ultralight Violin and notes similarities and differences between it and a classic counterpart.

Produced in conjunction with the Museum of Making Music's special exhibition, "The Violin in America," that appeared at the Museum from February 23, 2008 though September 7, 2008.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• curtin
• exhibit
• instrument
• joseph
• modern
• museum
• violin

[redredq]

I have a question.. Has the Curtian violin always been fitted with Pirazzi strings that tune to an A=440 ? I did some reading and baroque violins often has plain gut strings would that make a difference in the tone ?

[museumofmakingmusic]

Great question. Since the best place is to go to the source, we're going to pass your question along to Joseph. We'll post an answer when we find out!

[museumofmakingmusic]

This is the response we received from Joseph:

I have never made a baroque violin. For the violins I do make, I almost always use Evah Pirazzi. Gut strings certainly affect both the quality and the playability. Though they used by people interested in "period" performance practice, almost all modern violins are strung with synthetic strings - they give the power, response, and stability demanded by players today.

All best, Joseph

[kehwa]

Interesting. But what does it sound like? If it proves to produce an inferior sound to a normal violin, then I wouldn't buy it.

[museumofmakingmusic]

We've featured this violin during our open case days, which is an opportunity for professional violinists to get hands on with exhibition pieces. Many have found the Curtin violin to have a strong full sound. The last open case day to feature this instrument will be on August 25.

[meaning1]

MUCH prefer the strad shape and F holes.

[ifakemyname]

I have to compliment, the new scroll looks so attracting for someone who likes abstract!

[frenchiecocorico1]

In fact, this so called modern violin isn't modern at all and presents no advantage. It is a copy inspired by the Chanot violin (1819). François Chanot was the elder brother of the luthier Georges Chanot. He was an engineer in the navy. His experimental violin had no tailpiece and the strings were tied up to the top plate,....

During 19th century, some european luthiers achieved many experiments on the violin design (Chanot, Savart, Tolbecque, Suleau, Stroh, le Latin, le Neolin, ...),

[spacesciatto]

even I prefer the traditional Stradivari shape, the Curtin's one is very interesting and elegant (it remembers me the Art Deco design). I'd be curious about its sound, and specially I wonder if its particular manufacturing affects it (e.g. the neck).

great videos series!

[britfranciscohk]

That modern thing is the ugliest violin I've ever seen.

[sgtcrab1]

really tacky looking. Loks like Bauhaus or something.

[assa123assa123]

what's the point of all that jabber? who is mr.Curtin? what does this violin sound like?

It's definitely cheaply made as the fingerboard is made to look ebony. but anyway I don't get the point.

[82224561]

Thank you for all the videos download;

About these violins,Curtin and others modern violin which have these innovations,does interest the violinists?Because most violin makers usent the'traditional' way of construction...

poicpi

[plumreach]

What is the anticipated cost of the Curtain model?

[goodyones]

I have a question,i do have a viola made by Agapito Acosta,with a similarity of the Curting with that beautiful edge.He refer as a model from Johaquin Tilte?or Tilke.Please do you know something about him?.This viola sound is just great,thank.