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RELEASE NO. 99-011
Violin Maker Explains the Science Behind the
Instrument
 Making a good violin depends greatly on wood
selection, arching contours, free plate tuning, bridge tuning, and
understanding the action of the bowed string, according to violin
maker, Dr. Carleen Maley Hutchins.
Dr. Hutchins will explain
the two basic vibrating systems of the violin (wood and air) in
relation to the "wolf tone," at a colloquium, at 2 p.m. Tuesday,
March 2, at NASA Langley's H.J.E Reid Conference Center.
She will describe the
differences between the tonal qualities of the violin, viola, and
cello, the modal tuning of the completed violin including
fingerboard and tailpiece, and the scientific basis for the
musically successful development of the Violin Octet. Seven
instruments of the Violin Octet will be demonstrated and their
special tonal qualities discussed.
In addition to constructing
over 100 instruments of the new Violin Octet family, she has
constructed 75 violins, 165 violas, and 12 cellos. By studying the
acoustical properties of each instrument during construction and
assembly, her work has resulted in a test that violin makers
worldwide are using to produce consistently fine sounding
instruments. She has also received numerous awards and honorary
degrees.
The general public is
invited to the
Sigma Series lecture at the Virginia Air
and Space Center that evening, at 7:30 p.m.
A media briefing will be
held at 1:15 p.m. in the Wythe Room of the Reid Conference Center,
14 Langley Boulevard in Hampton. Media who wish to attend the
briefing should contact Kimberly W. Land at (757) 864-9885.
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