Research from MIT confirms: f-holes are loudest

[caradoxical]

One of my former Professors (I took "Mechanical Systems, Signal Processing, and Stochastics" from him a few years ago) has published research confirming the efficiency and power of elongated f-holes. The research focuses on violins, but I would imagine these principles should hold true for mandolins as well.

Interesting stuff!

http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2015/violi...tic-power-0210

[theCOOP]

I wonder how many oval-hole violins he tested...

guess I should read the article :/

[theCOOP]

The four earliest designs have the bridges offset from the center of the holes, whereas the latter two are centered with the F-holes or otherwise. I think this is a contributing factor however they make no mention of the top-place as a soundboard, only the back.

They seem to be ignoring the concept of 'top plate as soundboard' and attributing the volume &c. to the back plate. Is this correct?

Violins must be at least a little different considering the vertical post jammed inside against the top and bottom under the bridge, no?

[Charles E.]

Violins must be at least a little different considering the vertical post jammed inside against the top and bottom under the bridge, no?

Violin sound posts are carefully fit and placed to the interior of the violin, not "jammed".

Also the post is behind the bridge not under it.

Sorry for nit picking but it needs to be said.

[JeffD]

As I have learned from café experts - the relevance of this to the mandolin is questionable. Though the F hole shape is the same or similar, the top of the mandolin and the top of the violin work differently.

My understanding is that the exact shape of the f holes is much more important to the violin, while for the mandolin their shape isn't critical - allowing a degree of aesthetic creativity.

[fscotte]

The back plate reference probably has more relevance, but I don't know if more "pliable" back plate creates more volume or just better coupling.

Volume in a mandolin, like a guitar, is all relative anyway. A mandolin that is overly bassy, will obviously sound louder in the bassy region, whereas a mandolin that is more balanced may sound louder, when in fact it isn't - it just sounds better in the region of sound we like to hear.

I'll take a better tone and less volume over louder and less tone every time.

[Jim Adwell]

Violin people tend to be extremly fussy about their instruments and seem to be afraid of making changes to them lest the sound change.

Well, except for these guys here.

[Bernie Daniel]

Violin people tend to be extremly fussy about their instruments and seem to be afraid of making changes to them lest the sound change.

Well, except for these guys here.

I don't think I ever knew that Salvador Dali played violin.

[MysTiK PiKn]

I think of it as being about balance, and vibration creating air flow. I also think about extreme experiments that might cause instruments to explode due to pressure. And the small f-holes resist, in turbulence. Which kinda says that the music is turbulence. I just get impressions; a bit stronger than thoughts. Balance is the thickness, shape, material. Bottom line, it's a complete package; but the next is different; and that's not really important. It's a unique generalization in the hands of the meditative master. It must be felt and imagined and allowed to fly. It will not follow the rules. It's a living thing and can evolve or degenerate. It is a wild thing; with many aspects combined. If listened to, it will speak a mysterious language.

I can't express this if I try to make intellectual sense of it; it's more emotional, spiritual. The intellect is too slow to keep up with it. So, I don't care to make sense - that would be a mere idea. I suppose I should read the article; but I have been reading too much lately. I prefer how it feels to my wandering wonderful mind; and the sound is wonderful. (of course). But that's only the target; the process is it.

[MysTiK PiKn]

del double post

[Hudmister]

So, I don't care to make sense - that would be a mere idea. I suppose I should read the article.

Read the article, it's interesting.