The Violin Explained : Components, Mechanism, and Sound (SIGNED COPY)

Beament, James

ISBN 10: 0198166230 / ISBN 13: 9780198166238

Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1997

About this Item

Signed by Author. gilt titles spine; jacket illust. is the 'Doria' violin by G.P. Maginni; illustrated by numerous b/w. figures; "There are more curious beliefs about the violin than any other instrument. Physicists have now discovered how the violin family produce their sound, but this knowledge is not generally accessible to players and makers. In this book Sir James Beament, a distinguished scientist with a lifelong involvement with musical instruments, explains, without assuming any scientific background, how strings vibrate, and the role played by the bow, bridge, and body in producing sound. Those discoveries do not give a satisfactory picture of what we hear, and the core of the book explains how the sound relates to the sensations it produces. This leads to the conclusion that most of the myths about violins are groundless. but also that nothing can be achieved by applying modem technology to making or playing. Practical advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments completes the discussion."; this copy is signed by the author on the fep. with the inscription: "Ben - with gratitude - Jamie" & also, loosely inserted, is a letter from the author to the previous owner - Ben Milstein (heart surgeon & amateur violin maker) in which he explains that the copy is one of six author-copies of the original printing which contained some misprints resulting in a reprinting of the book before publication. The letter goes on to say that Oxford University Press had managed to retrieve half of the 80 misprinted copies which makes this one of a very small initial print run & a true & unique first edition having an errata slip created by the author glued inside the front cover. B.B. Milstein's address sticker is affixed to the front cover; as new condition in a protected D/J.; including bibliography & index - 245 pages. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Quantity Available: 1. Category: Music; Violin Making; Music Acoustics; Music Physics; Science & Technology. Signed by Author. ISBN: 0198166230. ISBN/EAN: 9780198166238. Inventory No: MUS00018.

Seller Inventory # MUS00018

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Violin Explained : Components, Mechanism, and Sound (SIGNED COPY)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198166230
• ISBN 13: 9780198166238
• Binding: Black Cloth
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Music

About this title

Synopsis

Throughout its history the violin has had a mystique with many curious beliefs. Physicists have now discovered how it produces its sound, though this knowledge is largely inaccessible to makers and players. This book explains how strings vibrate and the roles of the bow, bridge and body, glue and varnish, without assuming the reader has any scientific background. But physical sound is a poor indicator of the sensations it produces, and the core of the book explains how that sound relates to the sensations we hear. This leads to the conclusion that most of the myths are groundless, but also that nothing can be achieved by applying any modern technology to making or playing; indeed, it would be a disaster if that happened. Practical advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments conclude the discussion. This book is intended for amateur and professional violin makers; string players/performers; string teachers and students; students of acoustics/electronic instruments.

Review

a comprehensive look at what is known about the mechanics of the violin family. In a very readable and non-mathematical style he explains the nature of sound production...and confronts the question of tone assessment. Professor Beament's book is a refreshing read full of information which goes a long way to filling a distinct gap in the market. (The Strad)