What Are the Different Types of Violin?

What Are the Different Types of Violin?

Have you ever thought of the rich history of violin and how it was created? 

Created by Andrea Amati from Cremona, Italy, the inspiration behind the creation of violin came from stringed instruments like vielle, rebec, and lira da braccio. It was created by the same hard maple wood as piano especially on its neck, ribs, and back. While its fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece are made of ebony. 

The violin is also perceived as one of the most user-friendly musical instruments for it comes in various sizes suitable for the age of an aspiring violinist.

What are the two (2) types of violin?

Generally, the violin is classified in two (2) types:

1. 1. Acoustic or Non-Electric Violin: This traditional violin is suitable for individuals who are new to violin. It’s made of bowed string that has the highest tune and the smallest in the family of violins. Sometimes, it’s called the fiddle in traditional and folk music.
   2. Electric Violin: As the name implies, the electric violin uses electronic signal output which gives its sharp sound. This violin is ideal for advanced players.

Different Types of Violin by Time Period

The violin is also classified by time period. Classification are as follows:

1. 1. Baroque Violin: Considered as the forefather of the violin family, it was in the baroque period that the violin was formally considered as a musical instrument. The baroque violin has shallower angle on the neck and has lower string tension.
   2. Classical Violin: Created around early 19th century, the classical or modern violin has more string tension, has a slender neck, and has parts that aim to create comfort for the musicians such as chin rest.
   3. Stroh Violin: Also known as the horn violin or violinophone, this violin uses horn instead of sound box to produce sound, thus the reason why it gives a different timbre compared to the acoustic violin.
   4. Electric Violin: This type of violin has no sound box or f-holes compared with other violins. Sold around the 1930’s the electric violin’s sound can be distorted through amplification which is considered applicable for the music produced these days.
   5. Semi-Electric Violin: The sound coming from this violin is acoustic but filtered with a pick up so that it can be electronically amplified. This violin could easily blend in with classical violins.

The Sizes of Violin

1. 1. 1/16: This size of violin is ideal for young children, age three (3) to five (5) years old and whose arm length ranges from 14 to 15 3/8 inches.
   2. 1/10: This size is ideal for young violinists, ages three (3) to five (5) years old whose arm length ranges from 15 3/8 to 17 inches.
   3. 1/8: This size of violin is still ideal for children whose age range from three (3) to five (5) years old with an arm length of 17.1 to 17.5 inches.
   4. 1/4: Perfect for children whose age range from four (4) to seven (7) years old with an arm length of 17.6 to 20 inches.
   5. 1/2: Ideal for children with an arm length of 20 to 22 inches and whose age range from six (6) to ten (10) years old.
   6. 3/4: The size of violin is perfect for children from nine (9) to eleven (11) years old whose arm length range from 22 to 23.5 inches.
   7. 4/4 or Full-size Violin: The full-size violin should be ideal for violinist ages nine (9) and older (i.e. adults) with an arm length of 23.5 inches and up.