In this work we present a general description of the physics of the violin. We examine the concepts which provide the physical support and reveal the richness and the pedagogical potential of the subject. We remark the contributions of physicists such as Helmholtz, Savart, Raman and Saunders to the undesrtanding of the way in which a bowed string vibrates, and the comprehension of the acoustical properties of the instrument. The role of each component of the violin is described in details. We also discuss the importance of the bridge, the plates and the body normal modes of vibration for the acoustical response of the instrument. The air-resonance of the enclosed air in the violin body (Helmholtz resonance) is disscussed using the equivalent fomalism between mechanical, electrical and acoustic oscillating systems. The production of the characteristic sound of the violin, which results from the vibrational waveform of a bowed string, is also described.
violin; acoustics; resonance; musical instruments; Helmholtz
