How does the sound post work?
The sound post plays an important role transferring the vibrations from the top plate to the back plate. The sound post is fit to both the back and top plates, and is precisely placed in a position relative to the bridge and the bass bar. The new post will initially sound brighter, but the ringing tones will return.
Can you play a violin without a sound post?
Can I play the violin without a soundpost? Of course, a violin can’t be played without a soundpost. The pressure of the strings is transferred to the bridge, the table, the soundpost, and the back of the instrument.
Can you play a cello without a soundpost?
Without the soundpost the violin will still make sound, because the bridge will transmit the vibrations to the top. However, the sound will not be very full. The tension in the strings transmits a strong force through the bridge to the top of the violin.
How long is a cello sound post?
5.0 – 6.0mm
There are two crucial distances in the placement of the spruce sound post….Placement.
| Distance of back of bridge to soundpost (4/4 size) | |
|---|---|
| Violin | 2.0 – 2.5mm |
| Viola | 3.0 – 3.5mm |
| Cello | 5.0 – 6.0mm |
Where is the sound post placed?
The soundpost is typically located near the treble foot of the bridge: it transfers some of the stress applied by the treble foot to the back plate of the violin. In this typical set-up, the mechanical stiffnesses measured at the two feet are approximately equal.
What is a sound post made of?
spruce
The soundpost is a wooden dowel that sits vertically inside the instrument, on the right side of the bridge. It’s usually made of solid spruce, the same wood as the top piece of the violin. All orchestral string instruments, including the viola, cello, and double bass, have sound posts as well.
How do I make a sound post tool?
To make the tool we need some thick wire, pliers, and waxed dental floss. Here are the steps to make one: 1) Fold the end of the wire as shown in the picture below: 2) Fold the end as shown in the picture below. This is where the sound post will be supported. 3) Cut the excess wire at the end and make the first loop:
How to inset the sound post in the violin?
To inset the sound post in the violin use the f hole as usual. Once you are satisfied with the location of the sound post you can either unravel the dental floss, or just cut it and carefully pull out both the wire tool and the dental floss. In all, it took me about half an hour to make the tool, including taking the pictures.
What do you use your postsetter for?
A couple of photos of my ‘country boy tinkerer’ remedy for the frustrations of mastering the conventional postsetter. Also used to retrieve the post from the violin body. I use the heavy conventional setter (Herdim, I think) to hammer, push, & pull the post around once it’s standing.
Do you need a sound post adjuster?
If you decide to give it a try, you will need a sound post adjuster. It’s made out of stainless steel and made to move and set a sound post. Fiddlerman warns everyone not to try to do this on your own, unless you are very handy. Make sure to not overdo it or you can hurt the instrument.