The violin is one of the best loved of all musical
instruments. The beauty of its shape is matched by a beauty of tone. The violin
is a member of the family of stringed instruments. It is capable of a wide range
of musical expression: the sound of the violin can be almost as varied and as
moving as the human voice.
Many different woods are used in the manufacture of a violin. The belly is made
of spruce or pine. The back, ribs, neck, and scroll are made of a slow-growing
hardwood such as maple, cur in winter and matured for many years. The
fingerboard, tailpiece, and pegs are usually of ebony. The best bows are made of
pernambuco wood from South America.