Structural Changes in Cuticles on Violin Bow Hair Caused by Wear

Yamamoto, Tomoko; Sugiyama, Shigeru

doi:10.1271/bbb.90622

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

(3 reference statements)

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“…The analysis of the surfaces covered by rosin particles confirmed that a structure characterized by distinct peaks contributes to a better control of the stick–slip friction phenomenon. Moreover, studies characterizing new and old bow hairs point towards the same conclusion [15], justifying the habit of changing the hairs of the bow regularly.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 75%

Studying friction while playing the violin: exploring the stick–slip phenomenon

Casado

2017

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol.

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Controlling the stick–slip friction phenomenon is of major importance for many familiar situations. This effect originates from the periodic rupture of junctions created between two rubbing surfaces due to the increasing shear stress at the interface. It is ultimately responsible for the behavior of many braking systems, earthquakes, and unpleasant squeaky sounds caused by the scratching of two surfaces. In the case of a musical bow-stringed instrument, stick–slip is controlled in order to provide well-tuned notes at different intensities. A trained ear is able to distinguish slight sound variations caused by small friction differences. Hence, a violin can be regarded as a perfect benchmark to explore the stick–slip effect at the mesoscale. Two violin bow hairs were studied, a natural horse tail used in a professional philharmonic orchestra, and a synthetic one used with a violin for beginners. Atomic force microscopy characterization revealed clear differences when comparing the surfaces of both bow hairs, suggesting that a structure having peaks and a roughness similar to that of the string to which both bow hairs rubbed permits a better control of the stick–slip phenomenon.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 75%

Studying friction while playing the violin: exploring the stick–slip phenomenon

Casado

2017

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol.

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“…The ability to visualise the surface at the nanoscale level provides information on the state of preservation of the varnish and may indicate the type of preparation used. AFM has been previously used in studies on violins, in particular in the study of structural changes in cuticles on violin bow hair caused by wear and in comparison of synthetic hair and natural horse tail as used in professional orchestras [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Violin Varnishes: Microstructure and Nanomechanical Analysis

et al. 2022

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The aim of the current work is twofold: to demonstrate the application of in situ non-invasive imaging by portable atomic force microscopy (AFM) on the surfaces of a violin and to integrate compositional and mechanical analysis at the nano scale level on model samples of varnished wood. These samples were prepared according to traditional recipes by an Italian lute-maker family well practised in the art. Samples of oil and spirit-based varnishes on maple wood, naturally and accelerated light aged, were studied. AFM was used to measure the nanomechanical properties of the model samples and established that the spirit-based varnish was stiffer than the oil-based. Synchrotron radiation micro- Fourier Transform Infra-red analysis of the layer structure revealed that stiffer spirit-based varnish showed less penetration into the wood than the oil-based. Further PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (QNM) demonstrated a difference in adhesion values between the oil- and spirit-based samples.

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The Bow

Bucur¹

2016

Handbook of Materials for String Musical Instruments

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Structural Changes in Cuticles on Violin Bow Hair Caused by Wear

Cited by 3 publications

References 5 publications

Studying friction while playing the violin: exploring the stick–slip phenomenon

Studying friction while playing the violin: exploring the stick–slip phenomenon

Violin Varnishes: Microstructure and Nanomechanical Analysis

The Bow

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