The exact function of the sound post.

[Michael Darnton]

Doug, you can't erase everything strange in the sound, I don't think. At least I can't. But it carries you a lot closer to your ideal, as you see.

[Regis]

Michael,

You were absolutely right about plucking the A string as a good indicator. I've managed to finally hear difference. And in one, that played "ok?" I found the A different. Had to use the other strings to help me identify the difference in resonance but, I did finally understand & hear. Then adjusted sound post to even out resonance on the A and the whole violin sounds much much better. Actually didn't have to move very much....perhaps 0.5 on top and 1.0mm on bottom (straightened somewhat also).

Thank you

[MANFIO]

I've got it! The exact function of the sound post is being tortured by the soundpost setter!

[Michael Darnton]

That's why we make the setter so sharp!!!!! :-)

Yes, Regis--the good or bad zone is very small.

[Claire Curtis]

Quote:

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According to Savart the same results were obtained if the post was inside /outside or whatever!!

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One thing the soundpost is supposed to do, besides transmitting the bridge foot movement to the back, is to force a node at that spot. If you get it near a node that's there anyway, it will be "transparent" and not have much of an effect in that way, but if it's off the node it sets up a "warble" that changes the sound. The effect of forcing a node would work whether the post was on the inside or the outside, but something like driving the back obviously wouldn't.

I find the concept of forcing the node useful, though it would be only one factor among many. And I've no idea if that's what really happens.

Oded, is the sound file for that sound perception test available online anywhere, or do you know where we can get the CD? That sounds really interesting.

-Claire

[gabriel]

here is a link you can folow for a similar test

www.psych.mcgill.ca/labs/auditory/bregmancd.html

[Claire Curtis]

Thank you! That's a great link.

[HongDa]

I have always been in the habit of plucking the strings and listening right after making a post adjustment.I found myself relying or being able to predict the improvement before then playing it more and more. I'll pay more attention to it now after you mentioned this.

There is something in a book about the maker-Marino Cappichioni who only uses this plucking method you mention.

[DougP]

The best thing I found from trying the string plucking method is the speed in which you can determine what needs to be done. I firmly believe that if you listen closely to a violin, it will tell you what is ailing it. Holding it in your lap and concentrating on the sound the string makes when plucked really lets it talk to you.

Thanks for the info that every string will not be perfect, but can be brought into a satisfactory mode.