CHAPTER IX.

ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE VIOLIN.

The subject stated—Otto’s treatise—the component parts of the violin—the _Cremonas_ and their makers—HIERONYMUS AMATI—ANTONIUS AMATI—NICHOLAS AMATI—ANTONIUS STRADUARIUS—JOSEPH GUARNERIUS—distinguishing characteristics of these makers—Tyrolese instruments—JACOB STEINER—later Tyrolese makers—KLOTZ—STATELMANN, of Vienna, and others—repairers—the principles of construction—the bass-bar, sound post, bridge, _f_ holes, &c.—strings (called Roman) from Milan—means of producing a smooth, clear tone—ANDREAS AMATI—GASPAR DE SALO—GIOVANNI GRANZINO—GIOVANNI PAOLO MAGINI—career of ANTONIO STRADIVARI, GIUSEPPE GUARNERI, and of JACOB STEINER—notable sums offered for instruments—imitators—RICHARD DUKE and the London makers—M. CHANOT’S investigation into the true form of the violin—result—M. SAVART’S experiments—M. VUILLAUME’S copies—his adventures in search of materials—copies Paganini’s Guarnerius—his probity—specimens at the Great Exhibition of All Nations—construction of bows—Beware of Vampers!—_pp. 341, et seq._