HG is not like other strings instruments for one reason : the power of
sound generating system.
Lets make an experience , find a bicycle dynamo , that litle thing
that produce electricity when
it is in contact with the bicycle wheel. Set it up with a light bulb or
better some electric meter
Try to put the dynamo in motion with a bow or turn it with your
fingers , note results .
Place the dynamo on the HG wheel like if it was the bicycle wheel
.....
The crank is so much more efficient to transform muscular energy into
electrical power .
Look at the violin , the most popular , most expensive string
intrument around the planet.
There is an arched soundboard, result of centuries of experimentation ,
a delicately carved bridge
and the latest addition a shoulder pad and a chin rest that keep both
soundboard and back
free to vibrate . And the sound post to unite them .
Now look at the HG , first the sound board is cut about in half by the
wheel slot.
one hafl has a keyboard glued on the other one has three string bridges on
it
The central bridge is tied with a wire so it i will not fall flat
because the string tension
is so unbalanced . And finally , the bridge is so big . The back is
firmly held to the
player' s body by two leather straps. The soundposts mostly prevent the
bridge to move .
Ask a violin maker about such a contraption , he will probably tell you
that no sound
will ever come out of this thing .
What can be done ? The easiest fix would be to replace this huge
bridge with a lighter one .
Lets try it , a children size cello bridge is about the right height ,
lets use one .
What happens ? an horrible noise . for one thing this light bridge is
not able to transmit
all the energy in the sound board , second the frequencies that are
transmitted are not the ones
that sound nce to our ear.
In my opinion , the large heavy bridge acts as a filter to mute some
frequencies and transmit others.
The amount of energy produced by the wheel on four strings ( average )
is so large that
some if not most of it can be filtered and there is still enough left to
make a good outdoor
dance instrument .
The invention of the American piano and its introduction to Europe at
the Paris world expo
in 1900 had started a quest for volume for violin makers , all kind of
strange inventions are still
to be seen in museums today . Good thing that the invention of microphone
and amplificator
put a halt at this monsters breeding and violin maker went back to their
quest of tone , not volume.
So , my opinion is that we should do the same , we have volume more than
we need and
we can still use amplification if needed . Soundposts worked for a few
centuries , they should
be OK for a few more .
But who is arrogant enough to prevent creative minds to experiment new
ideas ?
Certainly not me.
Thank you for your attention , coffee will be served in the next room ,
mind the step.
Henry
Preparing to go to Calixa Lavallée
Did you know that Calixa Lavallée was a composer ?
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