Modular Fiddle Neck Extension

[Wei Gao]

Hello,

I've been playing with a Modular Fiddle for a bit now, and I noticed that the instrument is  a bit shorter than a typical full-size violin, which makes some playing techniques feel cramped. I'm thinking of trying to extend the neck, but would that cause structural problems for the violin? I figure it would require a longer carbon fiber rod at least.

Wei

[David Perry]

Hi Wei,

Thanks for posting and welcome! Hmm, yes, if you lengthened the neck that could cause some problems. Can you say more about what you are finding to be short? Most of the neck dimensions match very well a standard violin, so I'd love to learn more about what you are noticing! 

-David

[Wei Gao]

Now that you point that out, it might actually be the violin body that's shorter than traditional? I'm not that familiar with the construction of violins, but I think different violins might be longer or shorter depending on the maker. So now I'm curious how the body size or shape could be modified without wrecking the sound, or if you could 3D print a viola.

Wei

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Wei Gao

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2022

BS Computer Engineering

wei...@illinois.edu | (513) 767-2728

[David Perry]

Yes -- the body is definitely shorter than standard! That is due primarily to the constraints of my printer. Larger printers are able to print full size bodies, and I think the Hovalin can be printed as one piece and is full size. You might consider building up one of those. 

Sure, it is certainly possible to print a viola, it would just require larger prints, and my machines are printing as long as possible already with the neck and body of the Modular Fiddle. I have always wanted a viola, though...

Some players need the bout as a reference point for higher positions (fifth position and higher I am told). I have just made a design for a neck that has a false bout, it looks like this:

Would a neck like this make a better fiddle for you? 

[Wei Gao]

That looks interesting! I'd be curious to try out the modified neck to see how the ergonomics are. It also makes me wonder about building a false "body" around the fiddle, like some electric violins have. It might make the ergonomics more like a traditional violin, though it might be questionable aesthetically.