The definitive video for the novice, DIY person who wants to know where to locate the violin sound post. My initial misgivings were blown away by your clear and concise information. The best!
I landed here because I realized the sound post my violin came with was very poorly fitted and actually had concave ends. After watching this and many more of your series, I did minimal shaving adjustments and reinstalled at your recommendations, drastic difference. My A string was the weak one and now it is richer and has more resonance. I have three blanks on the way to experiment with. Thank you!
Edgar, por gentileza veja se consegue disponibilizar com legendas para Português. Pois gostaria tanto de poder assistir esse vídeo entendendo toda sua explicação. Abraços.
People whose travel around the world with the violin will also notice that the sound changes according to the relative humidity level. In Cremona where you live (also Europe and Asia) - the humidity is usually higher, which (in general) actually produce better violin sound. In the dryer places, such as deserts like California, western regions in china, the violin requires a different setup to accommodate the low humidity level. For that matter, cold and warm weathers also effect the sound quality of the violin - simply because as the temperature drop below freezing point (0 celsius or 32 Fahrenheit), then the relative humidity will drop, which making the air dryer...OK we may as well talking about thermal expansion - meaning, most matter expand when the temperature heat up...all of it will have to be adjusted accordingly to optimize the sound.
Interesting about the position of that mysterious thing. I would have appreciated to hear the sound and its improvement according to different positions of the post.
Thank you so much for your GREAT service to us violinists who are at a disadvantage when it comes to available and nearby Luthiers. You are extremely knowledgeable and clear and concise in your delivery. You have been more helpful than you could possibly know.
For cello, placing the sound post 4mm (thickness of the top) south of the bridge foot didn't work for me. My instrument was choked. I ended up moving it 10 to 12mm instead to open up my instrument.
I drove my violin repairman crazy. I would come in at least every three months to fine tune my sound post as seasonal temperature and humidity changes affected the sound.
Edgar, can you do a video on how you measure the precise location (lateral and vertical) of the soundpost assuming you've already found its 'best sounding' position? This is to allow you to refit the soundpost to that 'best sounding' position, if you have to.
Excellent. Thank you very much. An inexpensive clip microphone plugged into you camera/phone and clipped to your shirt would make a huge improvement to the sound quality of your videos.
I like this recording about the sound post setting and I have to move it in my Violin a bit away from the bridge, as it is a bit too close. The line you show would be a big help, to get the position of the sound post right. You get 5 stars from me for your youtube publications.
On a Violin or Viola, this seems correct that a good starting point for the soundpost adjustment is that the soundpost should be about the same distance from the bridge as the top thickness. However on Cellos, it seems to me that a better starting point is around 12mm from the bridge, is that correct? I would appreciate your input. Also could you possibly tell us what kind of effect the position of the soundpost relative to the bottom plate has on sound? If it is closer to the edge, the plate is stiffer there, so that would affect the sound also, no?
I always wondered how you figure the measurement of how long the sound post is unless by trial and error with repeated cutting. I enjoy watching your tips.
I can see the reason for placing the bridge feet the same distance from the bass bar and the sound post. What is the reason for placing the SP behind the bridge foot at a distance equivalent to the SP area thickness?
I suppose it's to minimise the longitudinal warping of the top plate. That's why a SP too close to the bridge is not as dangerous as one that's too far (we're not discussing sound here, just structural integrity). The thicker the top and/or the tighter the grain of the top is, the more you can afford to push the SP back, away from the bridge.
Good question! But this is how the instruments basic construction is based on and works the best way. Probably in this way the top is not blocked by the presence of the soundpost but is still avoiding a collapse over long time. All the best ER
Will you please tell us what kind of changes in sound one would expect to hear if you move the sound post too close to the bridge, too far from the bride, too much to the side and too much to the center of the violin ??
First of all put your sound post in the exact position I am telling you here in the video. If you do not do that it is like trying to catch a fly in a completely dark room. Than play and listen. Consider what you like and what you do not like and study what I recommend you hear below. Do one thing at the time and check if things are going exactly in the direction I explain here. If you go closer to the bridge---------> the E and A gets stronger If you go away from the bridge_______> the G and D string gets more important because E and A will be less focused If you pull the Sound Post outside toward the F hole--------> the G and E string becomes stronger but responding of all strings is less quick If you push the sound Post inside towards the center line--------> responding becomes quicker and D and A string become stronger Now the most interesting thing is that if all above is not working exactly that way-----> your Sound Post is not properly fitted. Remember to move less than 1mm. 0,1mm sometimes can make already a huge difference Enjoy all the best ER
Dear Darwin I hope this reply is not too late. Just for the sake of trying to cure your instrument sound, try to make the string length a little longer by moving the bridge toward the tail end and move the sound post closer to the bridge...in fact in general by moving bridge toward the tail end will also make the bridge closer to the sound post automatically. Don't worry about by what distance you should move. Just move in the little steps - it should be judged by the sound it produces. Another word, the best location should be where the instrument produce the best sounding...I hope this help - good luck !
Thank you Edgar, for the information, I would like your opinion on the tapered sound post which is combined with a high nut, higher neck elevation and a higher bridge. I think this is how they set up violins in Vienna. What does one gain by this set-up?
I need an explanation, please. When you speak about the numbers, 3 /2.4 / 3.2, are you talking about the thickness of the wood above the soundpost? If yes, is it this about both thicknesses, the plane above and plane below the soundpost, or is it related only to the thickness above the soundpost? Grazie
These measurements are referring to the thickness of the top plate in that specific area of a violin. it is not always the same measurement. It changes from maker to maker and from wood to wood and from violinmaking school to school.
My viola has the base bar edge and the sound post OUTSIDE of the bridge feet 2mm on each side. It hard to get sound out of the instrument. Will getting a wider bridge with feet that overhangs the bass bar and sound post make a big difference?
Edgar Russ, desculpe entendo apenas o portugues (brasil), para cello seria as mesmas medidas 3mm??? Edgar Russ, sorry I understand only the portuguese (Brazil), for cello would be the same measurements 3mm ???
Ma parla Italiano? Che bello!!! Pensavo fosse Tedesco o Svizzero. Voglio imparare tutto su come fare i double bass. Thank you for you r videos are very important.
Scusi per non essere riuscita a sentire il suo accento correttamente. Voglio scolpire un Contrabbasso (spero) per mio figlio e non so nulla in proposito. Sono molto riconoscente per poter vedere il suo lavoro, grazie, Lei e` un Genio!
Worst possible place. The Sound post creates a node in the plate wherever it is. You don't want this as it chokes the vibration coming from the right foot of the bridge.
I so hate that music in the beginning. Triviality. Now, I have a question. The length of the soundpost determines what force it exerts. How is that determined and what's the best way to approach this?
not centimeters!!!! just a few millimetres. the precise measure is approximately 3mm on a violin approximately 3,5 mm for a viola approximately 5 mm on a cello and 10 for the bass. exact would be if you know the thickness of the top in that exact point. and than you have to adjust by ear and very little by little enjoy ER
Please, get to the point. What distance back from the back edge of or center line of the bridge foot, to the concentric center of the sound post?! Metric/Standard, we don't care. Just how far, man?! Good Lord!...
The definitive video for the novice, DIY person who wants to know where to locate the violin sound post. My initial misgivings were blown away by your clear and concise information. The best!
Very nice to hear that!
Have fun and enjoy learning!
All the best from Cremona.
Edgar
Check also my Patreon Channel!
😉
I landed here because I realized the sound post my violin came with was very poorly fitted and actually had concave ends. After watching this and many more of your series, I did minimal shaving adjustments and reinstalled at your recommendations, drastic difference. My A string was the weak one and now it is richer and has more resonance. I have three blanks on the way to experiment with. Thank you!
Edgar, por gentileza veja se consegue disponibilizar com legendas para Português.
Pois gostaria tanto de poder assistir esse vídeo entendendo toda sua explicação.
Abraços.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
People whose travel around the world with the violin will also notice that the sound changes according to the relative humidity level. In Cremona where you live (also Europe and Asia) - the humidity is usually higher, which (in general) actually produce better violin sound. In the dryer places, such as deserts like California, western regions in china, the violin requires a different setup to accommodate the low humidity level. For that matter, cold and warm weathers also effect the sound quality of the violin - simply because as the temperature drop below freezing point (0 celsius or 32 Fahrenheit), then the relative humidity will drop, which making the air dryer...OK we may as well talking about thermal expansion - meaning, most matter expand when the temperature heat up...all of it will have to be adjusted accordingly to optimize the sound.
Thank you for sharing. I am a guitarist not a violin player but I understand. Again, thank you.
Interesting about the position of that mysterious thing. I would have appreciated to hear the sound and its improvement according to different positions of the post.
have you seen the other videos where you can hear the difference in sound? check them out!
Link: ua-cam.com/video/fEv3NF3AMx8/v-deo.html
Yes, I saw them, it satisfies my question, thanks. But it needs an already expert ear !
@@maximeloiseau8050 If its any consolation, I could certainly hear it!
Thank you Mr. Russ this helped me a lot!
Thank you so much.
All the best
ER
Thank you so much for your GREAT service to us violinists who are at a disadvantage when it comes to available and nearby Luthiers. You are extremely knowledgeable and clear and concise in your delivery. You have been more helpful than you could possibly know.
Thank you, I would really like to know why though. But thank you for this I will check out your other material.
I think the woodgrain of the soundpost need to be perpendicular to the woodgrain of the spruce top plate
For cello, placing the sound post 4mm (thickness of the top) south of the bridge foot didn't work for me. My instrument was choked. I ended up moving it 10 to 12mm instead to open up my instrument.
I drove my violin repairman crazy. I would come in at least every three months to fine tune my sound post as seasonal temperature and humidity changes affected the sound.
Edgar, can you do a video on how you measure the precise location (lateral and vertical) of the soundpost assuming you've already found its 'best sounding' position? This is to allow you to refit the soundpost to that 'best sounding' position, if you have to.
May I know how far should place the sound post from bridge?
Excellent. Thank you very much. An inexpensive clip microphone plugged into you camera/phone and clipped to your shirt would make a huge improvement to the sound quality of your videos.
I like this recording about the sound post setting and I have to move it in my Violin a bit away from the bridge, as it is a bit too close. The line you show would be a big help, to get the position of the sound post right. You get 5 stars from me for your youtube publications.
Thank you so much!
ER
Super thanks!
So the diameter from the bottom of the bridge 'foot' there is a gap of the diameter of the circle of the soundpost right?
On a Violin or Viola, this seems correct that a good starting point for the soundpost adjustment is that the soundpost should be about the same distance from the bridge as the top thickness. However on Cellos, it seems to me that a better starting point is around 12mm from the bridge, is that correct? I would appreciate your input. Also could you possibly tell us what kind of effect the position of the soundpost relative to the bottom plate has on sound? If it is closer to the edge, the plate is stiffer there, so that would affect the sound also, no?
Thanks !
You are welcome
ER
I always wondered how you figure the measurement of how long the sound post is unless by trial and error with repeated cutting.
I enjoy watching your tips.
same here
There is a tool for that. It has to legs that adjusts inside the violin
Very helpful.
Great Video!!! But one question. What about double bass? How far schould the sound post be placed from the Bridge?
Should the sound post be on the left or right side for a cello? And should you be using one or two sound posts? Thank you
I can see the reason for placing the bridge feet the same distance from the bass bar and the sound post. What is the reason for placing the SP behind the bridge foot at a distance equivalent to the SP area thickness?
I suppose it's to minimise the longitudinal warping of the top plate. That's why a SP too close to the bridge is not as dangerous as one that's too far (we're not discussing sound here, just structural integrity). The thicker the top and/or the tighter the grain of the top is, the more you can afford to push the SP back, away from the bridge.
@@odconstant Correct! You got it man!
🤓
all the best
ER
Good question!
But this is how the instruments basic construction is based on and works the best way.
Probably in this way the top is not blocked by the presence of the soundpost but is still avoiding a collapse over long time.
All the best
ER
Gracias por la explicación.
Prego, prego! Sono felice che piace!
You are welcome! I am so happy that you like it.
Thank you, very important information
Si, si. Ottimo video, e quelle sedie! Eccellente ! Grazie mille.
Grazie! Per ulteriori informazioni riguardo alle sedie mandi una mail a edgar@eruss.it.
Buona serata!
Sonho em ter um violino feito por você
Very kind of you!
You make my day!
all the best
ER
Thank you!
Will you please tell us what kind of changes in sound one would expect to hear if you move the sound post too close to the bridge, too far from the bride, too much to the side and too much to the center of the violin ??
Thank you for your response .
First of all put your sound post in the exact position I am telling you here in the video.
If you do not do that it is like trying to catch a fly in a completely dark room.
Than play and listen.
Consider what you like and what you do not like and study what I recommend you hear below.
Do one thing at the time and check if things are going exactly in the direction I explain here.
If you go closer to the bridge---------> the E and A gets stronger
If you go away from the bridge_______> the G and D string gets more important because E and A will be less focused
If you pull the Sound Post outside toward the F hole--------> the G and E string becomes stronger but responding of all strings is less quick
If you push the sound Post inside towards the center line--------> responding becomes quicker and D and A string become stronger
Now the most interesting thing is that if all above is not working exactly that way-----> your Sound Post is not properly fitted.
Remember to move less than 1mm. 0,1mm sometimes can make already a huge difference
Enjoy
all the best
ER
Need to learn mic adjustment
Wie stellt man den Stimmstock mit einer Saitenlänge ein?
Woah, I always thought the sound was directly under the foot of the bridge, is there a reason its a little bit under it instead?
Danke!!😊👍👍
Hello. Why don't your videos allow automatic translation? I follow you but I don't understand you.
Thanks for sharing!
Can you please, explain how to improve the sound of a cello? My instrument has a ugly wolf efect on D string.
Ok, I will make soon a Video about it.
Thanks for the patience
all the best
ER
Dear Darwin I hope this reply is not too late. Just for the sake of trying to cure your instrument sound, try to make the string length a little longer by moving the bridge toward the tail end and move the sound post closer to the bridge...in fact in general by moving bridge toward the tail end will also make the bridge closer to the sound post automatically. Don't worry about by what distance you should move. Just move in the little steps - it should be judged by the sound it produces. Another word, the best location should be where the instrument produce the best sounding...I hope this help - good luck !
Muchà gracias ; una pregunta aproximadamente cuantos mm son de distancia de con respecto a la barracarmonica
Thank you Edgar, for the information, I would like your opinion on the tapered sound post which is combined with a high nut, higher neck elevation and a higher bridge. I think this is how they set up violins in Vienna. What does one gain by this set-up?
Just curious, were you ever able to find out this information?
@@scootermom1791 I think it's called the New York set-up.
@@kyproset okay thank you!
I need an explanation, please. When you speak about the numbers, 3 /2.4 / 3.2, are you talking about the thickness of the wood above the soundpost? If yes, is it this about both thicknesses, the plane above and plane below the soundpost, or is it related only to the thickness above the soundpost? Grazie
These measurements are referring to the thickness of the top plate in that specific area of a violin. it is not always the same measurement. It changes from maker to maker and from wood to wood and from violinmaking school to school.
Thank you so much :D Ciao
Merci Edgar! Est ce le même calcul pour l’alto et le violoncelle ?
Hi ! How to find out the thickness of the top of the violin ? I am not sure if the Manufacturer informs the Buyer ! Thank you.
approximately 3mm.
🤔
☺️
all the best
ER
Question: What do you think about the product called ToneRite? Any experience with one? Any input is appreciated. Thank you.
My viola has the base bar edge and the sound post OUTSIDE of the bridge feet 2mm on each side. It hard to get sound out of the instrument. Will getting a wider bridge with feet that overhangs the bass bar and sound post make a big difference?
Great Video! THANKS!!
I am so glad you appreciated it! Thanks for watching :) Have a nice day!
Edgar Russ, desculpe entendo apenas o portugues (brasil), para cello seria as mesmas medidas 3mm???
Edgar Russ, sorry I understand only the portuguese (Brazil), for cello would be the same measurements 3mm ???
Leandro Avila Soares para cello 5mm circa!
@@EdgarRuss ok muito obrigado
Funny trick. I enjoy. Tnks!
😊
Shouldn't the grain of soundpost be parallel with the grain of the soundboard? Ps reply
Salve,secondo lei 4 mm dietro al piedino del ponticello è una distanza eccessiva? Parlo di un violino,grazie !
Sembra un po lontano. Ma direi anche che ogni violino 'e leggermente diverso.
e Po e poi:
"Never change a winning horse"
a presto
ER
Why not install 2 sound posts..?
Fanny Buster 😂where should we put it?
Ma parla Italiano? Che bello!!! Pensavo fosse Tedesco o Svizzero. Voglio imparare tutto su come fare i double bass. Thank you for you r videos are very important.
Sono Austriaco, ma parlo anche italiano. Grazie per vedere i miei video!
Scusi per non essere riuscita a sentire il suo accento correttamente. Voglio scolpire un Contrabbasso (spero) per mio figlio e non so nulla in proposito. Sono molto riconoscente per poter vedere il suo lavoro, grazie, Lei e` un Genio!
more precisely, I am nativ austrian living and working for over 35 years in Cremona Italy.
Hi, how would the sound be affected if the sound post is a little bit under the bridge?
Worst possible place. The Sound post creates a node in the plate wherever it is. You don't want this as it chokes the vibration coming from the right foot of the bridge.
I want to make my sound on my cello deeper and richer
I so hate that music in the beginning. Triviality. Now, I have a question. The length of the soundpost determines what force it exerts. How is that determined and what's the best way to approach this?
I ask you ? how far from soundpost to bridge by centimeters . thank you
not centimeters!!!!
just a few millimetres.
the precise measure is
approximately 3mm on a violin
approximately 3,5 mm for a viola
approximately 5 mm on a cello
and 10 for the bass.
exact would be if you know the thickness of the top in that exact point.
and than you have to adjust by ear and very little by little
enjoy
ER
Non si chiama «flip chart» bensì «whiteboard»
👍
❤
🙏❤️🙏
😍
Please, get to the point.
What distance back from the back edge of or center line of the bridge foot, to the concentric center of the sound post?!
Metric/Standard, we don't care.
Just how far, man?!
Good Lord!...
Cant here you...
To much echo.
very pooooooooooooooor explanation --- very poooooooooooooooor instructor .
SIR, YOUR SPEECH IS NOT CLEAR. CAN USE GOOD MIKE TO EXPLAIN YOUR EXPETISE EXPLANATION OF SOUND POST ERECTION SPOT INSIDE THE VIOLIN...
❤