Five-string violin

A five string violin bears strong structural resemblance to a traditional violin.

A five-string violin is a variant violin with an extra string tuned to a pitch below the violin's usual range. In addition to the G, D, A, and E strings of a standard violin, a five-string violin typically includes a lower C string.^[1] Violins with 6 or more strings exist too adding on a Low F, Low B♭, Low E♭, and a Soprano Violin High A (sometimes a High B).^{[citation needed]}

The five-string violin was created as a solution for improvisers that allowed musicians to combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola. Bobby Hicks, a noted bluegrass fiddler, popularized the five-string violin in 1963 as he first showcased his modification during his performance in Las Vegas. Due to the size limitations of a five-string violin, the low C string typically resonates slightly softer than the other strings. Five-string violas also exist, with strings tuned the same adding on a High E & w/ a Viola body it doesn't sound that squeaky.^[2][3] Capable players may be able to counteract these shortcomings with technique, and electric instruments eliminate these issues with the benefit of amplification. Certain builders also make instruments that resolve the issue by adjusting the size of the instrument, but these are rare.

Structure[]

The components that make up a five-string violin are very similar to those found on a traditional violin. The strings are typically tuned to the following pitches, given in scientific pitch notation: C3, G3, D4, A4 and E5. The shape of the body and neck of a five-string violin closely resemble that of a traditional violin. The body may be slightly wider and deeper to improve the resonance of the C string, though still smaller than a viola. It features a larger pegbox to accommodate the fifth string.

Uses[]

Five-string violins excel in musical styles that allow for improvisation because of their wide range and versatility. They are most commonly used in country fiddling, swing, and jazz music. Users of this instrument favor its ability to play pieces written for either violin or viola as well as new pieces that utilize the combined ranges of those instruments.

References[]

• "Polish Jazz". Acid at Home (in Polish). 2009. Archived from the original on April 19, 2009.
• "5 String Violins: The Black Sheep of the Family?". Violinist.
• Penland, Joe (2010). "A Comfortable Place for Grammy-Winner Bobby Hicks". Visit Madison County. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011.
• "Note Frequencies". www.seventhstring.com.
• Whyatt, Christine (2006). "Why Not Five?" (PDF). Gelbass.com.

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