Modal analysis of a violin

The vibrational behavior of a violin is studied using modal analysis techniques. The violin was considered to be an input–output system, and impact testing was used to measure the frequency response functions for the instrument over the frequency range of 0–1300 Hz. Both the input force and the response acceleration were recorded and analyzed. The results provide a complete modal data base for this violin, information which may be used to characterize the instrument in subsequent analytical studies. It was concluded that the violin, exclusive of the strings, can be modeled as a linear second-order system, and its vibrational behavior can be expressed as a summation of real normal modes. The neck fingerboard of the violin undergoes large amplitude motions at many frequencies, and the ‘‘feel’’ of a violin is related to these lower order modes of the instrument. The A1 air mode and the ‘‘main wood’’ resonance of the top plate are intimately interrelated and both contribute to the radiated sound of the instrument.