Violin tone and violin makers

This study argues that tone is the principal criterion for evaluating violins and examines its alleged sources—wood, construction, varnish, and age—while proposing tone ideals and methods for developing musical quality beyond mechanical copying. It surveys degeneration of tonal standards, types and standards of tone, and contrasts ancient and modern instruments; analyzes the relationships among makers, dealers, experts, and players; and provides biographical and critical sketches of major schools and their instruments. Practical chapters treat how a new violin acquires voice, the tone-builder's aims, and market and cultural forces that shape taste.