Stroh Violin

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The Stroh violin, also known as the Stroviol, is a unique stringed instrument featuring a metal resonator and a horn for sound amplification. Invented in 1899 by Johannes Matthias Augustus Stroh, an electrical engineer from Frankfurt, the Stroh violin has a distinctive design that sets it apart from traditional wooden violins. Its louder, more focused sound made it especially useful in the early days of acoustic-mechanical recording, when traditional violins struggled to project their sound clearly during recordings.

History of the Stroh Violin

The Stroh violin was patented in the United Kingdom in 1899. Johannes Stroh’s design featured a flat metal diaphragm and a conical resonator that amplified the sound, making it ideal for recording in studios. Unlike traditional violins that rely on a wooden soundbox for resonance, the Stroh violin uses a metal horn attached to the body to direct sound waves more effectively.

The instrument gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in recording studios where its clear projection was a major advantage. However, its use declined after the 1920s with the advent of electric microphones and modern recording techniques.

Design and Features

The Stroh violin includes a horn positioned at the end of its fingerboard, which projects sound toward the audience or a recording horn. Many models also include a smaller horn aimed at the player’s ear, allowing them to hear their performance more clearly. The main resonator is a conical structure with a flat metal diaphragm that vibrates to produce sound when the strings are played.

Stroh violins are significantly louder than traditional violins and provide directional sound, making them useful in situations where amplification is needed without electronic means. This design feature made it a favored instrument in small theaters and music halls.

Usage in Music

Though its popularity waned with advancements in recording technology, the Stroh violin found a niche among experimental musicians and certain regional music styles. In the 1920s, it was notably used by tango orchestras in Buenos Aires, where it was called the “violín-corneta” (cornet violin). Today, artists like Tom Waits, Shakira, and various experimental music groups have used the Stroh violin for its distinctive sound.

The Stroh violin has also been used in various film scores and avant-garde music, bringing a unique sonic quality that evokes a vintage and otherworldly atmosphere.

Similar Instruments

Other instruments with similar designs include the Romanian horn violin, which shares the same basic principle but has a narrower horn and a more directional sound. The Romanian horn violin is still used in regional folk music, especially in the Bihor region, to accompany traditional dances and songs. Additionally, the violinophone, developed in Prague, also features a diaphragm and horn for sound amplification, similar to the Stroh violin.

FAQ

What is a Stroh violin?

A Stroh violin is a type of stringed instrument that uses a metal resonator and horn to amplify its sound, making it louder than a traditional wooden violin. It was invented in 1899 by Johannes Matthias Augustus Stroh in London.

Why was the Stroh violin invented?

The Stroh violin was designed to solve the problem of poor sound projection in early recording technology. Its metal resonator and horn produced a louder and more focused sound, making it ideal for early phonographic recording sessions.

How does the Stroh violin differ from a regular violin?

The Stroh violin uses a metal resonator and horn instead of a wooden body to project sound, making it much louder and more directional. Traditional violins rely on a wooden soundbox for resonance, while the Stroh violin directs sound through its metal horn.

Is the Stroh violin still used today?

Yes, although rare, the Stroh violin is used by some modern musicians for its distinctive sound. It is sometimes featured in experimental and folk music, as well as in performances seeking to evoke early 20th-century sounds.

What is a Romanian horn violin?

The Romanian horn violin is a similar instrument to the Stroh violin. It uses a narrow horn for sound projection and is commonly used in Romanian folk music. Like the Stroh violin, it uses a metal resonator to amplify sound but is often simpler in construction.

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