We went to see Valli, my mum’s friend, who makes viola da gamba and violins.
They use three different kinds of wood. The sides are made from a hard wood because they need to be strong. The top and back are made from a softer wood which makes better sound vibrations. For this part they use a special maple wood. The black wood where the strings go is called ebony. It is the hardest wood of all.
They carve the wood with special knives and put in different coloured wood to make cool patterns.
Here is a photo of some viola da gamba that have patterns on them. Take a close look at these viola da gamba strings, I bet you will never guess what they are made of.
Some of the sheep intestines have silver on them.
Viola da gamba strings are made of these things. These things are, you probably will not believe me, are sheep intestines. Next time you pick a viola da gamba, remember to wash your hands afterwards.
7 responses to “Violins”
Wow Isy – looks like you’re having an absolute blast and learning so much! I used to play the viola de gamba in primary school when I was about your age! How cool you got to see how they were made at your mum’s friend’s shop. I was utterly shocked by the sheep intestines being used to craft the strings!!! Unreal. I can’t wait to show the class your travels when we’re back at school next week and I look forward to reading more of your blog posts. Love, Miss Smith
Hi, miss smith! Thanks so much for responding to my post! Nobody is responding to my posts.🥺 please, please keep responding to my posts, yours, thankfully, izzy.
Hi Isobel,
I had no idea what violin strings were made of! What an interesting fact. Those are some beautiful violins.
Take care, can’t wait to keep reading.
Aunty Ghada xx
Thanks a lot!
Wow Isy, those are such great facts that I would have never known!??
From: Isla (your cousin.?)
Thanks, but just so you know, its spelled Izzy.
How interesting! I’ve never heard about this before. Maybe if I would have kept playing the violin when I was your age and hadn’t quit after only 6 months, I would have found out about it earlier ??♀️?
I hope you keep up writing your blogposts because I love reading about all your adventures ??
Marie xx