Index of Articles

Introduction to the project

Thoroughly Modern Modal: G. Bissinger (VSAP, 2008)
A non-technical report about the Strad 3D research project at ECU
Pdf - 3 mb
A Scanner in the Works: S. Zygmuntowicz (The STRAD, Jan-2009)
Violinmakers encounter acoustics; Combining traditional documentation and technology
Pdf - 2 mb
Strad3 and the Oberlin Acoustics Team: Fan-Tao Chia
Pdf - 52kb

Research and reference

Structural acoustics of good and bad violins: G. Bissinger (JASA 2008)
A technical paper, summarizing the results of the Viocadaes and Strad3D research
Pdf -550 kb
Structural acoustics the violin radiativity profile; G. Bissinger (JASA 2008)
Pdf -908 kb
Strad3D acoustics scans: G. Bissinger
Detailed test data of the Project violin's spectra; sound radiation and body admittance
Excel - 7.8 mb
Strad3D Subjective evaluation: G. Bissinger with Ara Gregorian
Comments about the project violins, in informal playing tests
Excell - 16kb
The Titian Stradivari: S. Zygmuntowicz (The STRAD, Feb-2009)
Using the varied Strad3D resources to study the Titian Stradivari, 1715
Pdf - 3.1mb
Two Forms: Francois Denis
Recreating the Geometric design of the Titian Strad and Plowden Guarneri, using renaissance proportional design methods--with detailed drafting instructions
Pdf - 31 mb
Dendrochronology: John Topham
An analysis of the age and source of the project violin's spruce tops.
Pdf - 1.4 mb
Thickness Contour Maps: Jeffrey Loen(Strad3D, 2009)
Using geographical software to map violin thickness.
Pdf - 196 kb
Provenance of the violins: Christopher Ruening
A brief history of the project violins
Pdf - 56 kb
POLYTEC QuickStart Guide: S. Zygmuntowicz
WINDOWS computers only; How to use the Polytec ScanViewer and Modal files
Pdf - 244 kb
Musical Note Frequencies
Reference chart to convert musical pitch to "Hertz"
Pdf - 36 kb
Glossary of Acoustic Terms: Gabriel Weinreich
Pdf - 204 kb

Additional reading

Notes on Bissinger research papers: G. Bissinger
Comments about implications of these papers for violinmakers.
Pdf - 1mb
The violin bridge as filter: G. Bissinger (JASA, 2006)
An investigation of the role of the bridge as a vital and variable component of violin sound
Pdf - 1mb
Surprising Regularity between the plate modes 1 and 5 and the B1 body modes: G. Bissinger (VSA 2007)
Linking free plate tuning to whole body modes
Pdf - 1.1 mb
Violin surface and f-hole air motions animations: G. Bissinger interface
Pdf - 84 kb
General introduction to Acoustics and testing: Joseph Curtin & Martin Schleske
This four-part series is a concise introduction to the field of violin acoustics, with some basic theory, fundamental concepts, and some guidance for violinmakers who wish to experiment with acoustic measurement in their own workshops.

These articles were written by Joseph Curtin and Martin Schleske, both violinmakers deeply involved with acoustic research. Originally published in the STRAD Magazine in 2003/2004.
1. Can You Hear Me? Sound and Projection (The STRAD, 2008-09)
  Pdf - 10.4 mb
2. A World Apart; Comparing the sound of old and new violins (The STRAD, 2008-09)
  Pdf - 312kb
3. Man and Machine; Using computers in the workshop (The STRAD, 2008-09)
  Pdf - 172kb
4. Domestic Bliss; Acoustic testing for violinmakers (The STRAD, 2008-09)
  Pdf - 124 kb
5. Corrections to Curtin/Schleske articles 1 & 4
  Pdf - 160 kb
Measuring Violin Sound: Joseph Curtin (Strad3D 2009)
Violin spectra and sound testing using a calibrated Impact Hammer
Pdf - 492kb
Signature Mode Shapes: George Stoppani(Strad3D 2009)
Introducing the basic modes with animations, including bending animations
Modes and More: George Stoppani(Strad3D 2009)
Why should violinmakers be interested in modes? An Introduction
Pdf 628 - kb
Bending Maps: George Stoppani (Strad3D 2009)
Are these areas where a violinmaker could make effective modal changes?
Pdf 628 - kb
CT Scanning: Dr. Steven Sirr and John Waddle
Use of CT scanning for the detection of internal damage, repair and determination of authenticity in high quality violins Pdf - 1.3 mb
Oberlin Violin Acoustics Workshop Report: Todd Matus (VSA, 2007)
Pdf - 1.2 mb
Afterwards; Zeitgeist and Violinmaking: Martin Schleske
An historical overview of changing attitudes and interests in violinmaking.
Pdf - 160kb
Science and the Stradivarius Violin: Colin Gough (revised for Strad3D 2009)
Colin Gough received the 2001 Science Writing Award for Professionals in Acoustics from the Acoustical Society of America for this article.
Pdf - 404 kb
What Can a Maker Hope to Control? J. Woodhouse (CASJ, Vol. 4, # 5, 2002)
Pdf - 88 kb
Radiation as We Know It: Gabriel Weinreich (CASJ Vol.4, No. 5 2002)
Pdf - 60kb
What Science Knows, and What it Doesn't: Gabriel Weinreich
Klopsteg Memorial Lecture, American Journal of Physics 61 (12) Dec. 1993: Reprinted with permission Gabriel Weinreich and the American Association of Physics Teachers. © 1993. Pdf - 1.3 Mb

All rights are retained by the individual contributors. All reprinted articles appear with permission from the authors and the journals in which they first appeared.