1. Body Construction:
- Baroque violins have a wider and shorter body compared to modern violins,giving them a more rounded shape.
- Modern violins have a narrower waist and longer body, which leads to a more angular appearance.
2. Neck and Scroll:
- The neck of a baroque violin is shorter, thicker, and typically has a deeper curve than the neck of a modern violin.
- Baroque violins have a more ornate and elaborate scroll with finer carvings, while modern violins often have a simpler scroll design.
3. Strings:
- Historically, baroque violins were strung with gut strings, while modern violins primarily use steel strings.
- Gut strings produce a warmer, mellower sound, whereas steel strings offer greater volume, brilliance, and clarity.
4. Bridge Shape and Position:
- The bridge of a baroque violin is usually rounder in shape and positioned lower and further back on the body than the bridge of a modern violin.
- This positioning affects the string tension and results in a lower overall string tension.
5. String Length and Tension:
- Baroque violins typically have a shorter string length compared to modern violins.
- This difference in string length directly affects the string tension, with baroque violins having a lower tension than modern violins.
6. Fingerboard Curvature:
- Baroque violins often feature a flatter and less pronounced fingerboard curvature than modern violins.
- This can have an impact on finger placement and technique.
7. Chin Rest and Tailpiece:
- Baroque violins do not have a chin rest, and instead have a small button called a "chin button."
- Modern violins incorporate a chin rest to provide comfort and stability.
8. Playing Techniques:
- Historical performance practices dictate that baroque violins are typically played with a lighter bow pressure and a less aggressive vibrato compared to modern violins.
- This style of playing allows for more clarity, articulation, and nuanced ornamentation that are characteristic of baroque music.
9. Intonation and Tuning:
- Baroque violins are generally tuned at a lower pitch than modern violins (around A=415 Hz, compared to A=440 Hz used by modern violins).
- They also have different intonation patterns due to the differences in string tension and scale length.
The differences between baroque and modern violins reflect their unique musical purposes. Baroque violins are specifically designed to produce the rich, warm, and mellow sound desired in baroque music, while modern violins are crafted to provide greater volume, clarity, and versatility for a wider range of musical styles.