Pancake Violin

Frederick A. Saunders American, born Canada

20th century

Not on view

This is an experimental instrument used to establish the optimum air resonance for a violin;. The wide, elongated sound holes help raise the Helmholtz resonance of the enclosed air chamber. In establisihing the optimal dimensions of the instruments forming her Violin Octet, Carleen Hutchins worked with Dr. Saunders at his Harvard laboratory. The label of this instrulment reflects this collaboration.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Pancake Violin
Maker: Frederick A. Saunders (American (born Canada), London, Ontario 1875–1963 South Hadley, Massachusetts)
Date: 20th century
Geography: United States
Culture: American
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: Overall: 17.8 x 2.5 x 30.5cm (7 x 1 x 12in.)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
Credit Line: Gift of Carleen Maley Hutchins, 2002
Object Number: 2002.571.7
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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