THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERTONES
The richness and integrity of overtones are essential criteria for evaluating a violin's acoustic quality. While high-quality materials are important, they alone do not determine a violin's sound. The exceptional acoustic properties of Stradivari violins arise not only from the fine spruce and varnish of the 17th and 18th centuries but also from the meticulous refinement of their overtone-generating structural design.
Analysis of Stradivari's works from 1701 to 1732 reveals a notable increase in overtone complexity over time, suggesting that the Stradivari family continuously improved their craftsmanship. They focused on the synergy of soundwave resonance, resulting in richer and more intricate overtones.
Modern violin makers have attempted to replicate Stradivari’s techniques by emulating his wood treatment and varnish formulas. However, they often fall short of recreating his acoustic mastery because the true secret lies in precise structural mechanics.
Grasping the Power of Overtones
Understanding overtones is essential for appreciating the true acoustic quality of a violin. When you play the first string, E5, the fundamental tone resonates at 660Hz. You can evaluate the violin's sound quality simply by gently plucking the string. This method offers an objective assessment of the violin's tone, minimizing the influence of playing skill.
Demonstration A
Consider a violin priced at around US$2,000. The fundamental tone is clear, but the 2x overtone is barely audible, while the 3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x overtones fade into silence. If the volume decreases by 20dB, these overtones become nearly inaudible, indicating a lack of richness in sound. This is a common characteristic of many violins on the market.
Demonstration B
Now, let’s analyse the sound of the Macau Violin Taipa series. When you play the same fundamental tone, the volumes of the 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x overtones are significantly pronounced. The 3x overtone is nearly as loud as the fundamental tone, while the 6x overtone also stands out, showcasing a long decay period.
This richness in overtones is evident even in a newly crafted instrument, revealing the secret behind the Stradivarius: its unique structural design that fosters overtone production.
The Impact of Overtones on Performance
Instruments with rich overtones provide a natural reverb effect, creating a comfortable and immersive sound experience. Conversely, violins lacking overtones can produce harsh, grating sounds, especially for beginners who are still mastering their technique. This challenge is a common reason many students abandon their violin studies.
Choosing the Macau Violin can transform your experience, helping you regain confidence and rediscover the joy of music. Miss Hidy Chan, a violin teacher from Macao, praises the Macau Violin: "The sound is loud and penetrating; the bass is mellow, while the treble is gentle. The overall tone is harmonious."
When you play an instrument rich in overtones, each note resonates beautifully, making it easier to produce a pleasing sound. The Macau Violin addresses the difficulties many learners face, enabling you to create beautiful tones effortlessly and enhancing your musical journey.
Why Has the String Instrument World Been Slow to Embrace Overtones?
The scarcity of structural overtones in most string instruments is a significant barrier. Even in the acoustic and classical guitar realm, only a few brands have successfully integrated structural overtone technology.
In 2022, after years of research, Japan's OTS LAB uncovered the 300-year-old secret of structural overtones in violins. This technology was first applied to guitars, yielding remarkable results. Building on this success, OTS LAB established Macau Violin in 2024, launching a range of violins designed with overtone systems.
