Interdisciplinary Approach to the Violin: From the Forest Ecosystem, Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control, to the Design of New Instruments

This book can be viewed in many ways as it explores the interdisciplinarity of research in violin engineering and art, being a valuable reference for readers interested in the acoustics of violins and in the science of materials used for making them. In this book, the wood science, the chemistry of varnish, the art and technology of violin making by luthiers and organologic context of violins, are put together giving a holistic view of the subject and complementing the large literature which exists on this instrument. 

The book is addressed to teachers, researchers, makers of musical instruments and artists alike, this being a good premise for understanding the complexity of the interdisciplinary phenomena that musical instruments involve. This book is based on the material most of which was accumulated during the period 2019-2024, within the ACADIA (61PCE/2022) and MINOVIS (568PED/2020) projects, financial supported by The Executive Unit for the Financing of Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation from Romania (UEFISCDI).

Prof. dr. Mariana Domnica STANCIU is specialist in knowledge of dynamic behavior of complex Helmholtz-type structures like strings musical instruments. Based on the collaboration with the musical instrument factories from Reghin, Romania, within the four coordinated scientific research projects, she managed, together with the research team, to form a research pole in this field in Romania She obtained the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering in 2009, from Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania and she is doctoral supervisor since 2023, in the field of mechanical engineering. 

Prof. dr. Voichita BUCUR has expertise in wood science; ultrasound, mechanical characterization of materials, nondestructive testing of wood, wood products, wood – based composites, trees, materials for musical instruments. She is the author of numerous books in the field of musical instruments. During last years, she was awarded numerous prizes: 2021 Medal RWB Stephens, Medal of the Institute of Acoustics UK for outstanding contributions to acoustics research or education; 2019 - Fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science; 2007 - Distinguished Services Award for outstanding research contributions on acoustics and its application to nondestructive testing of wood -Forest Products Laboratory US; 2004 –Silver Medal – Société d’encouragement au progrès Paris, France.