The Strohviol - Violin Amplification, Steam-Punk Style

The Strohviol was the brainchild of John Stroh, a London engineer who solved the problem of very noisy, low fidelity recording equipment not able to capture strings. Using his knowledge of gramophones and acoustics, he designed an instrument, whose vibrations across the bridge could be fed into a diaphragm and horn arrangement. He applied for the patent in 1899, and it was granted in 1900. It’s very loud, loud enough to be recorded by the technology of the day, namely wax cylinders and basic shellac records. Popularity waned in the 1920s, with electrical recording making it possible to use microphones instead of acoustic horns, meaning conventional instruments could be used. The Strohviol was not cheap: £10 in 1910 was a lot of money, especially when a standard violin could be had for £2. Many Strohviols were bought by recording companies and studios. It’s also great for busking, and many still exist in Eastern Europe, where home-made examples turn heads not just for quirky looks, but for the sound. Enjoy and Share! Subscribe to my channel....

Category