The Possibility of Scientific and Affective Support Expected by Luthiers in Violin Design

Abstract

Violins have existed for five centuries without changing the philosophy and design of traditional artisans, without being taken in by industrial advances such as alternative materials and efficiency that have accompanied many technological innovations since the Industrial Revolution. Violin has a long historical background with traditions inherited by the luthiers have attracted numerous researchers to conduct scientific research. However, it is not clear to what extent luthiers are interested in and aware of scientific research. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the attitudes of luthiers toward scientific research. The results of the survey indicated that luthiers are highly interested in scientific research and seek ways to deepen their own understanding by connecting science their own practice through visualization of violin phenomena, and that scientific research may have a beneficial effect on luthier development as an affective support.