A Chinese violin maker has realised that the resonating chamber that gives the violin its full rich sound could also double as a stylish speaker. So they stuck a driver inside one of their stringed instruments, and dubbed it the iViolin.
While it loses points for its uninspired name, the iViolin would certainly be a unique addition to a home audio setup. Whenever someone asks you if you know how to play it, you can enthusiastically answer yes!, and then press play on your iPod.
The company is also throwing around the idea of releasing larger instruments as speakers, like a bass that serves as a woofer. But details about when the iViolin will be available are limited to sometime in the spring, with pricing still to be determined. It’s a safe bet it won’t be outrageous, though, since I doubt they’re hacking up priceless instruments just to make a novelty speaker. [Hua Xing String Instruments via Gizmag]
Vebi
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 9:57 AMHuh. I’m skeptical because, having played many double basses, I can tell you that there is an immense difference between even cheap and low-range instruments. It’s all about the construction; whether the front is made of a single, bent sheet of wood or of two, whether the back is a single, solid piece, whether the wood is plywood or actual wood, and so forth. It’s not always that clear cut, either; you get good materials being outdone by cheap basses from China (although you usually need to replace the bridge and fingerboard).
I am fairly confident, however, that the vibration of the heavy strings that cause the instrument to shake slightly will not be achieved by a simple speaker.
Vebi
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 9:59 AMOh, and the “bass” instrument doesn’t exist except in guitars. It’s violin, viola, (violin)cello and double bass.
Vebi
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:00 AMSorry, violoncello.