Conchoidal curves for the violin maker

A geometrical solution to the long arch of the violin

Abstract

This article explores the possible use of a geometrical system to describe the traditional shape of the long arch of the violin family instruments. It presents a historical context based on period documents on which a hypothesis is established. A solution to the geometrical problem is described and then compared to actual period instruments arching shapes. The results show a good correlation to the samples which appears to validate the efficiency of the solution.