Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-01-27


u We we're prevented by indisposilion from
accepting Mr. Dunderdale's polite invitation TO
examine the Piano Vi0lino-a very curious Viz
einia invention. MIR. D.. stated TO us, that al
thesgh moi an adept with The violin, yet with this
new instrument, he would be able TO produce with
fine fiddle as rapurous tones as "Ole Bull''
could draw from his Cremona.
From what We hear ofthe instrument, We think
il would be "the very thing" Tor US Vrsinians,
who are so fond of dancing, yet have such an an
tipalhy 10 band OF music at parties.
The Compiler thus speaks Of this Wonderful
Virginia Invention:
awe had the pleasure Monday of examining
one of The most curious inventions to which even
this fertile age has given rise Ii is the Piano
Violino, or union oil the piano and violin, invent
ed by Mr.. James S. Wood, Of Buchanan, Va.
The instrument was in this city some time since,
in state less approaching 10 perfection than il
now is. The gentlemen who have charge Of il,
intend 10 exhibit ii 10 the public, with the hope Of
being encouraged to embark in the manufacture
We earnestly urge upon all who either have
curiosity 10 crafty, or take prasewonhy pride
in me productive talent in Virginia, 10 seize The
occasion of inspecting this wonderful achieve.
mcnt Of art and OF aiding its inventor in perfect
ing il.
"All will readily perceive, though without un-
Outstanding The theory of music, that The violin
presents greater difficulties than any other insru-
ment for adaptation TO the piano. There being
no frets, or fixed stops, 10 make the different notes
upon the strings OF the violin, they are made by
the violinist with his fingers; and il is The exeui.
site delicacy Of ear, and long .pracised accuracy
OF judgment, in pressing precisely the proper
part of The string, which chiefly constitutes the
merit of the performer. 1t never. we presume,
occurred 10 any one, except Mr.. Wood, that ma
chinery might be made 10 accomplish this nice
operation. He has, however, wonderfully sue
ceeded.
"His instrument has four bows-one for each
string oil the voin-which are moved backward
and forward by crank turned b. pedal. Each
key Of the piano, when pressed down by the fin
ger, causes an artificial finger to press upon The
proper point of one Of the strings OF the violin,
and al The same instant causes one Of The bows
(all OF which are constantly in motion during
Inc perormance) TO press upon the string near III"
bridge. The length of the note depends upon The
time the key is pressed down, the bow leaving The
string the instant the finger is raised from The key
''The effect Of this arrangement is, in some
tunes very striking The rapid performance
which MUSICIANS call adcc0f0, ON ms instrument,
is very different, in dislncinesS and quick spc
cession OF sounds, from any thing The ordinary
violnisi can elect. Moreover, the art Of sound
ing all The Strings together, which is reached by
none but the most eminent performers, may be
achieved with the four bows Of The piano Yiolino
by the smalles, child that can play on The piano
forte.
"The additional machinery for the attachment
of the violin occupies very little space and we
understand does moi cost more than IS or 80 dol
lar.