Fun Facts About Violins

The basic facts about violins can help music lovers to better appreciate this humble instrument.

Here are some fun facts about violins, some you may be familiar with, but most you've probably never heard before.

• The violin was officially designed by Andrea Amati, an Italian lute maker. Amati was asked to build the violin as a lighter alternative to the lyre.
• Antonio Stradivarius is responsible for creating possibly the best violin in the world, aptly named the Stradivarius.
• Many professional violinists choose to play the Stradivarius.
• Stradivarius violins can go for millions of dollars.
• The modern violin has been around for roughly 500 years. It was designed in the 1500s.
• The violin used to be known as the "kit" in Italy.
• The violin is part of the violin family which also includes the cello, the bass viol and the viola.
• The violin is the smallest member of the violin family.
• The violin is the most popular instrument among children.
• Playing the violin burns 170 calories an hour.
• Violins can be electric or non-electric.
• Violins are generally either maple or spruce.
• Violins these days are constructed from over 70 pieces of wood.
• Violins range in size. The smallest being just 37 millimeters.
• Violin strings are generally tuned to G, D, A, and E.
• Violinists are able to use both sides of the brain better than most non-violinists.
• Though the violin used to be an instrument for the lower class, today it is highly regarded and respected as a difficult instrument to learn.