Single-string Cello With Bell, 1900s Era - Musical Instrument

Single-string cello with bell, 1900s era. This is a violin and cello making technique that was created by the Stroviol brand and then spread to various violin making workshops. The principle is that the string(s) are connected directly or via a bridge to a phonograph needle with a bell that directs the sound via a phonograph membrane onto a metal bell. The aim is to make the sound directional, which at the beginning of recordings and the use of microphones made it possible to "capture" the sound easily for amplification or recording. These instruments have been called jazz violins or jazz cellos. These instruments are either single-stringed or have four strings like the original quartet instruments. Sometimes even the membrane and bell system was incorporated into a classically made violin, and we find such instruments "trumpet violins" made at the time at the famous violin factory in Mirecourt JTL. Other countries are known to continue to manufacture them, such as in Eastern Europe or Thailand. The instrument presented here measures 89 cm long with a vibrating string length of 63 cm. The ebony fingerboard is fretless with three small mother-of-pearl markers. The string is tuned using an ebony violin peg. The body of the instrument is made of mahogany. The bell is made of silver-plated copper. The instrument is held between the thighs. In short, a beautiful example of this type of instrument.