Revised 2/2009
...After almost ten years of practical research into violin acoustics, I now offer a special tap tone tool which I find helpful in hearing the fundament tap tone of violin parts such as fingerboards, tailpieces, end pins nuts and saddles. I developed this tool in the course of preparation of an article for the summer 2009 Violin Society of America Journal (VSAJ) on tap tuning fingerboards and tailpieces, (which the editor of the VSAJ asked me to prepare after I demonstrated the process to him on his own Italian violin at the 2008 annual convention).
...Even though the top and back plate fundamental tap tone is easier to identify, this tool is useful here also.
...The price is $60 for a pair of these finned lead tapping 'pencils'. each comes with a tiny leather pad on the slim tapping tip. These leather pads serve two purposes; to protect delicate surfaces and to further dampen undesired overtones. Please add $5 to your order to cover mailing costs.
...I offer a 60 day trial and if you are not satisfied, then return your purchase in new condition and I will refund the original purchase price (without the shipping fee of course).
...There are two tools because you tap the reference area with the first tool using the left hand (or right) and then immediately afterwards, tap the second area that you are trying to make match acoustically, with the second tool held in the other hand. This gives our ears a good comparison and dictates the needed direction of change.
...With this tool, only a light downward tap in a quiet room with good acoustics is necessary to get a clear indication of the fundament tap tone.
...The fundament tap tone is the lowest frequency major part of the tap tone sound 'envelope'. This is the only important part of the tap tone for our adjustment purposes, however, and removing as much of the overtone sound as possible will make your job much easier (and more accurate).
... The finned lead tapping pencil in use. The slender nose is small enough to fit between the strings of a full size vioin and can easily tap the fingerboard along side any of the strings for precise adjustments of tap tones.
... Their dimensions are:
Length: 4 1/2"
Outside diameter of the fins: 3/8"
Diameter of the core: 3/16"
Top cap diameter: 3/4"
Cast in lead for sound absorption
Weight: approximately 75 grams.
Bottom leather pad glued to bottom point is 1/32" to 1/16" thick. with hide glue.
...On the left are the brass tools I machined and under is the silicone moldmaking rubber form in which the parts are case.
...At right the pair of tapping pencils with tiny lead bottom pads that we send you.