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A violin is a stringed instrument played by drawing a bow across the strings with the dominant hand while pressing the strings against the fretted neck with the non-dominant hand to achieve different notes. The sound produced is amplified by means of the hollow body. Violins commonly have four strings, usually tuned in perfect fifths. Other methods of playing include gently plucking or striking the strings.
CONTENTS:
- Violin
- Bow
- 1 set of replacement strings (4)
- Shoulder rest
- Rosin
- Replacement bridge
- Tuner
- Case
- Owner’s manual
Restrictions: Must sign waiver
FRAGILE - Parts of a violin are fragile; please handle with care and store it somewhere that it will be safe. Please do not keep the violin somewhere where it will be exposed to extreme temperature or humidity changes (next to a heater, in a car, etc.)
Location: Circ Desk
The harpsichord is a musical instrument played via a keyboard; a harpsichord’s strings are plucked, producing a harp like sound. Likely invented in the 1500's, the harpsichord was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque music by composers like Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) until it was surpassed in popularity by the newer pianoforte. Our harpsichord has a beautiful painted interior (not shown in photo above).
Contents:
- Harpsichord
- bench
Restrictions: Not for loan; in library use only. Please ask at the desk before using.
Location: Lobby, under the stairs
A piano is a keyboard instrument that produces sound via hammers striking the internal strings when the keys are pressed. Modern pianos have a row of 88 black and white keys, tuned to a chromatic scale in equal temperament. A grand piano is arranged horizontally (versus the vertically arranged upright piano) - the horizontal arrangement produces a higher quality sound. Likely invented in the 1600s, pianos remain a very popular instrument.
Contents:
- Piano
- bench
Restrictions: Not for loan, in library use only. Please ask at desk before using.
Location: Mellon Room
A digital piano is a type of electronic keyboard instrument designed as a portable, alternative to the traditional acoustic piano, both in how it feels to play and in the sound it produces. A digital piano has several other advantages such as less sensitive to changes in humidity or climate, not needing to be tuned, and being able to produce synthesized sounds.
Contents:
- Keyboard
- sustain pedal
- bench
- keyboard stand
- music stand
- AC Power adapter
- headphones (at desk) and headphone adapter
- user manual available upon request
Restrictions: Not for loan; in-library use only.
Location: Hallway, near Mellon Room