1.Introduction

'To understand the design and function of the violin requires investigation of a range of scientific questions. '

The relevant physics covers the nonlinear vibration of a bowed string.                                         'a bowed string'

The vibration of the instrument body, and the consequent sound radiation.                     'the instrument body'

Questions of discrimination and preference by listeners and players require additional studies using the techniques of experimental psychology.                                                                                                   'perception'

To address the concerns of players and makers of instruments requires study of the interaction of all these factors, coming together in the concept of ‘playability’ of an instrument.                                           ‘playability’