Why are there no frets on the violin?

A violin is played using a bow, which can produce a continuous sound, (its own “sustain”), therefore there is no real need for frets, which would only get in the way of being able to move the fingers around the finger board.

Can violins have frets?

While the violin does not have frets like a guitar, the right note is produced if the instrument is properly tuned and the string is pressed in the right position.

Does a bass have frets?

The standard bass comes with frets, and if that is considered “standard,” it must be for a reason, right? Why are frets so common? To put it plainly, it makes playing the bass significantly easier. And there is nothing wrong with making something fun and creative easier.

Why are there no frets on a cello?

Frets on guitars are designed to facilitate playing chords, this is far less useful on instruments in the violin family. Without frets, you’re able to place pitches at different places other than where a fret is.

Why do some instruments have frets?

On many classical, acoustic, and electric guitars the fret-board as it is commonly called has a series of metal bars (frets), that runs the length of the instrument. These ‘frets’ make it easier for performers to know where to place their fingers when they want to produce certain notes or chords.

Are double basses fretless?

In its simplest form, a fretless bass guitar does not feature any frets. It is therefore akin to a traditional double bass, whereby the notes on its fingerboard are intonated by the fingers.

Why don t violins and cellos have frets?

Violins and cellos do not have frets, as frets limit the ability of the player to control the intonation of the pitch. Frets also allow players to sustain notes longer, which is not necessary when playing with a bow. As guitars are typically strung or plucked, the frets allow guitarists to hold notes longer.

Why don’t violins have frets?

According to ‘Seraphim Protos’ on the site ‘ violinist.com ’, there was another very important reason why violins do not have frets. One historical account recalls the famous violin maker Antonio Stradivarius becoming increasingly worried about meeting his monthly quota of completed instruments.

Why do some musical instruments have different frets?

At first glance, this is an easy assumption to make. Following a little research, it transpires that some of these instruments, viols, lutes, mandolins, for example, had movable frets. These were made of the same material (often animal gut) and could be altered to allow for different tunings and production of the tones.

Do you play high or low with your frets?

Frets would actually encourage playing these notes in the same place, regardless of their harmonic function. Really adept players of fretted instruments account for this and play low or high in relation to their frets, but less accomplished players don’t, with the result that fretted instruments are often played very out of tune.)

What would happen if you put felt frets on a guitar?

Frets on violins would also make the timber harsher. Like if the felt hammer on the piano was replaced by aluminum for example. The timber issue was one I thought of, and to reverse it for guitar, without frets a guitar would have a much weaker sound with much less sustain.