Mute Violin

Charles Francis Albert, Sr.

ca. 1886 · Maple, ebony, brass, various other materials · Musical Instruments

Mute violins have been used as practice instruments and for special acoustical effect since the seventeenth century. Leopold Mozart used the term "Brettgeige," or "board violin," to describe a mute violin consisting of a curved board without a soundbox. Patented in 1886, this unusually shaped mute violin has a body made entirely of maple, a wood that does not vibrate freely. The bridge height can be adjusted by two pegs located on either side of the body.

Artist

Charles Francis Albert, Sr.

Date

ca. 1886

Medium

Maple, ebony, brass, various other materials

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Robert and Diane Moss, 1998