Can we create the African violin?
Researchers at the Stellenbosch University explored the potential of using indigenous African woods to create an African violin, given that traditional violins are made from spruce and maple tonewoods from the northern hemisphere.

They identified four wood species - Yellowwood, Knysna Blackwood, Sapele, and Hardpear - that could work well for violin making.

Two complete violins were created using these woods and tested for sound quality, with results comparable to traditional violins.

The "African violin" made from Yellowwood and Sapele was found to have a rich sound with many harmonics, demonstrating the potential of using African tonewoods in violin making, and opening up new possibilities for instrument creation while promoting sustainability and cultural diversity.

Prof. Martina Meincken is from the Department of Forest and Wood Science Analytical Materials Science within the Stellenbosch University.