sound hole

musical instrument

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

A sound hole is an opening on the top surface of stringed musical instruments, such as a violin. Its primary purpose is to enhance vibration and resonance, contributing to the instrument's overall sound quality. This feature is crucial for the projection and richness of the music produced by these instruments.1

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stringed instrument
Morphology
…correct position is between the sound holes and just above the lower corners of the middle bout. The sound holes are of italic f form, sweeping outward and downward from the waist to the lower corners. A line joining the crosses of the fs marks the approximate position of the…
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…correct position is between the sound holes and just above the lower corners of the middle bout. The sound holes are of italic f form, sweeping outward and downward from the waist to the lower corners. A line joining the crosses of the fs marks the approximate position of the…
Read More