sound post

music

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

A sound post is a small, vertical piece of wood found inside instruments of the viol and violin family, such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. It is positioned just under the bridge and serves two main functions: to support the instrument's structure and to transmit vibrations from the bridge to the back of the instrument.1

This internal post is crucial for the acoustic properties of these instruments. It couples and coordinates the vibrations of the entire body, contributing to the instrument's lively response and resonant tone. The sound post is a distinctive feature of the violin family and was also adopted by the viola da gamba family.2

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stringed instrument
The violin family
This device, the sound post, is peculiar to the violin family, although it was later used on the viola da gamba family (known as the viols). It is the acoustic effect of the sound post that imparts to the violin its lively response and generous singing tone, for…
Read More
This device, the sound post, is peculiar to the violin family, although it was later used on the viola da gamba family (known as the viols). It is the acoustic effect of the sound post that imparts to the violin its lively response and generous singing tone, for…
Read More