STRING INSTRUMENT
The violin is the smallest and highest pitched string instrument typically used in western music. A person who plays the violin is called a violinist.
The violin is a string instrument which has four strings and is played with a bow.
The violin is important in European and Arabian music. No other instrument has played such an important part in Europe. The modern violin is about 400 years old. Similar string instruments have been around for almost 1000 years. By the time the modern orchestras started to form in the 17th century, the violin was nearly fully developed. It became the most important orchestral instrument.
A person who makes or repairs violins is called a luthier. In the 17th century, there were several families of luthiers who were very good at making instruments. The most famous violin makers were Stradivarius, Amati and Guarneri. Some of the instruments that these luthiers made are still here today. They are kept in museums all around the world.