Key ( violin )hyderABAD

Key ( violin )

Two examples of keys inserts.
The key plank fine hardwood - like ebony , rosewood or maple - attached to the handle, or may be part of it in the case of a maple neck without buttons reported ( including process used by Fender ) is the part where the guitarist lays the fingers of his "left hand" to change the pitch of the sounds produced by the strings . The different notes are separated by bars called frets , placed at specified intervals will tapering from the head to the body . They define the "boxes" and allow guitarists do not play false ( unless the wrong box) . Some sleeves with a button fretless (" fretless ") , which can give a particular intonation notes slipped and the use of quarter tones . Especially common on low (to recall the sound and feel of the bass) , this type of key is also used on guitars , especially for music not using the tempered scale .


The wood used for the key has a double significance. On the one hand , it affects the sound , eg ebony produces a crisply and the rosewood attack , on the other hand, although in practice the little fingers come in contact key , experienced guitarists perceive the quality contact between the fretted string and wood button .
Button extends from the handle on the soundboard for higher notes .


Buttons , one frequently finds a pearl inlay allowing the guitarist to quickly identify the correct box to position his fingers and wrong less often. These inlays are found on the third fret , the 5th , 7th , 9th or 10th , then a double inlay at the 12th box ( the octave above the note of the string played open ) . And the same sequence of inlays on the boxes of the upper octave.


From the 1990s, some luthiers proposed benchmarks illuminated with LED lights, which you can place his fingers in the dark without making mistakes. This solution did not meet significant success because of its limited use ( an experienced guitarist no longer look at his sleeve), its technical heaviness (installation and maintenance) , the risk of deterioration of sound properties , and its price. To avoid these disadvantages Swiss luthier Duvoisin has developed benchmarks phosphorescent light touches more practical and economical .