When looking at a catalog of soundproof rooms, aren’t the first things your eyes go to the “floor space (number of mats)” or “sound insulation performance (Dr-value)”?
Of course, those are important too, but there is a spec that violinists must prioritize above all else.
That is the “Ceiling Height.”
If you neglect this, it will lead to a serious accident where a million-class bow breaks in an instant. Today, we’ll explain how to choose a “High-Type (High-Wall)” soundproof room to protect your precious partner.
The Violin Tragedy: “Bow Damage” That Occurred in a Standard-Height Soundproof Room#
“CRASH!” at the Moment of an Up-Bow#
Violins are basically played while standing. Performing passionately and swinging the right hand vigorously upward in the finale—an up-bow. At that moment, the tip of the bow crashes into a ceiling light or a protrusion…
This is by no means a funny story. Accidents where players who just bought a soundproof room misjudge the distance in an unfamiliar cramped space and damage bows worth hundreds of thousands to millions of yen never end.
The Required Height is “Height + Arm + Bow”#
The standard interior height of a typical unit soundproof room in Japan is around 195cm to 200cm. However, if a person with a height of 170cm stretches their arm and holds a 74cm bow, the highest point easily exceeds 210cm.
In other words, in a standard-type soundproof room, just playing normally constantly puts you at risk of a “ceiling collision.”
How to Choose a “High-Type” Soundproof Room by Manufacturer#
To avoid this risk, each manufacturer provides models with higher ceilings.
Options from YAMAHA and Kawai#
YAMAHA Avitecs: In series like “Cefine NS,” there is an option for “High-Wall (High-Type).” This can raise the interior height to around 220cm.
Kawai Nasal: Even standard models have relatively high settings, but in custom types, it’s possible to allow for even more room.
The Keyword When Getting an Estimate is “High-Type”#
When ordering a soundproof room, be sure to say: “Since I will be playing the violin while standing, please provide an estimate for a model with a high ceiling (High-Type).” The cost will increase slightly, but it’s cheap insurance compared to the repair cost of a bow or a “repurchase.”
Tips for Playing Comfortably Even in 1.2 Mats: “Height” and “Width” Over Floor Space#
Budgets are limited. If you have to cut something, it’s “depth.”
The Golden Rule of Priorities#
The priority of choosing a soundproof room for a violinist is as follows:
- Ceiling Height (Most important: to protect the bow)
- Width (Important: bowing space for the right hand)
- Depth (Compromisable: distance from the music stand)
For example, a rectangular 1.2-mat (High-Type) might be more suitable for a violin than a square 1.5-mat room. As long as you can secure the width, you can perform without hindrance even if the depth is a bit narrow.
Don’t Forget Humidity Control#
Finally, the violin is a wooden instrument. The inside of a soundproof room is highly airtight; if you use an air conditioner, it will dry out, and moisture will accumulate during the rainy season. To protect your precious instrument, take into account the installation space for a humidifier/dehumidifier.
Summary: Points for Choosing a Violin Soundproof Room#
A soundproof room for a violin must be a “box where you can perform safely” before it is a “box that stops sound.”
- Standard Type: Dangerous. Please do not choose it.
- High Type: Mandatory. Secure a ceiling height of at least 210cm.
- How to Choose: Prioritize height and width over floor space (number of mats).
It’s too late after you’ve broken your bow. At the initial estimate stage, hit the pros with your insistence on “height.” That is the first step in protecting your musical life.
Related Articles#
- [Size Selection]: Size and How to Choose a Unit Soundproof Room
- [Humidity Control]: Techniques for Humidity Control inside a Soundproof Room