A – Characteristics of instruments and bows accepted for entry in the Competition
Instrument makers may present at the most two instruments, which must belong to two different categories (i.e. one violin and one cello, or one violin and one viola, etc.).
Bow makers may present at most two bows, which must belong to two different categories (i.e. one double bass bow and one viola bow, or one violin bow and one cello bow, etc.).
It will be possible to take part in the competition as both instrument maker and bow maker provided that the above conditions are met.
6.1 – Contestants have free choice in setting the pegs and tailpiece. For the convenience of the player, violins and violas should, if possible, be fitted with flat chin rests.
6.2 – Contestants may choose their strings at will, depending on the sound they wish their instruments to produce.
6.3 – Slight colour gradations in the varnish are authorized, although competing instruments must not resemble copies of antique instruments –no excessive wear to the edges, no marks, no added patina– as the aim of the competition is to encourage the production of modern instruments.
Scroll bevelling may be blackened.
6.4 – The following dimensions (in centimetres) must be respected:
- violin: 35,2 to 36 cm
- viola: 40 to 42 cm
- cello: 73 to 76 cm
- four-string double bass: vibrating string length between 102 and 108 cm.
Instruments that do not correspond to the above dimensions will be automatically disqualified.
6.5 – Neck thicknesses and widths, as well as the distances between strings, must be of generally accepted dimensions. The same holds true for the height and curve of the bridge. Instruments that are carelessly fitted-up and considered unplayable by the Jury will be disqualified.
6.6 – The position of the sound-post should be marked in pencil on the back of the instrument.
