The main difference between the Gama and the series stays in the accessories and the finishing style. The accessories (chin rest, tailpiece, and pegs) on the Gliga Genova 2 violins are made of flamed maple, while those on the Gliga Gama instruments are made of ebony. The finishing technique used for the Genova 2 instruments is considered superior. The varnish is “thinner” (has a lower viscosity) which improves the elasticity of the fibers, and they will, in consequence, vibrate stronger. There are many laws from mechanics and chemistry that stay behind a violin, and Gliga has never stopped from experiencing with the manipulation of the dimensions of his violins and the finishing techniques.
Archive for Violin Finishing Techniques – Varnish Types
Difference Between the Gliga Gama and the Gliga Genova 2 Violins
Types of Finishing for Violins: Nitro vs. Oil Varnish
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String instruments in general, and violins in particular, can be finished with either nitro or oil varnish. The oil varnish is applied manually on the violins, while the nitro varnish is sprayed. The oil varnish has superior qualities. It has a better resistance and behavior in time. The oil varnish is very elastic and can take the dimensional changes of the wood very well. The nitro varnish, due to its limited elasticity, will crack if exposed to sudden changes in temperature and humidity. The dimensional changes are very small, not visible with an open eye, but the varnish senses it and behaves accordingly. For example, if the violin is stored in a room where the temperature is very high, the wood will dry out, which means it will loose water, and its dimensions will reduce. Again, we are talking here about dimensions and changes at molecular level, which are not perceptible with an open eye.If the violin is finished with oil varnish, you will not notice anything. The oil varnish will follow the same pattern and will adjust its size accordingly. Unlike the oil varnish, the nitro varnish, due to its lack of elasticity, cannot lower or increase its dimensions, and it will simply crack. This is an extreme situation, when the violin is exposed to very aggressive and abrupt changes in temperature and humidity, which does not really happen in real life. From a sound prospective, there is no difference between the two instruments.
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