sound-post
[f. sound n.3 + post n.1]
A small peg of wood fixed beneath the bridge of a violin or similar instrument, serving as a support for the belly and as a connecting part between this and the back.
| [1592 Shakes. Rom. & Jul. iv. v. 138 What say you, Iames Sound-Post?] 1687 Miége Gt. Fr. Dict. s.v. Ame, The sound-posts that stand up within the body of a musical Instrument. 1762 Sterne Tr. Shandy v. xv, The bridge is a mile too high, and the sound-post absolutely down. 1833 T. Fardely tr. Otto's Treat. Violin 4 The belly, the bass bar, the sound post, and the six blocks, [are] of Tyrolese deal. 1848 J. Bishop tr. Otto's Violin (1875) 78 The chief function of the sound-post is to render normal the vibrations of the back and belly. 1884 Haweis My Musical Life I. 95 The sound-post—i.e. the little peg which bears the strain on the belly and back. |