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Ratios and rulers: instrument geometry

2026-10-02T08:48:00

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How did the old Italian makers measure out their instrument patterns? David Beard reveals evidence showing that they made use of both ratios and the standard measurements used at the time

Part of instrument design is in settling the basic sizes of things. Since ancient times, ratios have been used to size and position various design elements. Several ratios can work together, relating many elements in a design. But such chains of ratio relationship need a ‘key’ initial size to start from. How did the old Cremonese makers approach this? In this article, we look at how the old Italian makers used ratios and rulers together in creating their instrument patterns…

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