Mensur

Mensur is the ratio of two length specifications that are critical to playing the instrument. The first length is called the f-stop or body stop; it refers to the distance from the top edge of the belly to the f-hole notches. The second, the neck stop, specifies the length of the neck. These two measures determine the vibrating string length. Until the 18^th century, violin necks were generally somewhat shorter than today, and their length was not standardized. From about 1900, slightly longer, angled-back necks prevailed, allowing more pressure to be put on the bridge, thus increasing sound volume. The ratio between the neck stop and the f-stop is essential for musicians as a guidepost to correct finger positions on the fingerboard.