F-holes
F-shaped sound holes in the top of string instruments.
What it means
F-holes are two curved sound holes shaped like a Latin f, cut into the top plate on either side of the bridge of the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. They let sound leave the body and at the same time influence how freely the top plate vibrates.
Musical use
The f-hole shape prevailed in the 16th century with the development of the violin family in Italy and replaced the round or C-shaped sound holes of older instruments such as the viola da gamba. The length, opening, and curve of the f-holes are carefully shaped by violin makers, since they help determine the instrument's response and tone. The small notches at the middle of the f-holes roughly mark the bridge position.
F-holes should be distinguished from the rosette, the round sound hole of, for example, the lute or guitar, and from the simple sound hole of some plucked instruments. Instruments of the viol family often have C-shaped openings instead of f-holes.
Performance practice
Keep the f-holes free and protect them when cleaning: moisture or foreign objects in the body can damage sound and wood. Note that the bow must not touch the f-holes when playing near the bridge, so keep your distance in view.