Violin
Musical instruments still use or once used material sourced from animals. For instance, piano keys were made of ivory or bone and drumheads, from goatskin or cowhide. The wooden components of string instruments are even now joined together with animal glue. Catgut, a tough cord derived from sheep intestines (not cats!), provides the strings. Horsehair is preferred for the bows.
Bucking the trend, an Irish violin maker, Padraig O’Dubhlaoidh, has made the world’s first vegan violin body with components such as steamed pear, berries and spring water! The customised instrument is the first to be registered with The Vegan Society.
O’Dubhlaoidh collected local spring water for the adhesive, which has no animal components. Steamed pear and wild berries were used to dye the inlay around the edge.
Today, vegan violin strings and bows made from carbon fibre are widely available. The bone, leather and mother-of-pearl parts have been replaced with metal or a composite. However, chemical based glues are not yet popular, as they can damage the wood with too strong a bond, making it hard to repair or replace.
