Pneumatronic unit for motion of bows

The paper describes the result of a theoretical and experimental research activity oriented to the design and realization of a low-cost pneumatic unit able to drive bows in relative motion respect to strings in bowed musical instrument. Pneumatic technology reduces costs and the proportional control allows the flexible programming of motion laws. The unit is specifically conceived to support laboratory tests of interest of violin makers and researchers. Results of specific experiments are collected and discussed.