The Science of String Instruments

The Science of String Instruments PDF Author: Thomas D. Rossing
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441971106
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 469

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Book Description
Thomas D. Rossing String instruments are found in almost all musical cultures. Bowed string instruments form the backbone of symphony orchestras, and they are used widely as solo inst- ments and in chamber music as well. Guitars are used universally in pop music as well as in classical music. The piano is probably the most versatile of all musical inst- ments, used widely not only in ensemble with other musical instruments but also as a solo instrument and to accompany solo instruments and the human voice. In this book, various authors will discuss the science of plucked, bowed, and hammered string instruments as well as their electronic counterparts. We have tried to tell the fascinating story of scienti?c research with a minimum of mathematics to maximize the usefulness of the book to performers and instrument builders as well as to students and researchers in musical acoustics. Sometimes, however, it is dif?cult to “translate” ideas from the exact mathematical language of science into words alone, so we include some basic mathematical equations to express these ideas. It is impossible to discuss all families of string instruments. Some instruments have been researched much more than others. Hopefully, the discussions in this book will help to encourage further scienti?c research by both musicians and scientists alike. 1.1 A Brief History of the Science of String Instruments Quite a number of good histories of acoustics have been written (Lindsay 1966, 1973; Hunt 1992; Beyer 1999), and these histories include musical acoustics.

The Science of String Instruments

The Science of String Instruments PDF Author: Thomas D. Rossing
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441971106
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 469

Get Book Here

Book Description
Thomas D. Rossing String instruments are found in almost all musical cultures. Bowed string instruments form the backbone of symphony orchestras, and they are used widely as solo inst- ments and in chamber music as well. Guitars are used universally in pop music as well as in classical music. The piano is probably the most versatile of all musical inst- ments, used widely not only in ensemble with other musical instruments but also as a solo instrument and to accompany solo instruments and the human voice. In this book, various authors will discuss the science of plucked, bowed, and hammered string instruments as well as their electronic counterparts. We have tried to tell the fascinating story of scienti?c research with a minimum of mathematics to maximize the usefulness of the book to performers and instrument builders as well as to students and researchers in musical acoustics. Sometimes, however, it is dif?cult to “translate” ideas from the exact mathematical language of science into words alone, so we include some basic mathematical equations to express these ideas. It is impossible to discuss all families of string instruments. Some instruments have been researched much more than others. Hopefully, the discussions in this book will help to encourage further scienti?c research by both musicians and scientists alike. 1.1 A Brief History of the Science of String Instruments Quite a number of good histories of acoustics have been written (Lindsay 1966, 1973; Hunt 1992; Beyer 1999), and these histories include musical acoustics.

Handbook of Materials for String Musical Instruments

Handbook of Materials for String Musical Instruments PDF Author: Voichita Bucur
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319320807
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 977

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Book Description
This book addresses core questions about the role of materials in general and of wood in particular in the construction of string instruments used in the modern symphony orchestra – violins, violas, cellos and basses. Further attention is given to materials for classical guitars, harps, harpsichords and pianos. While some of the approaches discussed are traditional, most of them depend upon new scientific approaches to the study of the structure of materials, such as for example wood cell structure, which is visible only using modern high resolution microscopic techniques. Many examples of modern and classical instruments are examined, together with the relevance of classical techniques for the treatment of wood. Composite materials, especially designed for soundboards could be a good substitute for some traditional wood species. The body and soundboard of the instrument are of major importance for their acoustical properties, but the study also examines traditional and new wood species used for items such as bows, the instrument neck, string pegs, etc. Wood species’ properties for musical instruments and growth origins of woods used by great makers such as Antonio Stradivari are examined and compared with more recently grown woods available to current makers. The role of varnish in the appearance and acoustics of the final instrument is also discussed, since it has often been proposed as a ‘secret ingredient’ used by great makers. Aspects related to strings are commented.As well as discussing these subjects, with many illustrations from classical and contemporary instruments, the book gives attention to conservation and restoration of old instruments and the physical results of these techniques. There is also discussion of the current value of old instruments both for modern performances and as works of art having great monetary value.The book will be of interest and value to researchers, advanced students, music historians, and contemporary string instrument makers. Musicians in general, particularly those playing string instruments, will also find its revelations fascinating. It will also attract the attention of those using wood for a variety of other purposes, for its use in musical instruments uncovers many of its fundamental features. Professor Neville H. FletcherAustralian National University, Canberra

The Physics of Musical Instruments

The Physics of Musical Instruments PDF Author: Neville H. Fletcher
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387216030
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 763

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Book Description
While the history of musical instruments is nearly as old as civilisation itself, the science of acoustics is quite recent. By understanding the physical basis of how instruments are used to make music, one hopes ultimately to be able to give physical criteria to distinguish a fine instrument from a mediocre one. At that point science may be able to come to the aid of art in improving the design and performance of musical instruments. As yet, many of the subtleties in musical sounds of which instrument makers and musicians are aware remain beyond the reach of modern acoustic measurements. This book describes the results of such acoustical investigations - fascinating intellectual and practical exercises. Addressed to readers with a reasonable grasp of physics who are not put off by a little mathematics, this book discusses most of the traditional instruments currently in use in Western music. A guide for all who have an interest in music and how it is produced, as well as serving as a comprehensive reference for those undertaking research in the field.

The Science of Musical Sound

The Science of Musical Sound PDF Author: William Ralph Bennett Jr.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319927965
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 459

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Book Description
This textbook is a product of William Bennett’s work in developing and teaching a course on the physics of music at Yale University to a diverse audience of musicians and science students in the same class. The book is a culmination of over a decade of teaching the course and weaves together historical descriptions of the physical phenomena with the author’s clear interpretations of the most important aspects of the science of music and musical instruments. Many of the historical examples are not found in any other textbook available on the market. As the co-inventor of the Helium-Neon laser, Prof. Bennett’s knowledge of physics was world-class. As a professor at one of the most prestigious liberal-arts universities in the world, his appreciation for culture and humanities shines through. The book covers the basics of oscillations, waves and the analysis techniques necessary for understanding how musical instruments work. All types of stringed instruments, pipe organs, and the human voice are covered in this volume. A second volume covers the remaining families of musical instruments as well as selected other topics. Readers without a background in acoustics will enjoy learning the physics of the Science of Musical Sound from a preeminent scientist of the 20th century. Those well versed in acoustics will discover wonderful illustrations and photographs depicting familiar concepts in new and enlightening ways.

The Making of Stringed Instruments

The Making of Stringed Instruments PDF Author: George Buchanan
Publisher: Batsford
ISBN: 9780713481402
Category : Bowed stringed instruments
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
With clear instructions and over 500 detailed diagrams, Buchanan provides a practical guide to making a range of stringed instruments such as a violin, a classical guitar, a viola, a cello, a mandolin and a mandola, all in straight-forward terms.

The Art and Science of String Performance

The Art and Science of String Performance PDF Author: Samuel Applebaum
Publisher: Alfred Music
ISBN: 1457421682
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 243

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Book Description
In this handy reference for string teachers, Dr. Samuel Applebaum addresses the most frequently asked questions, ranging from the very basic to the most advanced. From his conversations with the greatest concert artists of our time, he covers topics such as positions, intonation, vibrato, bowings, sight reading, practicing and stage fright in a comprehensive question-and-answer format.

Emerging Intelligent Computing Technology and Applications

Emerging Intelligent Computing Technology and Applications PDF Author: De-Shuang Huang
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3642040705
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 1156

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Book Description
The International Conference on Intelligent Computing (ICIC) was formed to provide an annual forum dedicated to the emerging and challenging topics in artificial intelligence, machine learning, bioinformatics, and computational biology, etc. It aims to bring - gether researchers and practitioners from both academia and industry to share ideas, problems, and solutions related to the multifaceted aspects of intelligent computing. ICIC 2009, held in Ulsan, Korea, September 16–19, 2009, constituted the 5th - ternational Conference on Intelligent Computing. It built upon the success of ICIC 2008, ICIC 2007, ICIC 2006, and ICIC 2005 held in Shanghai, Qingdao, Kunming, and Hefei, China, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. This year, the conference concentrated mainly on the theories and methodologies as well as the emerging applications of intelligent computing. Its aim was to unify the p- ture of contemporary intelligent computing techniques as an integral concept that hi- lights the trends in advanced computational intelligence and bridges theoretical research with applications. Therefore, the theme for this conference was “Emerging Intelligent Computing Technology and Applications.” Papers focusing on this theme were solicited, addressing theories, methodologies, and applications in science and technology.

Mottola's Cyclopedic Dictionary of Lutherie Terms

Mottola's Cyclopedic Dictionary of Lutherie Terms PDF Author: R. M. Mottola
Publisher: Robert M Mottola
ISBN: 9781734125603
Category : Stringed instruments
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"Provides conventional spelling and short descriptions of the most common terms used in modern lutherie [that is, the construction and repair of stringed musical instruments] as well as historical and foreign language terminology that a modern luthier may come across."--Page 4 of cover

Physics and Music

Physics and Music PDF Author: Harvey E. White
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 0486794008
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 452

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Book Description
Comprehensive and accessible, this foundational text surveys general principles of sound, musical scales, characteristics of instruments, mechanical and electronic recording devices, and many other topics. More than 300 illustrations plus questions, problems, and projects.

Physics of the Piano

Physics of the Piano PDF Author: Nicholas J. Giordano
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192506633
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374

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Book Description
Why does a piano sound like a piano? A similar question can be asked of virtually all musical instruments. A particular note-such as middle C-can be produced by a piano, a violin, a clarinet, and many other instruments, yet it is easy for even a musically untrained listener to distinguish between these different instruments. A central quest in the study of musical instruments is to understand why the sound of the "same" note depends greatly on the instrument, and to elucidate which aspects of an instrument are most critical in producing the musical tones characteristic of the instrument. The primary goal of this book is to investigate these questions for the piano. The explanations in this book use a minimum of mathematics, and are intended for anyone who is interested in music and musical instruments. At the same time, there are many insights relating physics and the piano that will likely be interesting and perhaps surprising for many physicists.