The physics of musical instruments

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Résumé

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.

Contents:

Part I:
Vibrating Systems.
Free and Forced Vibrations of Simple Systems.
Continuous Systems in One Dimension: Strings and Bars
Two-Dimensional Systems: Membranes, Plates, and Shells
Coupled Vibrating Systems. Nonlinear Systems.
Part II:
Sound Waves.
Sound Waves in Air.
Sound Radiation.
Pipes, Horns, and Cavities.
Part III:
String Instruments. Guitars and Lutes
Bowed String Instruments.
Harps, Harpsicords, Clavicords, and Dulcimers.
The Piano.
Part IV:
Wind Instruments.
Sound generation by Reed and Lip Vibrations.
Lip-driven Brass Instruments.
Woodwind Reed Instruments.
Flutes and Flue Organ Pipes.
Pipe Organs.
Part V:
Percussion Instruments.
Drums.
Mallet Percussion Instruments.
Cymbals, Gongs, Plates, and Steel Drums.
Bells.
Part VI:
Materials.
Materials for Musical Instruments.
Name Index.
Subject Index.