Development and Optimization of Music Instruments

With the help of modern measurement and simulation methods, we have a better understanding of the vibration behavior and sound radiation of traditional musical instruments. However, the relevant quality characteristics of an instrument can only be analyzed in playing and listening tests. Through the combination of physical investigations and perception studies do we enable innovations in instrument construction.

Gitarre Aufnahme — Guitar recordings and measurements in our anechoic room

For example, the natural variation of the material parameters of wood creates sound variations in stringed instruments. In a study, we were able to show which wood parameters are best suited for a particular guitar model. With this knowledge, a pre-selection of the tonewood used can be made by simple measurements already in the sawmill. This allows more consistent sound results in the final instrument.

Gitarre Modalanalyse vs Transferfunktion — Measured transfer functions for three hit positions at the bridge and modal analysis of a guitar

Especially with instruments that are made after individual demands of musicians, meeting specific sound results is essential. To clarify the target sound between the craftsmen and their customers who might be spread worldwide, a tool for realistically assessing sound from the distance would be necessary. For this we investigate to what extent different methods of auditory virtual reality, which can be used in the environment of the craftsmen, enable realistic sound assessment for different requirements. These requirements reach from target sound design to marketing to interactive and collaborative working in musical instrument making, for example for sound assessment in the course of selecting new or alternative materials.