Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Simulating a Guitar with a Conventional Sonometer
Department of Physics, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
Department of Physics, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
Department of Physics, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
- 1 Department of Physics, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
- 2 Department of Physics, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
- 3 Department of Physics, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
Open Journal of Acoustics·Volume 02 (2012)·Pages 67–71·Published 29 June 2012·DOI10.4236/oja.2012.22007
Copy link · social · email
Abstract
In this paper we present a simple way to convert a conventional sonometer into a simulated fretted instrument, such as a guitar or similar, by adding a fingerboard to the sonometer. In particular, we use this modified apparatus in relation to the problem of the instrument intonation, i.e. , how to obtain correctly tuned notes on these string instruments. The experimental procedures presented in this study can become a more structured laboratory activity to be used in general physics courses or acoustics classes.
KeywordsAcousticsMusical AcousticsGuitarSonometerIntonationCompensation
- N. H. Fletcher and T. D. Rossing, “The Physics of Musical Instruments,” 2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1998.
- G. U. Varieschi and C. M. Gower, “Intonation and Compensation of Fretted String Instruments,” American Journal of Physics, Vol. 78, No. 1, 2010, pp. 47-55. doi:10.1119/1.3226563
- PASCO, “WA-9613 Sonometer Instruction Manual,” 1988.
- TurboTuner, “Model ST-122 True Strobe Tuner”. http://www.turbo-tuner.com