aMusikinstrumenten-Museum SIM PK
bBeuth Hochschule für Technik
Abstract :
At an abstracted level, the stringed instrument consists of a box with
a neck and fastened strings. The parameter of the resonator, the
material and construction features determine the sound. Therefore
the acoustic measurement of instruments plays a prime role in
conservation, for functional analysis and digital archiving.
In this contribution an acoustical, contact-free measurement method
for quantifying the transfer function of stringed instruments is
presented. The method assesses the sounding body and its periphery
by means of a standard acoustical impulse response measurement
(AIR) in an anechoic room. As a test signal a logarithmic sweep is
employed that offers a high signal to noise ratio and the ability to
separate potential harmonic distortion of the electronic signal chain
from the impulse response of the instrument. The measurement is
compared to the hammer probe, which is the current gold standard
method.
AIR is an ideal tool for functional analysis, long term monitoring of
instruments as well as quality control. Instruments are not subjected
to mechanical stress and do not have to be prepared for play. The
sonification of the impulse response allows for aural assessment and
may complement as well as standardize the description of digital
objects in archives.