Loudness and timbre issues in plucked stringed instruments - analysis, synthesis, and design
Henri Penttinen · Aaltodoc (Aalto University) · 2006
This thesis explores acoustical properties of plucked stringed instruments and proposes sound synthesis methods for plucked stringed instruments. In this thesis the investigations of the kantele, the acoustic guitar, the harpsichord, and the guqin provide analysis results, a control algorithm, and two model-based sound synthesis methods in the following way. For a modified design of the kantele, acoustical measurements and formal listening tests support the assumption of increased loudness. The investigation also provides design rules to make a plucked stringed instrument louder. An automatic plucking-point estimation algorithm is proposed for acoustic guitars with an under-saddle pickup. The automatic plucking-point estimation can be used for controlling synthesis algorithms or sound effects. Model-based sound synthesis algorithms are proposed for the harpsichord and the guqin. It was found that the harpsichord exhibits dynamic behavior, albeit limited, when the tangent is pressed down with different speeds. Moreover, the string vibrations and the body response show changes according to the playing level. Hence, the proposed synthesis algorithm is dynamic. The analysis of the guqin reveals the existence of phantom partials in the tones, differences in tones according to the termination technique, and extensive use of flageolet tones and sliding of tones. The model-based sound synthesis algorithm takes these features into account.