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Measurements and efficient simulations of bowed bars
1Computer Science Department, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA. gessl@cs.princeton.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|August 3, 2000
Summary
This study systematically investigates bowed bar percussion instruments, revealing harmonic sound spectra regardless of bar properties. Bowing parameters show less influence on sound compared to bowed strings.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Musical Instrument Science
- Percussion Studies
Background:
- Bowed bar percussion instruments are increasingly used in contemporary music.
- Systematic research into the physics and acoustics of bowed bars is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally measure and analyze bowed bar percussion instruments.
- To investigate the relationship between performance and perceptual parameters in bowed bars.
- To develop and validate a new time-domain simulation method for bowed bars.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements using a double bass bow and a bowing machine.
- Analysis of performance parameters (e.g., bowing force, velocity) and perceptual parameters.
- Development of an efficient time-domain simulation model.
- Comparison of experimental data with simulation results.
Main Results:
- Measurement results show qualitative agreement with bowed string research.
- The sound spectrum of a bowed bar is consistently harmonic, irrespective of the bar's natural frequencies.
- Bowing force and velocity have minimal impact on the fundamental frequency and spectral content, unlike bowed strings.
Conclusions:
- Bowed bar percussion instruments exhibit unique acoustic properties distinct from bowed strings.
- The developed simulation method accurately reflects experimental findings.
- Further research can inform musical composition and performance practices for bowed percussion.