The design of a harmonic percussion ensemble (L)

The primary oscillators of tuned percussion instruments are rigid structures that exhibit bending waves. Bending waves do not naturally occur at harmonically related frequencies, which may lead to uncertainty associated with the intended pitch of the instrument. Despite millennia of development across many cultures, tuned percussion instruments rarely exhibit harmonic tuning of the first three or more partials. This letter presents three percussion instruments that have three or more harmonically tuned partials, and provides an overview of the methods used to tune the partials and manufacture the instruments at relatively low production costs. These instruments form the basis of new percussion instrument ensembles for educational, recreational, and professional use.