Abstract:

A new family of stringed musical instruments will be introduced. The Tritare[sup TM] is the first member of this new family and has evolved from the mathematical analysis of the vibrations of networks of strings [Gaudet et al., J. Sound & Vib. 281, 219--234 (2005)]. It is a guitarlike instrument that uses six networks of three string sections (Y-shaped networks) instead of the classical single strings. The sounds that it produces can be more or less harmonic depending on the string attack conditions and the physical configurations of the string networks. A method of customizing the frequency spectrum to contain desired harmonic components will be demonstrated. A numerical model, which uses finite differences, used to simulate the 3D nonlinear vibrations of more complex string networks involving several string sections and junction points will also be described. The harmonic analysis of the frequency spectra resulting from the numerical simulations and experimental measurements will be presented, as well as network configurations which produce very unique and interesting tone colors. Some of these configurations form the basis for a new family of stringed musical instruments. The presentation will include a demonstration of the Tritare[sup TM].