LCC for Guitar - Introduction
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African Music Vol 6 No 2(Seb).Cdr
94 JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF AFRICAN MUSIC THE GORA AND THE GRAND’ GOM-GOM: by ERICA MUGGLESTONE 1 INTRODUCTION For three centuries the interest of travellers and scholars alike has been aroused by the gora, an unbraced mouth-resonated musical bow peculiar to South Africa, because it is organologically unusual in that it is a blown chordophone.2 A split quill is attached to the bowstring at one end of the instrument. The string is passed through a hole in one end of the quill and secured; the other end of the quill is then bound or pegged to the stave. The string is lashed to the other end of the stave so that it may be tightened or loosened at will. The player holds the quill lightly bet ween his parted lips, and, by inhaling and exhaling forcefully, causes the quill (and with it the string) to vibrate. Of all the early descriptions of the gora, that of Peter Kolb,3 a German astronom er who resided at the Cape of Good Hope from 1705 to 1713, has been the most contentious. Not only did his character and his publication in general come under attack, but also his account of Khoikhoi4 musical bows in particular. Kolb’s text indicates that two types of musical bow were observed, to both of which he applied the name gom-gom. The use of the same name for both types of bow and the order in which these are described in the text, seems to imply that the second type is a variant of the first. -
Lab 12. Vibrating Strings
Lab 12. Vibrating Strings Goals • To experimentally determine the relationships between the fundamental resonant frequency of a vibrating string and its length, its mass per unit length, and the tension in the string. • To introduce a useful graphical method for testing whether the quantities x and y are related by a “simple power function” of the form y = axn. If so, the constants a and n can be determined from the graph. • To experimentally determine the relationship between resonant frequencies and higher order “mode” numbers. • To develop one general relationship/equation that relates the resonant frequency of a string to the four parameters: length, mass per unit length, tension, and mode number. Introduction Vibrating strings are part of our common experience. Which as you may have learned by now means that you have built up explanations in your subconscious about how they work, and that those explanations are sometimes self-contradictory, and rarely entirely correct. Musical instruments from all around the world employ vibrating strings to make musical sounds. Anyone who plays such an instrument knows that changing the tension in the string changes the pitch, which in physics terms means changing the resonant frequency of vibration. Similarly, changing the thickness (and thus the mass) of the string also affects its sound (frequency). String length must also have some effect, since a bass violin is much bigger than a normal violin and sounds much different. The interplay between these factors is explored in this laboratory experi- ment. You do not need to know physics to understand how instruments work. In fact, in the course of this lab alone you will engage with material which entire PhDs in music theory have been written. -
The Science of String Instruments
The Science of String Instruments Thomas D. Rossing Editor The Science of String Instruments Editor Thomas D. Rossing Stanford University Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) Stanford, CA 94302-8180, USA [email protected] ISBN 978-1-4419-7109-8 e-ISBN 978-1-4419-7110-4 DOI 10.1007/978-1-4419-7110-4 Springer New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010 All rights reserved. This work may not be translated or copied in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher (Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA), except for brief excerpts in connection with reviews or scholarly analysis. Use in connection with any form of information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed is forbidden. The use in this publication of trade names, trademarks, service marks, and similar terms, even if they are not identified as such, is not to be taken as an expression of opinion as to whether or not they are subject to proprietary rights. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer ScienceþBusiness Media (www.springer.com) Contents 1 Introduction............................................................... 1 Thomas D. Rossing 2 Plucked Strings ........................................................... 11 Thomas D. Rossing 3 Guitars and Lutes ........................................................ 19 Thomas D. Rossing and Graham Caldersmith 4 Portuguese Guitar ........................................................ 47 Octavio Inacio 5 Banjo ...................................................................... 59 James Rae 6 Mandolin Family Instruments........................................... 77 David J. Cohen and Thomas D. Rossing 7 Psalteries and Zithers .................................................... 99 Andres Peekna and Thomas D. -
To the New Owner by Emmett Chapman
To the New Owner by Emmett Chapman contents PLAYING ACTION ADJUSTABLE COMPONENTS FEATURES DESIGN TUNINGS & CONCEPT STRING MAINTENANCE BATTERIES GUARANTEE This new eight-stringed “bass guitar” was co-designed by Ned Steinberger and myself to provide a dual role instrument for those musicians who desire to play all methods on one fretboard - picking, plucking, strumming, and the two-handed tapping Stick method. PLAYING ACTION — As with all Stick models, this instrument is fully adjustable without removal of any components or detuning of strings. String-to-fret action can be set higher at the bridge and nut to provide a heavier touch, allowing bass and guitar players to “dig in” more. Or the action can be set very low for tapping, as on The Stick. The precision fretwork is there (a straight board with an even plane of crowned and leveled fret tips) and will accommodate the same Stick low action and light touch. Best kept secret: With the action set low for two-handed tapping as it comes from my setup table, you get a combined advantage. Not only does the low setup optimize tapping to its SIDE-SADDLE BRIDGE SCREWS maximum ease, it also allows all conventional bass guitar and guitar techniques, as long as your right hand lightens up a bit in its picking/plucking role. In the process, all volumes become equal, regardless of techniques used, and you gain total control of dynamics and expression. This allows seamless transition from tapping to traditional playing methods on this dual role instrument. Some players will want to compromise on low action of the lower bass strings and set the individual bridge heights a bit higher, thereby duplicating the feel of their bass or guitar. -
Pipa by Moshe Denburg.Pdf
Pipa • Pipa [ Picture of Pipa ] Description A pear shaped lute with 4 strings and 19 to 30 frets, it was introduced into China in the 4th century AD. The Pipa has become a prominent Chinese instrument used for instrumental music as well as accompaniment to a variety of song genres. It has a ringing ('bass-banjo' like) sound which articulates melodies and rhythms wonderfully and is capable of a wide variety of techniques and ornaments. Tuning The pipa is tuned, from highest (string #1) to lowest (string #4): a - e - d - A. In piano notation these notes correspond to: A37 - E 32 - D30 - A25 (where A37 is the A below middle C). Scordatura As with many stringed instruments, scordatura may be possible, but one needs to consult with the musician about it. Use of a capo is not part of the pipa tradition, though one may inquire as to its efficacy. Pipa Notation One can utilize western notation or Chinese. If western notation is utilized, many, if not all, Chinese musicians will annotate the music in Chinese notation, since this is their first choice. It may work well for the composer to notate in the western 5 line staff and add the Chinese numbers to it for them. This may be laborious, and it is not necessary for Chinese musicians, who are quite adept at both systems. In western notation one writes for the Pipa at pitch, utilizing the bass and treble clefs. In Chinese notation one utilizes the French Chevé number system (see entry: Chinese Notation). In traditional pipa notation there are many symbols that are utilized to call for specific techniques. -
EDUCATION GUIDE History and Improvisation: Making American Music “We Play the Same Songs but the Solos Are Different Every Night
EDUCATION GUIDE History and Improvisation: Making American Music “We play the same songs but the solos are different every night. The form is the same, but the improvisations are what is really what makes that music what it is…Jazz is about being creative, all the time.” – Scotty Barnhart LESSON OVERVIEW In this lesson, students will view the MUSIC episode from the PBS series Craft in America. The episode features the skilled craftwork required to make ukuleles, trumpets, banjos, guitars, and timpani mallets. Students will hear musicians playing each of the instruments. Students will also hear the musicians talk about their personal connection to their instruments. Additionally, the program illustrates how a study of American music is a study of American history. After viewing the episode, students will investigate connections between musicians and their instruments and between American music and American history. The studio portion of the lesson is designed around the idea of creating a maker space in which students experiment with and invent prototype instruments. Instructions are also included for a basic banjo made from a sturdy cardboard box. Note: While this lesson can take place completely within the art department, it is an ideal opportunity to work with music teachers, history teachers, technical education teachers, and physics teachers (for a related study of acoustics.) Grade Level: 9-12 Estimated Time: Six to eight 45-minute class periods of discussion, research, design Craft In America Theme/Episode: MUSIC Background Information MUSIC focuses on finely crafted handmade instruments and the world-renowned artists who play them, demonstrating the perfect blend of form and function. -
The Musical Kinetic Shape: a Variable Tension String Instrument
The Musical Kinetic Shape: AVariableTensionStringInstrument Ismet Handˇzi´c, Kyle B. Reed University of South Florida, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tampa, Florida Abstract In this article we present a novel variable tension string instrument which relies on a kinetic shape to actively alter the tension of a fixed length taut string. We derived a mathematical model that relates the two-dimensional kinetic shape equation to the string’s physical and dynamic parameters. With this model we designed and constructed an automated instrument that is able to play frequencies within predicted and recognizable frequencies. This prototype instrument is also able to play programmed melodies. Keywords: musical instrument, variable tension, kinetic shape, string vibration 1. Introduction It is possible to vary the fundamental natural oscillation frequency of a taut and uniform string by either changing the string’s length, linear density, or tension. Most string musical instruments produce di↵erent tones by either altering string length (fretting) or playing preset and di↵erent string gages and string tensions. Although tension can be used to adjust the frequency of a string, it is typically only used in this way for fine tuning the preset tension needed to generate a specific note frequency. In this article, we present a novel string instrument concept that is able to continuously change the fundamental oscillation frequency of a plucked (or bowed) string by altering string tension in a controlled and predicted Email addresses: [email protected] (Ismet Handˇzi´c), [email protected] (Kyle B. Reed) URL: http://reedlab.eng.usf.edu/ () Preprint submitted to Applied Acoustics April 19, 2014 Figure 1: The musical kinetic shape variable tension string instrument prototype. -
A Comparison of Viola Strings with Harmonic Frequency Analysis
University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Student Research, Creative Activity, and Performance - School of Music Music, School of 5-2011 A Comparison of Viola Strings with Harmonic Frequency Analysis Jonathan Paul Crosmer University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/musicstudent Part of the Music Commons Crosmer, Jonathan Paul, "A Comparison of Viola Strings with Harmonic Frequency Analysis" (2011). Student Research, Creative Activity, and Performance - School of Music. 33. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/musicstudent/33 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Music, School of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Student Research, Creative Activity, and Performance - School of Music by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. A COMPARISON OF VIOLA STRINGS WITH HARMONIC FREQUENCY ANALYSIS by Jonathan P. Crosmer A DOCTORAL DOCUMENT Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts Major: Music Under the Supervision of Professor Clark E. Potter Lincoln, Nebraska May, 2011 A COMPARISON OF VIOLA STRINGS WITH HARMONIC FREQUENCY ANALYSIS Jonathan P. Crosmer, D.M.A. University of Nebraska, 2011 Adviser: Clark E. Potter Many brands of viola strings are available today. Different materials used result in varying timbres. This study compares 12 popular brands of strings. Each set of strings was tested and recorded on four violas. We allowed two weeks after installation for each string set to settle, and we were careful to control as many factors as possible in the recording process. -
History Special Tools Hardware Dulcimer Wood Onlineextra
onlineEXTRA Issue #80 (Dec/Jan 2018) Make a Mountain Dulcimer More Dulcimer Info History Mountain dulcimers are attributed to the Scotch-Irish who settled in Appalachia, with drone strings reminiscent of bag pipes. Part of the appeal of the dulcimer is that it could be built from locally available wood with basic hand tools. Traditional designs range from a rough rectangular box held together with nails, bailing wire frets, and ‘possum gut strings—to beautifully crafted instruments with graceful curves, inlay, intricate carving, and satin finish. Special tools A look through a luthier’s catalog will present you with a dizzying array of special saws, clamps, jigs, and other instrument-making tools. A modestly equipped shop has just about all the tools needed. The one exception is the fret saw. It is a fine-tooth narrow kerf back saw designed for cutting slots for frets. It is also a great saw for making fine cuts on other projects, so it is well worth the investment. A special clamp for holding the back and soundboard to the sides can easily be made from 11/2" schedule 40 PVC. These are about 1/4" wide with a 1/2" gap. You can make a couple dozen in just a few minutes and, like the fret saw, they will prove useful in other woodworking projects (and make decent shower curtain rings, too). Hardware There are a few “store bought” parts (fret wire, tuning pins, and strings) that make the assembly much easier and the playing more user friendly. You might want to order these now, so you won’t have to wait when you’re ready for them. -
Experiment 12
Experiment 12 Velocity and Propagation of Waves 12.1 Objective To use the phenomenon of resonance to determine the velocity of the propagation of waves in taut strings and wires. 12.2 Discussion Any medium under tension or stress has the following property: disturbances, motions of the matter of which the medium consists, are propagated through the medium. When the disturbances are periodic, they are called waves, and when the disturbances are simple harmonic, the waves are sinusoidal and are characterized by a common wavelength and frequency. The velocity of propagation of a disturbance, whether or not it is periodic, depends generally upon the tension or stress in the medium and on the density of the medium. The greater the stress: the greater the velocity; and the greater the density: the smaller the velocity. In the case of a taut string or wire, the velocity v depends upon the tension T in the string or wire and the mass per unit length µ of the string or wire. Theory predicts that the relation should be T v2 = (12.1) µ Most disturbances travel so rapidly that a direct determination of their velocity is not possible. However, when the disturbance is simple harmonic, the sinusoidal character of the waves provides a simple method by which the velocity of the waves can be indirectly determined. This determination involves the frequency f and wavelength λ of the wave. Here f is the frequency of the simple harmonic motion of the medium and λ is from any point of the wave to the next point of the same phase. -
Tuning a Guitar to the Harmonic Series for Primer Music 150X Winter, 2012
Tuning a guitar to the harmonic series For Primer Music 150x Winter, 2012 UCSC, Polansky Tuning is in the D harmonic series. There are several options. This one is a suggested simple method that should be simple to do and go very quickly. VI Tune the VI (E) low string down to D (matching, say, a piano) D = +0¢ from 12TET fundamental V Tune the V (A) string normally, but preferably tune it to the 3rd harmonic on the low D string (node on the 7th fret) A = +2¢ from 12TET 3rd harmonic IV Tune the IV (D) string a ¼-tone high (1/2 a semitone). This will enable you to finger the 11th harmonic on the 5th fret of the IV string (once you’ve tuned). In other words, you’re simply raising the string a ¼-tone, but using a fretted note on that string to get the Ab (11th harmonic). There are two ways to do this: 1) find the 11th harmonic on the low D string (very close to the bridge: good luck!) 2) tune the IV string as a D halfway between the D and the Eb played on the A string. This is an approximation, but a pretty good and fast way to do it. Ab = -49¢ from 12TET 11th harmonic III Tune the III (G) string to a slightly flat F# by tuning it to the 5th harmonic of the VI string, which is now a D. The node for the 5th harmonic is available at four places on the string, but the easiest one to get is probably at the 9th fret. -
Following the Trail of the Snake: a Life History of Cobra Mansa “Cobrinha” Mestre of Capoeira
ABSTRACT Title of Document: FOLLOWING THE TRAIL OF THE SNAKE: A LIFE HISTORY OF COBRA MANSA “COBRINHA” MESTRE OF CAPOEIRA Isabel Angulo, Doctor of Philosophy, 2008 Directed By: Dr. Jonathan Dueck Division of Musicology and Ethnomusicology, School of Music, University of Maryland Professor John Caughey American Studies Department, University of Maryland This dissertation is a cultural biography of Mestre Cobra Mansa, a mestre of the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira angola. The intention of this work is to track Mestre Cobrinha’s life history and accomplishments from his beginning as an impoverished child in Rio to becoming a mestre of the tradition—its movements, music, history, ritual and philosophy. A highly skilled performer and researcher, he has become a cultural ambassador of the tradition in Brazil and abroad. Following the Trail of the Snake is an interdisciplinary work that integrates the research methods of ethnomusicology (oral history, interview, participant observation, musical and performance analysis and transcription) with a revised life history methodology to uncover the multiple cultures that inform the life of a mestre of capoeira. A reflexive auto-ethnography of the author opens a dialog between the experiences and developmental steps of both research partners’ lives. Written in the intersection of ethnomusicology, studies of capoeira, social studies and music education, the academic dissertation format is performed as a roda of capoeira aiming to be respectful of the original context of performance. The result is a provocative ethnographic narrative that includes visual texts from the performative aspects of the tradition (music and movement), aural transcriptions of Mestre Cobra Mansa’s storytelling and a myriad of writing techniques to accompany the reader in a multi-dimensional journey of multicultural understanding.