Acoustics and Musical Instrument Design to Create a Robust, Stable, Flexible Berimbau Instrument Clayton Smith, Matthew Hasto, Michael Abukhader Dr. Hasan Ferdowsi Dr. Gregory Beyer Mechanical Engineering Abstract Methods and Materials Results and Discussion The total design consists By request of Dr. Gregory Beyer, as of a modified berimbau capable of Due to the original limitations of the well as the Arcomusical group, our team was functionally housing two strings, berimbau a second string drastically increases tasked with improving the berimbau, or musical as well as a bridge clamp the functionality for a single player. The ability to bow. The design that best fit this request was mechanism designed by our team bridge the string in multiple locations along that of a clamp mechanism that included hook to solve some of the basic with the use of an additional string means that inserts to separate the strings. This design also functionality issues of the original much more complex compositions may be allows for the gourd to move along the staff at berimbau and bridge the strings of played by fewer musicians. any desired location. Given our final prototype, the instrument. Dr. Beyer can now use this bow to its full musical potential. Clamp Mechanism Conclusions • Clamp: This is a wooden clamp designed to wrap around the staff and allows the bridge, The addition and design of a clamps gourd and handhold to move along the staff. capable of holding two strings rather than one is Introduction • Bridge: The bridge is a wooden piece with a increasing the melodic potential of the drilled-out hole for the hook inserts, and a set instrument by more than double. Also, the screw to keep the hooks in place. option of having two clamps applying tension at The berimbau is an • Hooks: Plastic coated metal hooks are different areas on either string allows musicians African-Brazilian instrument inserted into the bridge to pull back the strings. to change playing styles fluidly in the middle of strongly linked to the dance • Gourd: This is a standard berimbau gourd a composition. fighting technique of Capoeira. held to the clamp with a tension housing that In it’s root this instrument was tightens the clamp around the staff. used to muffle the sounds of • Handhold: Built into the bridge is an Acknowledgements slaves learning martial arts. It ergonomic hold to ease the discomfort of Dr. Gregory Beyer – Founder, President, and is a one stringed musical bow holding the instrument. Artistic Director of Arcomusical with limited ability for a single instrumentalist. Dave "Snappy" White – Arcomusical's Our goal is to expand the melodic potential of Berimbau personal woodworker handcrafting musical a single player by creating a stable multi- • Strings: Second string for increased potential. bows stringed berimbau instrument. • Staff: Able to bridge the multiple strings at each end, as well as house multiple tuning Hasan Ferdowsi – Faculty Advisor Team 35 mechanisms. German Ibarra - Teaching Assistant Team 35.