While the history of musical instruments is nearly as old as civilization itself, the science of acoustics is quite recent. By understanding the physical basis of how instruments are used to make music, one hopes ultimately to be able to give physical criteria to distinguish a fine instrument from a mediocre one. At that point science may be able to come to the aid of art in improving the design and performance of musical instruments. As yet, many of the subtleties in musical sounds of which instrument makers and musicians ...
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While the history of musical instruments is nearly as old as civilization itself, the science of acoustics is quite recent. By understanding the physical basis of how instruments are used to make music, one hopes ultimately to be able to give physical criteria to distinguish a fine instrument from a mediocre one. At that point science may be able to come to the aid of art in improving the design and performance of musical instruments. As yet, many of the subtleties in musical sounds of which instrument makers and musicians are aware and remain beyond the reach of modern acoustic measurements. Indeed, for many musical instruments it is only within the past few years that musical acoustics has achieved even a reasonable understanding of the basic mechanisms determining the tone quality, and in some cases even major features of the sounding mechanism have only recently been unravelled. This book describes the results of such acoustical investigations-intellectual and practical exercises of great fascination. Addressed to readers with a reasonable grasp of physics who are not put off by a little mathematics, this book discusses most of the traditional instruments currently in use in Western music. This second edition has been thoroughly revised to take into account the insights arising from recent research, and to generalize or clarify the presentation in many places. The book should continue to serve as a guide for all who have an interest in music and how it is produces as well as serving as a comprehensive reference for those undertaking research in the field.
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New. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 756 p. Contains: Unspecified, Tables, black & white. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Fine. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 756 p. Contains: Unspecified, Tables, black & white. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of The Physics of Musical Instruments to cart. $125.84, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Clarita, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by Springer.
This book goes well beyond introductory texts, presenting the subject at a level of detail which will appeal to the serious student or the musical instrument designer. The level of mathematics used ranges from algebra to occasional differential equations. Some parts require very little math, while the more difficult parts should be accessible to anyone who has taken a calculus-based physics course.
My immediate reason for buying this book was to obtain a complete exposition of Fletcher's work on organ pipes, and it more than met my expectations. Organ builders will find a clear explanation of the physical basis of many well known aspects of pipe construction and voicing. The book also shows how the same principles are applied to woodwind and brass instruments.
I have dipped into other sections, such as those on chimes, harpsichords, clavichords, and pianos, and found them equally useful and detailed. A wide range of string and percussion instruments are discussed.
This book is an excellent resource. While physical processes in musical instruments are complex and to some extent still incompletely understood, instrument builders and musicians will find practical insights that are useful in the design and playing of actual instruments. Students of musical physics may be inspired to further research. The tools and techniques of this research are now within the reach of anyone, amateur or professional.
