Acoustical and perceptual influence of duplex stringing in grand pianos.

This study investigates the acoustical and perceptual influence of the string parts outside the speaking length in grand pianos (front and rear duplex strings). Acoustical measurements on a grand piano in concert condition were conducted, measuring the fundamental frequencies of all main and duplex strings in the four octaves D4-C8. Considerable deviations from the nominal harmonic relations between the rear duplex and main string frequencies, as described by the manufacturer in a patent, were observed.

Double basses on the stage floor: tuning fork-tabletop effect, or not?

The question whether or not double basses can benefit from a compliant and radiating stage floor in the low end of their tonal register, similar to the well-known tuning fork-tabletop effect, was examined through field experiments in five concert halls. The topic comprises several aspects: (1) How well the mechanical impedances of double basses and the stage floor match, (2) amount of vibration velocity transmitted to the floor through the end pin of the bass, and (3) radiation efficiency of point-excited bending waves in the stage floor far below the coincidence frequency. Each aspect represents a prerequisite for the tuning fork-tabletop effect to take place.

Analysis of the part-pedaling effect in the piano.

This letter reports basic acoustic phenomena related to part-pedaling in the piano. With part-pedaling, the piano tone can be divided into three distinct time intervals: initial free vibration, damper-string interaction, and final free vibration. Varying the distance of the damper from the string, the acoustic signal and the damper acceleration were measured for several piano tones.