Politzer, David and Woodhouse, Jim and Mansour, Hossein (2021) Pickers' Guide to Acoustics of the Banjo, parts I and II. . (Unpublished) https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20210404-080412826
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Abstract
The results of an investigation of fundamental banjo acoustics and physics are now readily available. The papers describe measurements and calculations which demonstrate the extent to which the sound of a banjo can be represented by linear modeling of the basic parts common to the banjo family: strings, drum head, light floating bridge, and break angle. This note summarizes the conclusions of that work and outlines some of the physics involved. While the scrutinized banjo behaviors are well-known to discerning builders and pickers, the focus here is how these arise from the physics. A practical application (discussed in an addendum) concerns head tap-tuning: what’s going on, how it works, and why some people and some tuners can’t get it right.
Item Type: | Report or Paper (Discussion Paper) | |||||||||
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Contact Email Address: | politzer@theory.caltech.edu | |||||||||
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Record Number: | CaltechAUTHORS:20210404-080412826 | |||||||||
Persistent URL: | https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20210404-080412826 | |||||||||
Usage Policy: | No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided. | |||||||||
ID Code: | 108613 | |||||||||
Collection: | CaltechAUTHORS | |||||||||
Deposited By: | H. Politzer | |||||||||
Deposited On: | 08 Apr 2021 18:15 | |||||||||
Last Modified: | 19 Apr 2021 18:37 |
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