Materials in Musical Instruments

Uwe J. HansenDept of Chemistry &

PhysicsIndiana State University

Essential Elements

Power SupplyOscillatorResonatorAmplifier

Pitch Control

Power supply

• Bow• Pick• Mallet• Lungs• Hammer

Oscillator

StringLips

ReedsMembrane

Resonator

• StringBody

• Air Column• Membrane

Amplifier

• Body• Air column• Sound Board• Membrane

Pitch Control

• String mass, tension, length

• Valves, slide• Tone holes• Embouchure

• Examples of Structural Vibrations

Violin

Steel Pan

Triangle

Synthetic Materials

• Graphite• Steel

• Marimba bars

• Martin SchleskeMunich Luthier &Scientist

Layered Graphite sheetsCopy vibrational modes