Acoustic instruments measurements and innovative manufacturing

This projects wants to explore how a novel and non-invasive measurement method could be applied to acoustic musical instruments, such as guitars, pianos, violins, etc.

The method offers the chance to capture the acoustic signature of an instrument.

The acoustic signature of an instrument could be used as a target to achieve consistency in production, which is not possible yet using the actual manufacturing methods.

Combining measurements of raw materials, sub-assemblies and complete instruments can foster the transition from traditional wood species used, which are endangered or extinct, to sustainable materials.

The acoustic signature of an instrument could be used as an educational tool by educators, learners and professional to expand the knowledge of the community of users.

If you buy a sound system, you look for its performance. When you buy a piano or an acoustic guitar nobody gives you real quantitative data to compare.

The measurement method developed in this projects give everyone the capability to gather real data from a musical instrument

The measurement method was validated against the state of the art in 2018 (collaboration with University of Southampton).

The measurement method was used to do a sensitivity analysis, namely to understand which are the smallest manufacturing variations that we can measure.

We proved that we can measure difference between a guitar before and after the varnish has been applied, or when internal components are machined to alter its tone.