Quantitative measurements to enhance performance of acoustic musical instruments and improve manufacturing

This paper discusses how the sine-sweep measurement method, which has become a standard in room acoustics and loudspeaker testing, can also be used to gather reliable quantitative data representing the response and performance of acoustic musical instruments. n the attempt to quantify the accuracy limit of the methodology, a complete instrument has been re-worked.
and all phases of the process have been measured before and after each modification step.

This provided enough data to perform a sensitivity analysis of the proposed technique, and proved that the method is capable of capturing the influence of the varnish being applied or removed from a soundboard, the presence or absence of structural reinforcing struts (braces), and the impact on the acoustic output of weight reduction and profile optimisation applied to the braces of the soundboard and of the back of the instrument.

The findings suggest this approach is mature and ready to be used in combination with finite element modelling simulations, computer aided machining, and additional manufacturing in order to achieve a desired frequency response for acoustic soundboards or panel loudspeakers.

This technology can potentially disrupt the musical instrument industry and maximise the use of resources that, at the moment, are exploited in an unsustainable way relying on traditional manufacturing.