Parametric Experimental Modal Analysis of a Modern Violin Based on a Guarneri del Gesù Model

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Rotating Machinery, Vibro-Acoustics & Laser Vibrometry, Volume 7

Abstract

Mechanical effects and dynamic behaviour of a modern violin, built on a Guarneri del Gesù model, were examined via parametric experimental modal analysis. The soundpost, a mobile component of a violin, has a particular relevance for the final acoustic performance, even if its dimensions are extremely small. Therefore, the aim of this first research is to understand the violin sensitivity to the soundpost position considering its influence on the overall structural-vibrational behaviour.

Experimental modal analysis was performed in six different configurations, related to different positions of the soundpost inside the violin, including both the outer possible locations and optimal position, generally defined by the violinist according only to the perceived best acoustic performance. Six “Signature” modes were identified and tracked in all configurations, comparing mode shapes, dam** and natural frequencies of involved modes, in order to find a correlation between mechanical vibrations and acoustic performance of the instrument.

The effects of the soundpost position on the modal properties of the “Signature” mode shapes are highlighted and discussed. Finally, the potential role of soundpost as a practical engineering tool to improve the signature and sound quality is discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the technical and experienced support provided by Simone Geroso from LMS-Siemens industry; Kistler for the additional hardware provided and Enzo Cena (president, Accademia Liuteria Piemontese “S. Filippo”, Turin). Enzo suggestions, combined with his wealth of experience concerning violins, have been extensively useful to understand the violin behaviour.

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Correspondence to Elvio Bonisoli .

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Bonisoli, E., Casazza, M., Lisitano, D., Dimauro, L. (2019). Parametric Experimental Modal Analysis of a Modern Violin Based on a Guarneri del Gesù Model. In: Di Maio, D. (eds) Rotating Machinery, Vibro-Acoustics & Laser Vibrometry, Volume 7. Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74693-7_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74693-7_21

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-74692-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-74693-7

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