A Versatile Monochord Setup
An Industrial Robotic Arm as Bowing and Plucking Device
Mayer, Alexander
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Lampis, Alessio
8571ef3f-263c-47f9-8e92-e12cd1adb70d
Abstract (English)
Experiments on the bowed string are often carried out on monochord setups [1] and with specialized bowing machines [2, 3, 4, 5] in order to study the excitation in detail. These setups simplify the equipment with the necessary sensors. Furthermore, by using rigid body monochords, measurement uncertainties can be minimized by eliminating vibrating components such as the resonating body, bridge, neck, etc. When the string is then excited or bowed using a machine, there are further advantages in terms of reproducibility or controllability of the excitation and bowing parameters. This technical report provides technical details of a monochord built at the acoustic laboratory of the Department of Music Acoustics – Wiener Klangstil (IWK). The advantages of using strain gauge sensors for string vibration analysis are presented and discussed. In contrast to a custom- made bowing machine, however, an industrial robotic arm was used for string excitation, thereby allowing for highly versatile applications. Enclosed detail pictures, circuit diagrams and software flowcharts provide the possibility of simple replication of the setup described.
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