Scientific Article

Assessing playability limits of bowed-string transients using experimental measurements

Departments of Music Acoustics – IWK, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Anton-von-Webern-Platz 1, Vienna 1030, Austria

^* Corresponding author: lampis@mdw.ac.at

Received: 9 April 2024
Accepted: 10 July 2024

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of bowed-string attacks involves exploring the relationship between bow acceleration, bow force, and the generation of Helmholtz motion during transients. This study addresses the following research question: How do theoretical limits of “playability” predict these parameters? Motivated by the need for experimental evidence in this domain, we present a comprehensive investigation into bowed-string transients within the bow acceleration and bow force parameter space, known as the Guettler diagram. This study exclusively employs an experimental methodology. The setup, employing a robotic arm, permits the collection of transient data under varying bowing conditions. Analysis of the bridge force waveform allows for the extraction of pre-Helmholtz transient times. Our results reveal a triangular playable region in the Guettler diagram, consistent with theoretical predictions and previous experimental findings. However, Guettler’s analytical limits for playable regions during transients show limitations. We investigate the role of friction, a key parameter idealized in the model used for obtaining these limits. Measured friction coefficients from transients reveal discrepancies with prior experimental studies, highlighting the need for further investigations in this direction.