Adjusting the soundboard’s modal parameters without mechanical change: A modal active control approach

Abstract

How do modes of soundboards affect the playability and the sound of string instruments? This talk will investigate this question experimentally, using modal active control. After identifying modal parameters of a structure, modal active control allows the adjustments of modal frequency and damping thanks to a feedback loop, without any mechanical changes. The potential of this approach for musical acoustics research will be presented for three different instruments: a simplified piano, a guitar, and a cello. The effects of modal active control of soundboards will be illustrated on attack, amplitude of sound partials, sound duration, playability, and “wolf tone” production.