Vibration Sensation in Humans

Abstract

The proposition that the performer of music can use vibrotactile sensations to supplement auditory cues as feedback signals in order to enhance tonal control of the instrument is examined. As a basis for evaluating this proposition, we present some fundamental characteristics of human vibrotactile sensation, including measurements at the threshold of detectability, at suprathreshold levels, and of subject variables that could affect sensation. It is reasonable to assume that the sensory capacities of skin could enable tactile feedback cues to be used by singers and some instrumentalists in controlling the tone of their instruments.