Acoustic Guitar Research Articles

Redesign of workstations guitar product to minimize musculoskeletal disorders for workers

The production process of acoustic guitars in Indonesia involves 4 workstations and 17 distinct activities. Due to the nature of the work—8-hour shifts in seated positions with frequent bending, squatting, and repetitive movements—workers are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and wrists. This study aimed to identify and analyze body posture conditions using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) and Muscle Fatigue Analysis (MFA) methods. The NBM method was used to record pain complaints across various body parts, while the MFA assessed muscle fatigue by considering the level of effort, work duration, and movement frequency. Results from the NBM showed that among the workers, 2 were at high risk, 3 at medium risk, and 7 at low risk for MSDs. The MFA further identified 3 workers with very high to high-priority fatigue concerns, specifically affecting the neck, back, shoulders, right arm, wrist, and legs. To address these issues, the study recommended redesigning work facilities and layouts using the SolidWorks application, along with implementing regular muscle stretching and exercise routines to minimize the risk of MSDs and improve worker well-being.

Characteristics of Worship Music at HKBP Simpang Limun Medan Church

This research discusses the characteristics of worship music at the HKBP Simpang Limun Church in Medan, focusing on the evolution of the presentation of worship music which has now shifted to contemporary music. This transformation can be clearly seen in the use of modern musical instruments such as keyboards, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, drums and saxophones which have replaced the monotony of a single organ in the presentation of worship music. These changes not only create a richer variety in musical expression, but also enrich the worship experience for the congregation, reflecting the church's adaptability in responding to changing times. The purpose of this research is to determine the characteristics of worship music at the HKBP Simpang Limun Church, Medan. The research was conducted at the HKBP Simpang Limun Medan church, Jl. Brother No.30 Sudirejo II, Medan City District, Medan, North Sumatra. The approach used in this research is qualitative with a descriptive type where data is collected using observation, interviews, documentation and literature study methods. Based on the research results, it can be seen the characteristics of the music used in worship at the HKBP Simpang Limun church in terms of style, genres, textual, composition, transmission, movement.

An Analysis of the Displacements in 3D-Printed PLA Acoustic Guitars.

This study focuses on the analysis of the displacements generated in 3D-printed acoustic guitar tops. Specifically, the influence of 3D printing direction parameters on the vibrational behavior of a guitar top designed for polylactic acid (PLA) by analyzing five points of the top surface at a reduced scale. For this purpose, finite element tests and laboratory experiments have been carried out to support the study. After analyzing the results, it can be affirmed that the vibrational response in reduced-scale top plates can be modified and controlled by varying the printing direction angle in additive manufacturing, providing relevant information about the displacement in the vibrational response of PLA acoustic guitars. Furthermore, this work shows that the behavior of a specific acoustic guitar design can be characterized according to a specific need.

A comparison of various steel-string acoustic guitars’ modal response with relation to typical playing styles

Steel-string acoustic guitars are built with large variations in geometry and materials, leading to different-sounding instruments. Musicians will have preferences for geometries or woods depending on certain musical styles or personal preferences regarding tonal characteristics. For example, dreadnought-style guitars with either mahogany or rosewood back and sides and a spruce top are overwhelmingly preferred for bluegrass music. This work presents the beginnings of a project to collect measurements from a vast and varied collection of guitars attempting to span the ranges of guitar woods and geometries. Vibration and acoustic measurements of the instruments are captured and modal analysis is performed to extract the modal frequencies, damping ratios, and amplitudes of the prominent modes. The modal characteristics among them are compared to better understand the most prominent differences with an attempt to learn why certain geometries or woods are preferred for specific genres of music and playing styles. The dataset is continuing to grow and currently includes measurements of twenty different guitars.

Local Guitar Position Mapping Based on Consumer Preferences and Perceptions Using Multidimensional Scaling

The potential of the acoustic guitar market in Indonesia has attracted the interest of local businesses in the home industry to create and promote their own acoustic guitar brands within the country. To ensure the appeal of their guitar products to consumers, these businesses must carefully consider product attributes that align with consumer tastes and needs. Conducting a thorough analysis of competitors is also crucial, helping identify strengths and weaknesses to develop effective marketing strategies. Local brands such as Genta, Grande, Stranough, and Avirama have established positive brand images among Indonesian consumers. Recognizing the impact of a strong brand image on consumer loyalty, it is advisable for home industry entrepreneurs to differentiate their acoustic guitars from existing local brands. This research aims to identify the specific attributes that resonate with the tastes and needs of domestic consumers and to position Genta, Grande, Stranough, and Avirama brand acoustic guitars as a reference for designing marketing strategies. The study utilizes the 4P marketing mix approach to identify consumer preferences, collecting data through a questionnaire and applying the Multidimensional Scaling method for analysis. The results highlight that sound quality, price-to-quality ratio, material quality, warranty, ease of purchase, price flexibility, discounts, and completeness of features are crucial factors influencing consumers’ choices in acoustic guitars. Genta excels in price-to-quality ratio, material quality, ease of purchase, price flexibility, and completeness of features. Grande stands out for sound quality and discounts, while Avirama leads in warranty offerings. Stranough shares a similar market segment with Genta due to comparable consumer perceptions, Grande and Avirama occupy distinct segments. This comprehensive understanding of consumer preferences and brand positioning can guide home industry businesses in formulating effective marketing strategies for their acoustic guitar products.

Managing Bullwhip Effect in Acoustic Guitar Manufacturing: A Case Study Through Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Approach

The Bullwhip Effect is a condition where differences arise between the supply and demand numbers within supply chain management. This acoustic guitar manufacturing faces challenges resulting from demand fluctuations, supply chain complexities, and inventory inefficiencies, which often lead to the Bullwhip Effect. The company experiences fluctuations in both demand and supply, consequently leading to inventory accumulation in its warehouses. This study aims to reduce the Bullwhip Effect score in acoustic guitar manufacturing by implementing the Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) method. VMI acts as a regulatory mechanism during distribution, ensuring better control over dispatched products by incorporating forecasting techniques such as single exponential smoothing, double exponential smoothing, and linear regression. Before implementing VMI, the Bullwhip Effect scores were 1.42 for Retailer 1 and 1.69 for Retailer 2. After the successful implementation of VMI, significant reductions in the Bullwhip Effect scores were observed, with scores of 0.48 and 0.91 recorded for Retailer 1 and Retailer 2, respectively.

Influence of 3D Printing Direction in PLA Acoustic Guitars on Vibration Response.

The design of musical instruments is a discipline that is still carried out in an artisanal way, with limitations and high costs. With the additive manufacturing technique, it is possible to obtain results for the generation of not only electrical but also acoustic instruments. However, it is necessary to generate a procedure to evaluate the influence of the process on the final result of the acoustics obtained. This study focuses on investigating the relationship between the construction of acoustic guitars and their final sound. The reinforcement structures at the top of the instrument are analysed, as well as how this design affects the vibratory behaviour of the top in the first five vibratory modes. Specifically, this article presents a procedure for the design of customised acoustic guitars using additive manufacturing through parametrisation and a vibrational analysis of the designed tops using finite element (FEA) and experimental physical tests, in order to develop a methodology for the study of stringed instruments. As a result, an 11% increase in the high-frequency response was achieved with a printing direction of +45°, and a reduction in the high-frequency response with ±45°. In addition, at high frequencies, a relative error of 5% was achieved with respect to the simulation. This work fulfils an identified need to study the manufacture of acoustic guitars using polylactic acid (PLA), and to be able to offer the musician a customised instrument. This represents a breakthrough in the use of this manufacturing technology, extending its relationship with product design.

Kajian Organologi Pembuatan Gitar Akustik Solid Steel String Model Dreadnought Produksi GuitarUs Klaten

Purpose: This study aims to describe the process of making a solid steel string Dreadnought acoustic guitar produced by GuitarUs and describe the characteristics of this acoustic guitar based on three aspects of sound, playability and craftsmanship, which later this data can be used as a reference in choosing a good quality steel string acoustic guitar. Method: this research uses qualitative research with a grounded theory approach, namely valid, objective and reliable research results presented by researchers based on a combination of observational data extracted from several GuitarUs luthier partners with observational data obtained from GuitarUs. Results and Discussion: The results of the research obtained are that a good, quality Dreadnought solid steel string acoustic guitar must meet the requirements for the three aspects of sound, playability and craftsmanship, which requirements can be fulfilled if in carrying out the production process, a luthier must apply the knowledge of organology and steel string acoustic guitar acoustics.

Unraveling viscoelastic properties of Philippine Mahogany and manufactured acoustic guitar for improving acoustic performance of materials

The acoustic conversion efficiency is one of the parameters used to assess the acoustic performance of a material, which is dependent on the values of tan delta and complex modulus. Studies so far have been conducted looking at tan delta and complex modulus [1], but the specific components of these, which are the storage and loss modulus, and how it affects the tan delta and complex modulus, and therefore acoustic conversion efficiency has yet been studied. Moreover, the effect of heat treatment on the storage and loss modulus, which is more affected by the process have yet been explored. This study aims to characterize the dynamic mechanical properties of Philippine Mahogany, to gain some insights on tuning the acoustic performance of materials for musical instruments, as well as to gain insights on the effect of heat treatment on these properties, composition and to compare it to that of a manufactured guitar. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to accomplish these objectives. The DMA results showed that storage modulus, loss modulus, complex modulus, and tan delta decreased upon heat treatment, while the sample from guitar showed highest storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex modulus, and lowest tan delta. The TGA results showed minute differences in composition between treated and untreated samples. However, this provided explanation on the difference in the mechanical properties of the samples. Noteworthy, even with tan delta <0.1 for both samples, storage modulus wasn’t dominating the tan delta for both. This study showed the importance of looking at the storage and loss modulus components in improving the acoustic performance of materials as well as the effect of heat treatment on Philippine Mahogany.

Wood for guitars II : How the material properties of a spruce guitar top influence the tonal quality of the guitar

Pacific Rim Tonewoods is the world’s largest supplier of spruce tonewood for the soundboard and bracing of the acoustic guitar. A previous study from our research group (JASA 2019) has demonstrated the importance of (1) longitudinal Young’s Modulus and (2) density of the spruce soundboard on the tonal quality of steel string guitars. This study used pairwise comparisons of listener preference to rank a particular guitar model (the Taylor 814ce). The present study updates this previous work, adding a third material property: internal friction (damping) of the soundboard, as measured by the logarithmic decrement of the resonating spruce billet. In addition, objective data on tonal quality were measured on guitars recorded in an anechoic chamber at the Technical University of Dresden, Germany. Spectral sequence analysis, transfer function, and tone decay were measured, and are correlated with the perceptual data. With these data, we can demonstrate the relative importance of the three material properties on the “performance factors” of guitar quality, such as volume, responsiveness, timbre, attack, and sustain. In doing so, we hope to provide the lutherie community with a predictable means of integrating tonewood material properties into their designs, in order to consistently produce their desired tonal outcomes.

Methodology for the Acoustic Analysis of Acoustic Guitar Top Plates Designs by Additive Manufacturing

Nowadays, tools such as Additive Manufacturing (AM) contribute directly to an increase in the value of Industrial Design through the development of new products focused on customization. Specifically, the acoustic guitar is a good example of this, because it is a complex product to study due to the great variety of possible designs depending on the materials and the way they are obtained, which has repercussions on the final sound of the instrument. Due to the above, this paper develops a methodology for the study of the acoustic response depending on the design of an acoustic guitar using AM with Polylactic Acid (PLA) material. The methodology is divided into two types of tests: an acoustic test to capture the frequencies emitted by transmitting a sweep of frequencies across the audible spectrum to the soundboard, and another to visualize the vibrational patterns at five specific harmonic frequencies of the guitar by analyzing the movement of the soundboard and the influence of the bracing. This second test includes the PLA designed top with a reinforcement structure in its soundboard and a case in order to compare this design with a wooden guitar of the same size whose top has no reinforcement at all. From the tests carried out, it can be seen that the acoustics recorded by a top made of PLA can provide a good acoustic response compared to a wooden guitar, giving the possibility to create customized guitars according to the musician's tastes.

Identification of Sustainable Tonewoods for Acoustic Guitars Using Materials Selection Software

Abstract A search for alternative, sustainable tonewood species has been prompted by constraints in availability and concerns about ecological impacts associated with established sources. This article describes an effort to identify tonewood substitutes for guitar soundboards using the ANSYS Granta Selector based on derived performance objectives for physical and mechanical properties. These objectives are then combined with those for species morphology, producibility, and sustainability to arrive at sustainable and viable tonewood substitution options that meet manufacturer and customer expectations.

Use and sustainability of wood in acoustic guitars: An overview based on the global market

Since the dawn of humanity, wood has been the material of choice for crafting musical instruments due to its favorable acoustic properties, workability, and aesthetic value. Acoustic guitars are among the most widespread musical instruments worldwide, and today are industrially manufactured by large companies with global markets. This study investigates the use of wood in modern acoustic guitars, with a focus on wood species and sustainability. The websites of the 14 most relevant manufacturers on a global scale were analyzed collecting data on 874 guitars and 4506 components. The purpose of the research is to provide a novel overview of the variety and relevance of woods employed in the sector, of the most common environmental issues associated with their use, and of the strategies adopted by companies to deal with sustainability concerns and to communicate their environmental commitment to the public.The results show that, overall, wood remains the material of choice for acoustic guitars, and a wide number of wood species are used. Sustainability aspects are often highlighted on websites. However, the taxonomy is ambiguous in several cases, and some endangered wood species are used with limited information about preservation. Therefore enhancing the research of alternative wood species and increasing the efforts on environmental commitment and on promoting end consumer sustainability awareness are relevant targets to further enhance the use of wood in a sector that already provides a great valorization of this renewable material.

Factors that affect guitar timbre

This is part one of two presentations on the same project. Guitars have been used for centuries, but their versatility due to technical developments have made them very popular in most genres of music. Our research has investigated how various physical properties of the guitar affect its timbre. We have investigated the effects of (a) string excitement location, (b) string type and gauge, (c) pick versus pluck excitement, and (e) the placement of a capo on an acoustic guitar. The main goal is to investigate how each of these factors play a role in certain genres of music where guitars are one of the main instruments. Measurements were taken at the LU acoustics lab and the anechoic chamber at Northwestern. This talk will present theoretical basis for our measurements and discuss the effects of the pick versus pluck and placing a capo on the neck of the guitar. The following talk will discuss the remaining factors and how our study contributes to the capability of the player to create different moods.

Development of an Acoustic Guitar Tuner and Graphical User Interface (GUI) using MATLAB

Beautiful music requires precisely tuned instruments. Tuning a guitar is a necessary skill for any guitarist on their first day. This work demonstrates an understanding of the critical characteristics that must be considered while developing an acoustic guitar tuner and the logical process used to design such a tuner. The study aimed to create an algorithm using the Butterworth Filter and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) capable of adequately analysing the frequency spectrum of a plucked guitar string to determine its fundamental frequency. The developed system compared the detected frequency and the standard frequency of the picked guitar string, which then requested the user on the tuning state of that corresponding string. The error in frequency detection was found to be in the order of 0.02%. The MATLAB App Designer tool created a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that users could use to tune guitars using the generated application easily. The implemented tuner overcame the steep learning curve and high sensitivity of traditional ones.

Меланхолия и ностальгия в британском прогрессив-роке

The article studies the role of such cultural phenomena as melancholy and nostalgia in artistic and “ontological” aspects of rock music. The relevance of this study is due to a high frequency of occurrence of these phenomena in numerous types of modern art (there have been several research dedicated to this issue), as well as the growing popularity of “melancholic rock” in a wide audience. Of particular significance for the author in scientific understanding of the proposed topic were the works by S. Boym, V. Medushevsky, J. Starobinski, V. Syrov, T. Tsaregradskaya, W. Everett, K. Johannison and other researchers. The study of melancholy in rock music was based on British psychedelic and progressive rock, with a detailed review of several vivid examples of compositions by Pink Floyd, Barclay James Harvest, King Crimson, Genesis, Marillion and Steven Wilson. The main purpose of this work is to reveal the characteristic musical and stylistic features, means of expression, and thematic patterns of “melancholic rock”. Among them the most important (in the author’s opinion) are the following: the prevalence of slow tempo (non-typical of rock in general), ostinato, “lack of aspiration” (according to V. Medushevsky), distinctive modal and intonational features (minority, polymodality, lamento intonation complex), folklore and early music influences, special appeal to the “nostalgic” timbres of bowed strings, organ, and wind instruments (both in live performance and electro-mechanical playback or electronic samples), and “flickering” acoustic guitar sounds. A wide range of emotions and moods are presented, from light sadness to deep sorrow, the themes of loss, loneliness, “lost childhood”, etc. The article stresses the role of melancholy, its “emotional modus” and specific sound that overcomes the intellectuality of progressive rock (sometimes excessive), its “calculated” character. At the same time, the “lack of aspiration” can be counter-balanced by the intense dramatic development, typical of progressive rock.

Effect of wood attributes on the price persistence of acoustic guitars

Wood attributes are important, because they directly affect the price persistence of wood products. Consumers consider the “aesthetic,” “traditionality,” “decay resistance,” and “scarcity” attributes important when evaluating wood. This study analyzed the impact of these four attributes on the price persistence of acoustic guitars. We obtained data from a Japanese internet auction platform and winning-bid data for two representative brands, Martin and Yamaha. We performed a quantitative analysis using the winning bid price as the dependent variable and the adoption of various wood attributes in each part of the guitar corresponding to the four attributes as explanatory variables. We found that rosewood, mahogany, palisander, and ebony have a significant impact on price persistence, and that all of them fit the four attributes of traditionality, decay resistance, scarcity, and aesthetics. We also found that traditionality was the key attribute among the four. Using wood in luxury brands without traditionality was not effective, even if other attributes were present. For mass-market brands, scarcity and decay resistance had positive effects on price persistence. The finding that scarcity and decay resistance were important only for mass-market brands can help companies understand market demand, determine product attributes, and achieve product–market fit.

Synchronization during Improvised Active Music Therapy in clients with Parkinson’s disease

ABSTRACT Introduction The purpose of this manuscript is to report on the finding of asynchrony measures during Improvised Active Music Therapy (IAMT) sessions with individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Method In this single subject multiple baseline design across subjects, the study measured asynchrony of three right-handed participants with PD while playing uninterrupted improvised music on a simplified electronic drum-set. During baseline, the music therapist played rhythms with lowto moderate density of syncopation. During treatment, the music therapist introduced rhythms with moderate to high density of syncopation. The music content of the sessions was transformed into digital music using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). MIDI data were analyzed to determine participants’ and the music therapist’s asynchrony (on acoustic guitar) during baseline and treatment conditions. Results The results of this manuscript suggest that all participants exhibited total negative mean asynchrony and in that the music therapist exhibited total positive mean asynchrony scores within and across conditions. All participants also demonstrated score fluctuation in left foot and right foot as compared to upper extremity within and across conditions. Discussion Overall, participants showed their ability to synchronize to the music produced by the music therapist throughout conditions by demonstrating anticipation. Also, participants demonstrated some difficulty while synchronizing with lower extremity. Music therapy clinicians might benefit from knowledge of their own tempo inconsistencies to be able to synchronize with clients more effectively. More research is required to identify commonalities and differences in music synchronization measures between individuals with PD and healthy individuals during IAMT sessions.

Ragnar Kjartansson and the Art of Pleasure

Ragnar Kjartansson and the Art of Pleasure

A Postcolonial Curriculum Investigation in the Course “Instrument – Acoustic Guitar” of the Federal University of Bahia

Regardless of the field, the establishment of a curriculum is intrinsically connected with discussions that incorporate struggles from broader social contexts. A scrutinizing analysis of a music course’s curriculum can disclose complex power structures that interfere with the social perception not only of the courses’ direct stakeholders but also with the perception of general members of society. In this context, the current article has as its main aim to reflect on possible connections between the establishment of the curriculum of an influential higher education music institution and the general social perception toward different types of musical knowledge. Influenced by a postcolonial perspective and focused on Salvador, a Brazilian northeastern city, this investigation has three specific aims to support the general purpose: 1) to review the literature which discusses the connections between social struggles and curriculum development; 2) to contextualize the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) in the Salvador city by presenting their main characteristics that are related to the presented discussion; and 3) to examine the curriculum of the course “Instrument – Acoustic Guitar” offered at UFBA. Supported by the aforementioned aims, this inquiry employs the “Qualitative Document Analysis” methodology to analyze academically relevant sources that can support and foster the proposed reflections. Likewise, this paper intends to contribute to the ongoing scientific debate about the impact of social structures in the curricula of higher education music courses and to stimulate conscious and active participation of higher education organizations in the promotion of fairer societies.