Strings, Rods and Reeds
These represent the next step geometrically, moving from a vibrating point to a flexible line fixed at both ends, to a rigid line fixed at a node, to a semi-rigid flattened line fixed at one end. These examples make vibration visual and tactile as well as auditory.
These represent the next step geometrically, moving from a vibrating point to a flexible line fixed at both ends, to a rigid line fixed at a node, to a semi-rigid flattened line fixed at one end. These examples make vibration visual and tactile as well as auditory.
A string, a wire or a spring all represent a line that when held at both ends or a node vibrates laterally. This vibration is audible from all sides but has definite directional emphasis. This difference is show in the strength of resonance along the long axis of the frame supporting the string or wire, as opposed to resonance at the end.
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A string, a wire or a spring all represent a line that when held at both ends or a node vibrates laterally. This vibration is audible from all sides but has definite directional emphasis. This difference is show in the strength of resonance along the long axis of the frame supporting the string or wire, as opposed to resonance at the end.
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A single string fretted neck with a diatonic scale isolates the idea of string length as it effects pitch. The wood transmits vibration to the hands very clearly. Resonance and the increase in volume it creates is produced by placing the neck flat on various surfaces or standing it on end. The tuner offers an elegantly simple example of a basic machine.
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A single string fretted neck with a diatonic scale isolates the idea of string length as it effects pitch. The wood transmits vibration to the hands very clearly. Resonance and the increase in volume it creates is produced by placing the neck flat on various surfaces or standing it on end. The tuner offers an elegantly simple example of a basic machine.
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A 1/4" aluminum rod, again a standard 36" length will not vibrate visibly. It will when held at a node and struck give a very clear auditory impression of the difference between a transverse or sideways wave and a longitudinal or end to end compression wave. Damping the transverse wave with finger tips will isolate the longitudinal sound.
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Flatten a rod and fix it at one end and you have a reed. Reed brings to mind the idea of woodwinds although a harmonica is a well love metal reed instrument. To present a reeds in a way not involving passing something from mouth to mouth a Chi;ld's Physics suggests a simple five tine Kalimba. Again this instrument vibrates visibly and the solid wooden base transmits the feel of it to the hands clearly and creates resonance within any surface
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