Question

3. Why do you think the shape of stringed instruments such as violins, guitars and cellos is curved and reminds a "hourglass" figure? How does this shape effect the quality of sound? Please write a small paragraph below (up to 100 words).

Answer 1

Each instrument has a unique sound that it makes in comparison to all other instruments. A piano, guitar, and violin might all be playing C in the same octave, but they are all very distinguishable from one another. One reason for this is that instruments are made of different materials and are in different shapes. The shape and materials of the instrument does affect the tone of the instrument, but the main reason instruments have a unique tone has to do with the harmonic partials associated with that instrument. When you pluck a string on the guitar, you will primarily hear what is called the fundamental. The fundamental is the main vibration that is happening. If you listen very closely to the sound, you will also hear that there are other vibrations happening at the same time. A series of higher pitches will also sound as a result of the fundamental pitch that is played. This series of pitches is called the overtone series. Every pitched sound that is made is always identified by the name of the fundamental, but each note is actually a complex series of notes all happening at the same time. Different instruments naturally will emphasize certain pitches in the overtone series giving them a unique tone that is different from every other instrument