Comparison of the Vibration Damping of the Wood Species Used for the Body of an Electric Guitar on the Vibration Response of Open-Strings

Abstract

Research show that the vibrations of the strings and the radiated sound of the solid body electric guitar depend on the vibrational behavior of its structure in addition to the extended electronic chain. In this regard, most studies focused on the vibro-mechanical properties of the neck of the electric guitar and neglected the coupling of the vibrating strings with the neck and the solid body of the instrument. Therefore, the aim of the study was to understand how the material properties of the solid body could affect the stiffness and vibration damping of the whole instrument when comparing ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and walnut (Juglans regia L.) wood. In the electric guitar with identical components, higher modal frequencies were confirmed in the structure of the instrument when the solid body was made of the stiffer ash wood. The use of ash wood for the solid body of the instrument due to coupling effect resulted in a beneficial reduction in the vibration damping of the neck of the guitar. The positive effect of the low damping of the solid body of the electric guitar made of ash wood was also confirmed in the vibration of the open strings. In the specific case of free-free vibration mode, the decay time was longer for higher harmonics of the E2, A2 and D3 strings.

11th Hardwood Conference Proceedings

“…A variety of wood species are used in the manufacture of musical instruments, e.g. rosewood, ebony, spruce, maple and many others (Ray et al 2021, Straže et al 2015. However, to ensure proper function and reduce hygroscopicity and hygromechanical instability, the wood of musical instruments must be protected so that it can withstand the ravages of time (Bucur, 2006;Rosing, 2010).…”

Measurement and Analysis of the Vibration Responses of Piano Soundboards with Different Structures

“…In terms of the material itself, scholars have analyzed several common influencing factors, such as tree species [5,6], geometric shape [7], moisture content, density, porosity, quality grade, etc. [8,9].…”