Influence of plectrum shape and jack velocity on the sound of the harpsichord: An experimental study

Abstract

A controversial discussion in the musical community regards the ability of the harpsichord to produce sound level or timbre changes. The jack velocity (controlled in real time within a musical context) and the plectrum shape (modified by the musician or maker prior to the performance) appear to be the two control parameters at the disposal of the harpsichord makers and players for shaping the sound. This article initiates the acoustical study of the control parameters of the harpsichord, presenting a framework for the investigation of these two parameters with means of experimental mechanics measurement. A robotic finger is used for producing repeatable plucks with various jack velocities and plectrum shapes. The plectrum bending, vibrating string's initial conditions, and radiated sound are recorded and analysed. First, results are obtained from measurements carried out on one string, for four plectrum shapes and four jack velocities. The plectrum shape has been found to have an influence on its bending behavior when interacting with the string; on the string's initial conditions (position and velocity); and on the resulting sound (sound level, spectral centroid, and decay time). The jack velocity does not have an influence on any of the measured quantities.

Examination of polarization coupling in a plucked musical instrument string via experiments and simulations

“…On the other hand, publications are not only concerned with the string oscillation but also with the player and the plucking motion which has a great influence on the instruments sound. There have been studies about the plucking action investigating the motion of the plectrum and the string in a harpsichord for different plectrum shapes and plucking strengths [20,21]. Another study is concerned about the plucking of a harp [22].…”