Evaluating design modifications in classical guitars.

The structure and musical usage of the classical guitar has changed considerably over its long history and the instrument still continues to develop. Major the changes in construction of guitars in the latter part of the nineteenth century and changes in their playing style helped establish the classical guitar as a serious solo instrument, which still holds considerable prominence today. Many makers and players strive to “improve” the instrument, but their objectives are rarely clearly defined or the overall consequences of specific changes are misunderstood. This paper will try to establish an objective framework for establishing what constitutes the sound of a guitar and how that sound may be modified by changes in the design or construction of the instrument or through the use of different materials. It will bring together objective experimental and theoretical work on the structural vibrations of guitars and acoustical radiation with subjective psychoacoustical evaluation of real and synthetic sound ...