This book describes the results of investigations into the production of musical sounds. Addressed to readers with a reasonable grasp of physics who are not put off by a little mathematics, it discusses most of the traditional instruments currently in use in Western music. This second edition has been thoroughly revised to take into account the insights arising from recent research, and to generalize or clarify the presentation in many places. The book should continue to serve as a guide for all who have an interest in music and how it is produces as well as serving as a comprehensive reference for those undertaking research in the field.

Updated and expanded second edition of a best-selling title The essential reference on the topic Presents the results of the latest acoustical investigations A comprehensive reference for those undertaking research

Inhalt
Part I: Vibrating Systems. Free and Forced Vibrations of Simple Systems. Continuous Systems in One Dimension: Strings and Bars. Two-Dimensional Systems: Membranes, Plates, and Shells. Coupled Vibrating Systems. Nonlinear Systems.- Part II: Sound Waves. Sound Waves in Air. Sound Radiation. Pipes, Horns, and Cavities.- Part III: String Instruments. Guitars and Lutes. Bowed String Instruments. Harps, Harpsicords, Clavicords, and Dulcimers. The Piano.- Part IV: Wind Instruments. Sound generation by Reed and Lip Vibrations. Lip-driven Brass Instruments. Woodwind Reed Instruments. Flutes and Flue Organ Pipes. Pipe Organs.- Part V: Percussion Instruments. Drums. Mallet Percussion Instruments. Cymbals, Gongs, Plates, and Steel Drums. Bells.- Part VI: Materials. Materials for Musical Instruments.- Name Index.- Subject Index.