Guitar Acoustic Analysis Kit

This complete set is designed so you can carry out in your own workshop the measurements and analyses proposed by Giuliano Nicoletti in his book Mastering the Sound of the Acoustic Guitar. It includes all the necessary components for the three phases of acoustic study to evaluate, visualize, and compare soundboard behaviour on fully built guitars — a practical, repeatable approach to acoustic adjustment that requires no advanced audio knowledge.

Phase 1: Acoustic Response Measurement
The top is gently tapped with the felt hammer and the response is captured by the UMIK-1 microphone. REW software (roomeqwizard.com) processes the data from a computer (not included) and identifies the main resonances of the top.
Components: felt hammer, UMIK-1 omnidirectional microphone.

Phase 2: Chladni Pattern Visualization
Tones detected in Phase 1 are played through the speaker to make the top vibrate. Sprinkling sawdust or a similar material on the surface reveals vibration patterns showing the distribution of nodes and antinodes.
Components: Faital 4FE32 speaker with Manax SC22150 cable, Nobsound Mini Bluetooth amplifier, hearing protection plugs. Tone generator app and sawdust not included.
Apps: NCH Tone Generator (PC/Mac/Linux) · Android · iOS

Phase 3: Soundboard Deflection Measurement
A localized load is applied to the top and deflection is recorded with the dial indicator mounted on the structure. A bone saddle is placed on the bridge to protect its finish. Deflection is the amount of deformation under load; measuring it gives the luthier a practical, repeatable way to evaluate real soundboard stiffness — a key parameter for adjusting acoustic performance.
Components: deflection test structure with Yato YT-72450 dial indicator and 1 kg weight, bone saddle.

Components Included

• Felt hammer · Bone saddle · Hearing protection plugs
• Book Mastering the Sound of the Acoustic Guitar + Assembly manual
• UMIK-1 microphone: 6mm omnidirectional electret condenser, 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB, 24-bit ADC 44.1/48kHz, 133dB SPL max, USB plug & play (Win/Mac/Linux). Includes USB cable (1.5m), mini tripod and windscreen.
• Nobsound Mini Bluetooth amplifier: BT 5.0, USB/3.5mm AUX inputs, 2×50W @ 4–8Ω, DC 9–24V, 78×70×38mm, 154g.
• Faital 4FE32 speaker: 4", 8Ω, 90Hz–20kHz, 30W RMS/60W max. Cable Manax SC22150: 2×1.50mm² CCA, 10m.
• Deflection test structure: Yato YT-72450 dial indicator + 1kg weight.