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Choose your guitar tops knowing in advance their acoustic properties!
Choose your guitar tops knowing in advance their acoustic properties!
Imagine having the power to select the density, stiffness, frequency, sustain, and other fundamental data of your guitar's top while creating your instrument. Just think of the possibilities and how it could transform your guitars. Have you ever dreamed of having this level of control over your guitar's sound?
Well, we are very proud to tell you that yes, this will soon be possible. But before we explain everything to you in more detail, let us talk a little about sound and the importance of the top in the instrument.
Both luthiers and guitarists spend a lifetime investigating the sound of the guitar, immersed in the search for nuances that help us translate abstract sensations. However, when it comes to choosing materials, we are guided by the visual aspects of the wood because its sound is something difficult to analyze and convey.
The most common thing is to use a catalog of metaphors: sweet, dry, bright, dull, warm sounds... we perceive the sound clearly although it is difficult for us to put those sensations into concrete words. But that is about to change thanks to an innovative data analysis system.
At Maderas Barber, we have some innovations that will change the way you choose your woods. From now on, you will select the sound of your next guitar.
What is sound?
By definition (ref Wikipedia), sound consists of acoustic waves that are produced when air pressure oscillations are converted into mechanical waves in the human ear and perceived by the brain.
The propagation of sound involves energy transport without transport of matter, which occurs in the form of mechanical waves that propagate through an elastic medium. If you feel like delving a little deeper into the concept of acoustic physics, this video will be a good starting point.
Now, in this blog, we talk about guitars and woods. Where is this energy and how is it transported?
Vibration transmission: the route of the guitar's sound
The process of generating the sound of the guitar begins with the vibration of the strings, where the length, mass, and tension of each string determine the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations generated. These vibrations are transmitted to the guitar bridge, a strategic point of connection that channels energy to the top with millimeter precision.
The guitar top is the focal point of acoustic interaction, playing a crucial role in transforming the string vibrations into the sound of the Spanish guitar. Its rigidity and density are carefully selected to maximize the transfer of energy from the strings to the resonance box, while its damping capacity (sustain/damping) controls the duration and character of the vibrations, thus affecting the tonal response of the instrument.
The acoustic study of the guitar reveals a complex interaction between materials, design, and construction techniques. From the wood selection to the configuration of the top plate, each decision influences the tonal response and expressiveness of the instrument.
Through an immersion in concepts such as sustain, rigidity, density, and resonance frequencies, we can appreciate the complexity of this interaction.
The science of guitar sound, how does the top work?
Wood selection is a fundamental aspect that influences every aspect of the instrument's acoustic performance. Spruce, known for its rigidity and low density, is used for the top due to its ability to efficiently transmit string vibrations.
There are several types of Spruce depending on their origin. Currently, in our stock, we have European Spruce, Adirondack, Engelmann, Sitka, and Alpine Spruce.
Cedar is another option for the construction of tops. Initially, this wood was presented as a more economical alternative to Spruce, but over time, it gained a prestigious place. Its performance is excellent, and today it is also part of high-end guitars.
A few months ago, we received a visit from Felipe Conde (father and son), and they took a moment to tell us about their experience with Cedar and Spruce and how they affect the sound of the guitar:
What is the criterion for classifying a top?
At Maderas Barber, we have a classification criterion for top that has been with us for over 60 years. Due to the consistency and quality of our woods, it has become a reference for guitar builders worldwide.
The main criteria for classifying a top are undoubtedly the union of the growth rings: the closer they are together, the higher the rating will be, as well as the uniformity of the rings from the center to the ends of the plate. Its verticality in the cut, with 90º being the maximum and optimal, is also very important.
Another aspect to consider is the transverse reflections, which help the hardness of the piece. The presence of a uniform color throughout the top is another quality criterion. The defects that the top may show sometimes are stains, different tones, vein markings, or reflections of knots. All of this can influence the final result of the instrument, but it does not mean that lower qualities cannot provide us with an optimal sound in the construction of the instrument.
Let's look at these images to appreciate the quality references on European Spruce tops.
The sound of the top, raw material of the guitarist
For years, luthiers from all over the world have come to our warehouse with the aim of selecting the top through a final quality criterion. Perceiving its rigidity and listening to its sound. It is in this process where the wood is precisely tasted.
However, this is a perception that is very difficult to convey, at least until today.
As we said at the beginning of the article, there is a difficulty in communication between luthiers and musicians when it comes to talking about the sound they are looking for in their guitars. But what if we could establish certain measurable parameters to classify sondboards based on their sound?... sounds interesting, doesn't it?
If you want to know more, stay connected to our blog to read the second part of this article.
Comments (2)
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I'm curious how you guys will be able to put in line all the tops you have with measured parameters for every single one plate. You should calibrate them to the same thickness, at least.
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Hello Sergei! In principle we will do it with a group of selected pieces that, as you say, are cut and calibrated. In fact, we have just published them!!!! Although the software we use for measurements allows us to make reliable comparisons between parts of different sizes. We will talk in detail about this software soon. Thanks for your comment.
