https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:25:38 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67294 Tue, 31 Aug 2004 16:21:13 +0000
Greg, I do have a window to out, but a man has to save something to do for the afternoons. :lol:]]> Guitar Players Discussion Narn https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67294 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67137 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 18:07:45 +0000
:)]]> Guitar Players Discussion NoteBoat https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67137 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67132 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 17:45:13 +0000 That's all I said "All other things being equal a string of greater mass will vibrate longer than one of less mass"
G-

You've chosen the "equal" to be string displacement. I choose to it to be the energy input. This is where we differ.

-G]]> Guitar Players Discussion gnease https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67132 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67103 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 11:24:28 +0000 That's all I said "All other things being equal a string of greater mass will vibrate longer than one of less mass"
Laz's explanation is the important one here. Most of the decay occurs due to coupling of the string's energy into the guitar -- through the nut/fret and bridge (bigtime in acoustic guitars) and the magnetic drag of the pups. Which is why I didn't mention it - it has nothing to do with the original question.]]> Guitar Players Discussion greybeard https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67103 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67055 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 02:30:14 +0000 Guitar Players Discussion Snoogans775 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67055 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67052 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 02:24:27 +0000
Energy goes in; energy comes out. Given purely mechanical considerations, it is not obvious by a string of higher mass would continue to vibrate longer. If the endpoints are perfect (no energy loss), the places were energy leaves the system are primarily two: friction in the flexing string ends (heat loss) and energy transfer to the air, in both frictional losses and acoustic coupling. Given all this, the string provided with the most vibrational energy will probably vibrate the longest. Put the same energy into two strings of different mass/length, the one with lower mass-per-length will have to undergo larger transverse (side-to-side) amplitude to store the same energy as the other string. Now it could be argued that since frictional losses are highly non-linear and related to transverse velocity as well as string flex angle, that the string undergoing the largest vibrational amplitude might tend to decay (lose energy) faster. But this ends up being offset by two other factors: Thinner strings (less mass=per-length) will have lower frictional losses in bending and experience lower fictional loss and lower acoustic coupling to the air. So again, it's not obvious that more mass-per-length wins an equal energy sustain contest.

Now if we're talking same offset (i.e., plucking displacement), the the denser string sustains longer since it received more energy to begin.

Laz's explanation is the important one here. Most of the decay occurs due to coupling of the string's energy into the guitar -- through the nut/fret and bridge (bigtime in acoustic guitars) and the magnetic drag of the pups.

-Greg]]> Guitar Players Discussion gnease https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67052 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67049 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 02:09:18 +0000
To answer these questions directly: 1) If we make a set of strings in which two strings of equal mass have different diameters, which of the two will have the lower frequency? Why?

2) If we make a set of strings where two strings of the same diameter have different masses which will have the lower frequency? Why? 1) They will be exactly the same. The thicker string will probably have a different tone than the thinner one, but it will have the same pitch if both strings are at the same tension.

2) The more massive string will have the lower frequency.

The reason a more massive string vibrates at a lower pitch is because of its inertia. Any string with tension on it has a force pulling it straight, which is proportional to the tension on the string. When you pluck it, the force pulls it back. A string with greater mass accelerates on the way back more slowly because is has more inertia resisting that acceleration. Since it changes direction more slowly, it takes longer to return to center, pass across, continue past center, and come back to center again. More time to complete one oscillation. The time taken is called the period (T) of the oscillation. A longer period means a lower frequency (the frequency is the inverse of the period. f=1/T).]]> Guitar Players Discussion paul donnelly https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/paged/2/#post-67049 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/#post-67021 Sun, 29 Aug 2004 21:47:58 +0000 All other things being equal a string of greater mass will vibrate longer than one of less mass.]]> Guitar Players Discussion greybeard https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/#post-67021 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/#post-67015 Sun, 29 Aug 2004 20:28:25 +0000
I gotta find something else to think about at work. If you check out the tensions on the tuned strings (D'Addario and TI list these), you will find they have a fairly symmetrical balance E = e, A = B, D = G. Tensions are slightly higher in the center of the fingerboard (D and G). Why? My guesses:

Well balanced tensions among the strings make them easier to play -- a better, more consistent feel from string to string. Slightly higher tension on the center strings works well, because that's where most players will naturally apply a bit more pressure (better grip, leverage).

A symmetrical profile of tensions will be less likely to cause neck twisting, plus the higher tensioned center strings work directly against the strongest, thickest, truss-barred part of the neck.

Why vary diameter instead of density? It's much easier to change the mass/length this way than find different density materials that actually make good strings.

Don't you have a window at work you can look out?

-Greg]]> Guitar Players Discussion gnease https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/#post-67015 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/#post-67007 Sun, 29 Aug 2004 19:32:36 +0000 Guitar Players Discussion purplefenderstrat https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/a-question-of-physics/#post-67007