ABSTRACT
In this chapter a simple model is developed which allows the acoustics of all musical instruments to be discussed and, it is hoped, readily understood. The model is used to explain the acoustics of stringed, wind and percussion instruments as well as the singing voice. A selection of anechoic (no reverberation) recordings of a variety of acoustic instruments and the singing voice is provided on tracks 8 – 61 on the accompanying CD. Any acoustic instrument has two main components:
■ a sound source, and ■ sound modifi ers.
