ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the proposition that every musical instrument is a machine designed to convert energy of varied forms into acoustic energy. It carries out two related analyses. The first analysis deals with the principles of physical acoustics embodied in the instrument. It involves tracing the flow of energy through the machine by identifying the point and manner of conversion; systems that couple energy between parts and to the external medium; and systems that modify the waveform. The second analysis deals with the engineering design and seeks to uncover the theory behind the instrument's construction. The chapter describes the procedure of the seven-string Chinese zither qin to carry out the two analyses. It discusses the most detailed modern instruction manual for qin construction, the Yuguzhai qinpu by Zhu Fengjie. The chapter provides considerable evidence of sophisticated acoustic engineering in qin strings.
