ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the "input" and "system" characteristics for stringed, wind and percussion instruments as well as the singing voice. It explains the acoustics of stringed, wind and percussion instruments. The chapter also discusses a simple model is that allows the acoustics of all musical instruments. The percussion family is an important body of instruments that can also be described acoustically in terms of the "black box" model. The string is set into vibration to provide the sound source to the instrument. The sound source in percussion instruments usually involves some kind of striking. The sound source provided by a plucked or bowed string is coupled to the sound modifiers of the instrument via a bridge. The string family of musical instruments includes the violin, viola, violoncello and double bass and all their predecessors, as well as keyboard instruments that make use of strings, such as the piano, harpsichord, clavichord and spinet.
