Parallel Monitoring of Sound and Dynamic Forces in Bridge-Soundboard Contact of Violins

The paper refers on an original experimental activity oriented to correlate sound and internal forces generated in violins. In particular static and dynamic forces generated in the contacts between bridge and soundboard-playing instruments belonging violins family are analysed respect to the generated sound. A classical violin has been instrumented with two force sensors, wireless interfaced to PC. Simultaneously acoustic acquisitions are detected. The violin is played following different techniques (pizzicato, vibrato) and applying several methods of attack with the bow (detaché, martelé, collé, spiccato and legato). The experimental approach is described in the paper with reference to violins, but the method is been conceived to be applied to different stringed instruments, changing calibration: in particular it can be successfully applied to the whole family of bowed instruments.