Choice of the Striking Point in the Pianoforte

Abstract

THE experiments dealing with the amplitudes of the partials from a struck string are many, and the conclusions are varied. For example, the experiments of W. H. George (Phil. Mag., vol. 50, August 1925) show maxima at various points, and he arrives at the conclusion that the amplitude of the fundamental attains a maximum at a small distance from the bridge, while S. K. Dutta found that it attained a maximum at a distance of 1/91, where 1 = length of string. Again, Berry's conclusion is that forced vibration is a maximum at 1/91. Experiments made by me on the pianoforte have shown that the elasticity of the hammer must also be considered when calculating the duration of contact, which is of fundamental importance in the tone of the struck strings.