Vibration and Acoustic Analysis Technology for Acoustic Guitars

Simulates shapes, structures, and materials that have a significant impact on tone quality

The shape of musical instruments, their structure, the materials used, and other elements of their design have a major effect on their tone. Yamaha uses measurement and simulation technologies to analyze how the various parts of instruments vibrate and how sounds are made.

Designing Instruments Scientifically

For the development of acoustic instruments, Yamaha is engaged in scientific research to clarify the relationship between design elements, physical characteristics, and sound characteristics.

Designing Acoustic Guitars

Although acoustic guitars might look simple at first glance, a wide range of elements of design affect their sound. To support guitar designers and builders, we work to clarify the relationship between design elements and sound characteristics. By applying not only the know-how of experienced designers and luthiers but also various measurement and simulation technologies, we can provide a visual representation of the acoustic and vibration characteristics of a guitar and predict the effects of specific design elements on its sound.

1. Measurement of Acoustic and Vibration Characteristics

Yamaha utilizes advanced vibration and acoustic measurement technology to perform in-depth analysis of the physical characteristics of guitars in order to obtain data that is used in product development.

Measuring Vibrations with Lasers

Measurement results

2. Simulation

Yamaha has developed proprietary vibration and acoustic simulation technologies for use in designing guitars. These technologies allow us to study the vibration and acoustic aspects of a guitar virtually before actually building that guitar.

We can use this simulation technology to understand the physical phenomena that affect the tone of guitars and to clearly identify the characteristics of great guitars. Based on these findings, final product specifications are determined through real prototyping and evaluation. These simulation technologies make the product development process more efficient than trial-and-error, but great ears still make the final decision of what sounds good.

3. Product Development

These measurement and simulation technologies have been used to develop many Yamaha acoustic guitars. The shape of our newly developed guitar bracing results in more powerful volume in the bass range and richer overtones in the midrange than ever before.

New bracing

Conventional bracing

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