The Yangqin: Acoustical Study of a Chinese Dulcimer

Abstract

A yangqin is a musical instrument that is played by striking it with handled hammers. The sound signals were captured using a PicoScope oscilloscope which enabled waveform viewing, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), spectrum visualization, and voltage-based triggering. The progression from the bass bridge to the treble bridge is as follows: (G2, A2, B2, C3, D3, E3), (D3, E3, F3, G3, A3, B3), (C4, D4, E4), (F4, G4, A4, B4), (C5, D5, E5) (F5, G5, A5, B5), and (C6, D6, E6). Courses 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 have 3 strings, where courses 1, 4, and 5 have 3 harmonics, whereas courses 3, 6, and 7 have only 2 harmonics. Courses 2, 8, and 9 has 2 strings only, where course 2 has 4 harmonics whereas course 8 and 9 only has only 2 harmonics. The gradient (m) of the equation from frequency versus partial number from the tenor bridge do not fit any of the fundamental frequency (f­₀). The difference (d=f₀-m) between m and f₀ is due to the number of partials which are not harmonic overtones. Due to the inharmonic overtones, the deviation (D=d/f₀) ranges from 6% (course no 6) to 70% (course no 7).