A plucked string vibrates at a fundamental frequency and at overtones. Length, tension and mass per unit length set the pitch. The sound box responds differently to different frequencies, changing timbre, strength and decay even when the string keeps the same tuning.
Pluck strings in the picture. Add note blocks, then tap notes into the eight steps.
Four research missions
1 · Match a note
Tune a string to 220 Hz; the accepted range is 218–222 Hz.
Play the selected string and read its fundamental frequency. A reference tone is under “Fine adjustments”.
Change only length or tension and play again. Shorter or tighter gives a higher note.
Reach 218–222 Hz, then try a different string thickness.
The fundamental frequency determines pitch. Shorter or tighter strings vibrate faster. Thicker strings of the same material vibrate more slowly.
2 · Sound box
Keep the same string and pluck; change only the sound box.
Play the selected string. Wait for the result, then select “Save A”.
Change only the sound box or one of its parts. Keep the string, selected string, plucking point and plucking strength unchanged.
Play the same string again. Listen to A and B using the playback buttons in the result.
A sound box responds differently to different partials. This changes timbre and decay while the fundamental frequency of the string stays the same.
3 · Your instrument
Build at least three different notes and play every string.
Add at least two more note blocks with different notes.
Tune strings individually and add a sound box. Compose a sequence in the eight steps.
Use “Play the instrument” or a sequence that includes every string.
Each string has its own fundamental frequency. Different lengths, tensions or materials let you build different notes. The sequence plays your actual constructed strings.
4 · Plucking point
Compare the same string plucked at 0.25 and at the midpoint, 0.50.
Play at plucking point 0.25, then select “Save A” after the result.
Change only the plucking point to 0.50 under “Fine adjustments → Refine string and sound box”.
Play the same string again. Compare the second partial and listen to A and B.
A string vibrates in several modes at once. Plucking exactly at the midpoint barely excites the second partial. The fundamental frequency stays the same.
