The illusive sound of a Bundengan string

摘要

The acoustics of a vibrating string is frequently used as a simple example of how physics can be applied in the field of art. In this paper we describe a simple experiment and analysis using a clipped string. This experiment can generate scientific curiosity among students because the sound generated by the string seem surprising to our senses. The first surprise comes from the gong-like sounds produced by the string, which we usually associate with metallic instruments rather than string instruments. The second surprise comes from the fact that when we shift the clip we perceive an increase of pitch, even though the measured value of the frequency with the maximum amplitude is actually decreased. We use high-speed video recording as well as audio spectral analysis to elucidate the physics behind these two surprises. A set of student activities is prepared to help them follow up their curiosity. Students can make their own clipped string, which is found in Indonesia in an instrument called Bundengan, by setting up their own prepared piano as invented by John Cage.