Research
In close collaboration with scientists and artists, Tim Duerinck performs research on music instruments in the broadest sense.
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Listener evaluations of violins made from composites.
For this study, six prototype violins, differing only by the material of the top plate, were manufactured in a controlled laboratory setting. The six prototype violins were judged by experienced listeners in two double-blind experiments. In contrast to popular opinion that violins made from carbon have or lack a specific sound quality, the study provides insights in the diverse sounds and timbres violins from fiber-reinforced polymers can create. It allows an investigation of the links between the perception and the variations in material properties of the soundboards. Additionally, as neither players nor listeners are acquainted with these instruments, these results provide an interesting view on what type of qualities of violin-like sounds are preferred by listeners.
Published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2020)
What's the alternative?
If a violin-shaped instrument were invented today,
would the obvious choice of material be wood? Tim Duerinck investigates the possibilities of flax, carbon, aramid and more – while describing the surprisingly simple methods luthiers could use to create their own.
Modal analysis of a trapezoidal violin built after the description of F. Savart
One-dimensional experimental modal analysis of an unvarnished trapezoidal violin built after the description of F. Savart and an anonymous trapezoidal violin on display in the Music Instrument Museum of Brussels is described. The analysis has revealed ten prominent modes. A mode that may potentially
play a role of the “tonal barometer” of the instrument is pointed out. The mode shapes are symmetric and of high amplitude, due to the construction of the instrument.