Exploring violin sound quality: Investigating English timbre descriptors and correlating resynthesized acoustical modifications with perceptual properties

• DOI: 10.1121/1.3651790
• Publication Date: 2012-01-17T00:59:26Z
• Authors: Claudia Fritz; Alan F. Blackwell; Ian Cross; Jim Woodhouse; Brian C. J. Moore
• Keywords: Timbre; CLARITY; Multidimensional scaling

Performers often discuss the sound quality of a violin or obtained by particular playing techniques, calling upon diverse vocabulary. This study explores verbal descriptions, made performers, distinctive timbres different violins. Sixty-one common descriptors were collected and then arranged violinists on map, so that words with similar meanings lay close together, those far apart. The results multidimensional scaling demonstrated consistent use among many words, highlighted which are used for purposes. These terms their relations to investigate perceptual effect acoustical modifications sounds produced roving levels in five one-octave wide bands, 190-380, 380-760, 760-1520, 1520-3040, 3040-6080 Hz. Pairs presented, each participant was asked indicate more bright, clear, harsh, nasal, good (in separate runs descriptor). Increased brightness clarity associated moderately increased bands 4 5, whereas harshness strongly level band 4. Judgments differed across participants qualities nasal good.