Engineering the Guitar: Theory and Practice [Hardcover]

Richard Mark French (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0387743685 | ISBN-13: 978-0387743684 | Publication Date: October 23, 2008 | Edition: 1

A uniquely engaging description of the mechanics of the guitar, for engineers and craftsmen alike. Clearly written in a conceptual language, it provides readers with an understanding of the dynamic behavior of the instrument, including structural and component dynamics, and various analytical models, such as discrete, finite element, and boundary element models. The text also covers manufacturing processes, including both handmade and mass produced instruments.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: „…[This is the only book] that deals with the engineering aspects of guitars. Thus it serves a real need for scientifically-oriented guitar makers and aficionados as well as those interested in a broad overview of the world of guitars… The overall broad view of the book makes good reading for those interested in the myriad details involve in constructing a string instrument and then evaluating it scientifically, as the author’s personal building experience and knowledge of a wide variety of guitar construction techniques are put to good use… a significant, commendable addition to the guitar literature in a very broad-ranging book on a very important string instrument." George Bissinger, East Carolina University, EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES (May-June 2009) “French discusses whether the math models are … sufficient to capture the features of acoustic responses that are highly correlated with good sound quality. In conclusion … this book will help luthiers at all levels think more clearly about how to successfully manufacture guitars of high sound quality. The book … particularly valuable to students of guitar construction and repair. For the rest of us, this book makes interesting reading.” (Leo Beranek, International Journal of Acoustics and Vibration, Vol. 14 (2), 2009) “Why do guitars sound like they do, and how do you set about making one? These are central questions addressed … in this attractive new book. … The book is well written, and generously illustrated with interesting … graphs. … a unique and special addition to the literature, and it deserves to be widely read. For anyone contemplating construction of a guitar it will surely be indispensible. Physicists and engineers with musical inclinations, as well as guitar players … are likely to be fascinated.” (Peter V. E. McClintock, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 51 (6), 2010)

From the Back Cover

Engineering the Guitar: Theory and Practice uniquely describes the mechanics of the guitar for engineers and craftsmen alike. Complete with informative illustrations, this popular musical volume describes the underlying mechanical concepts behind the guitar, supported by theory and test. A detailed description of guitar electronics, paired with an in-depth analysis of sound quality, appeals to scientific audiences as well as musicians technically apt. Readers will gain an understanding of the technical behavior of the instrument with respect to structural and component dynamics, in addition to the informative treatment of analytical models. Hand made and mass produced techniques are also examined in a chapter devoted to manufacturing processes. Audiences interested in mechanics, acoustics, and instrument making will find Engineering the Guitar: Theory and Practice an informative and enjoyable read.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (October 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387743685
• ISBN-13: 978-0387743684
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #637,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inexcuseably bad printing, February 24, 2010

By 

Heisenberg (Sol system) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Engineering the Guitar: Theory and Practice (Hardcover)

I've only looked at the first few chapters, which are a rehash of what you would find in any book on musical instrument acoustics. So I can't say yet if the content will be worthwhile. But what is striking is how poorly the photographs are printed. Fuzzy, no contrast, dark and light bands across them, impossible to make out any detail; really unacceptable even in a book costing 1/4 the price. I'm amazed they let it go to press like this.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A little more technical than I expected, April 7, 2009

By 

J. Hendrix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Engineering the Guitar: Theory and Practice (Hardcover)

Neat book but very in depth and technical. Definitely want to delve into it more deeply when I have the time. This book should be in any serious luthier's library because there is a lot of useful information once you sift through the technical mumbo jumbo.