Quality of Violin, Viola, 'Cello, and Bass‐Viol Tones. I Available to Purchase

The elements that are important in the identification of the violin, viola, 'cello, and bass‐viol tones were analyzed. These elements were found to be the harmonic structure of the middle portion of the tone; the harmonic structure of the ending portion of the tone (certain partials decayed rapidly leaving an afterring); the attack and decay of the tones; the vibrato (when present) of the tones; and the noises inherent in the mechanics of producing the tones. With the exception of vibrato, the important elements were determined and successful synthesis was accomplished. By the use of a jury of observers, identification tests were made. A successful description was arrived at when and only when synthetic tones could not be identified from real tones. It was found that there is a vibrato both in frequency and relative intensity.