Physics question

[Mahlon]

Why does the string sound "different" at the neck pickup from how it sounds at the bridge pickup? I assume the string is vibrating at the same frequency all along its length.

 

[smallequestrian]

One of the easiest explanations is that the string has a bigger range of motion towards the neck. Your own right hand should tell you that there is more tension by the bridge then there is at the neck. So, while you are correct and assuming the string vibrates at the same frequency no matter what, the amplitude is not the same.

 

[maddog]

One of the easiest explanations is that the string has a bigger range of motion towards the neck. Your own right hand should tell you that there is more tension by the bridge then there is at the neck. So, while you are correct and assuming the string vibrates at the same frequency no matter what, the amplitude is not the same.

+1

Amplitude of the fundamental is larger towards the neck so you pick up more of the fundamental. As opposed to near the bridge where the amplitude of the string is confined and smaller so you get less of the fundamental compared to the harmonics. So it sounds tinier.

"Gone. Sounds kind of woody. Gone." -Graham Chapman

 

[NorM]

If you think of the string vibrating in it's fundumental mode (like a jump rope) Then the amplitude of the string vibration would be different at the different locations.

Think of the bridge (and nut) as dampening forces. While they act more like rigid bodies they are really just dampening forces that don't move much. The dampening forces they provide can be non linear (ie more math than I care to do) down the length of the string. So the string vibrates differently at different parts of the string. This is also why different metals and densitys of the bridge make a guitar sound different. Hopefully once built this effect will produce consistant and desireable effects. (The user likes it)

Also where you apply force (pick) to the string makes the string sound different at different locations.

So the simple answer is the while the string is vibrating at the same frequency all along it's length it is not vibrating with the same waveform. Frequency is but a small part of the wave equation. <--Don't Google this unless you mean it.

 

[adouglas]

Doesn't it also have to do with harmonic content? A plucked string is vibrating in many modes at once...the fundamental and a whole range of harmonics on top of that.

I'm thinking that because of its location, the bridge pickup can't sense the lower-order harmonics as well as the higher-order ones, so the tonal character changes.

Or am I suffering from another case of cranio-rectal interface syndrome?

 

[bovinehost]

Man, look at 'em all, parading those big brains around the forum.

Showoffs!

 

[Mobay45]

Man, look at 'em all, parading those big brains around the forum.

Showoffs!

I'm surprised they can even hold their heads upright.

 

[TSanders]

I pluck bass with finger. It go boom.

 

[smallequestrian]

I'm surprised they can even hold their heads upright.

It can be a struggle sometimes...

 

[adouglas]

From "So I Married an Axe Murderer":

STUART
Let's have a look at the re-play.
William, move your head. Look at the
size of that boy's heed. I'm not
kidding. It's like an orange on a
tooth pick.

MAY
Stuart, you're going to give the boy
a complex.

STUART
I'm not kidding. That's a huge
noggin'. It has it's own weather
system. It's a virtual planetoid.
(shouting to William)
Heed! Move!

 

[maddog]

Doesn't it also have to do with harmonic content? A plucked string is vibrating in many modes at once...the fundamental and a whole range of harmonics on top of that.

I'm thinking that because of its location, the bridge pickup can't sense the lower-order harmonics as well as the higher-order ones, so the tonal character changes.

Or am I suffering from another case of cranio-rectal interface syndrome?

Yes, sort of. At the neck, because the string can vibrate more freely, it has a larger amplitude and so the fundamental is stronger than the harmonics. As you get towards the bridge where the string is clamped, the string cannot vibrate as freely, therefore the fundamental is not as strong, the amplitude is not as large, as compared to the near the neck. Therefore, you hear more harmonics. Think of it in terms of Signal to Noise ratios.

 

[maddog]

It can be a struggle sometimes...

Why do you think I cut my hair off.

 

[Mahlon]

Wow. Thanks, guys. Interesting stuff!

Mahlon

 

[adouglas]

Or am I suffering from another case of cranio-rectal interface syndrome?

Yes, sort of.

Hmmmmmmmmmm.................

 

[MM Mike]

I'm surprised they can even hold their heads upright.

i'm surprised the rest of us even walk upright.

 

[shamus63]

Man, look at 'em all, parading those big brains around the forum.

Showoffs!

"Look at the big brain on Brett!"

 

[maddog]

Hmmmmmmmmmm.................

Ooops. Was refering to your explanation and not answering your question. Sorry.

 

[adouglas]

i'm surprised the rest of us even walk upright.

Ook.

 

[MM Mike]

Ook.

genius. pure genius.

 

[tkarter]

How come the monkey gets frets on his upright?

tk