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Sympathetic Strings
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Author:  Lemongrasspicker [ Wed Apr 25, 2018 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Sympathetic Strings
Hey guys, random question

I have a concept in mind for an instrument that uses sympathetic strings. I'm trying to create something that has strings similar to something like a chaturangui. My goal with this is to have the instrument have 2 plucked strings and two sympathetic strings that can function like a harp guitar.

What I'm wondering is if there's any particular way to calculate how the tuning of the sympathetic strings will respond to the main strings being struck? Specifically how the overtones will respond. The goal is to create an instrument that specifically generates overtones on the two "harp" strings each time they're played. Does that make sense?
Author:  johnparchem [ Wed Apr 25, 2018 2:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sympathetic Strings
I can not directly answer your question but I can tell you what I do with my Harp ukulele with four harp strings. I select a set of notes that work in the key or the keys of a song. As mine are bass notes I often choose the base notes I want to play, but generally I play the original 4 string and get a fuller sound with the sympathetic vibrations in the harp strings.

I thought of adding a lever on each string to be able to sharp the selected note. That would allow me to play more without re-tuning or to change keys on the fly.

Attachment:
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Author:  DennisK [ Wed Apr 25, 2018 4:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sympathetic Strings
Fred Carlson (http://beyondthetrees.com/) is the man to ask about sympathetic strings.

Nice harp ukulele, John [:Y:] Wonderful little instruments, aren't they? So easy to play. My next project is going to be a scaled up version which can either be strung for CDEFgcgc (one octave below the little one), or ABCDeaea with heavy strings.
Author:  Alan Carruth [ Thu Apr 26, 2018 11:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sympathetic Strings
Basically, when the subs hear something they like they will sing along. Tune the subs so that they have higher partials that match the fundamentals or partials of the fretted string notes. The energy to drive the subs comes from the played strings, of course. This spreads out the attack of the played strings, and lengthens the sustain, as well as adding complexity to the tone.
Author:  Lemongrasspicker [ Thu Apr 26, 2018 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sympathetic Strings
I like that harp ukulele

thank you for the infomation. I'll dig a little deeper
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