Guitar: Acoustic, structural and historical aspects

Abstract

In this article there will be developed a discussion about some of the main aspects of the functioning of the acoustic guitars, beginning with a brief history putting in context the changes the instrument has been through the centuries, including some notes made by the physicist Michael Kasha. Emphasis will be placed on the description of the guitar bracing, a set of bars and tone braces that have acoustic and structural purposes and that presented an evolution in form and complexity that accompanied the development of the guitar. A mathematical treatment is made of the Helmholtz resonator formed by the air enclosed by the instrument's body. Finally, a discussion is developed about magnetic pickups, which were introduced in the first half of the 20th century to the guitars, with the objective to obtain a higher sound intensity level and later led to the emerging of solid body instruments such as the electric guitar and the electric bass.