Sound synthesis of geometric and material changes in archtop guitars: towards the timbral design of musical instruments

Through computer simulations and synthesis, our research studies the impact of various geometric and material modifications on archtop guitar sound. We use an accurate and realistic physical guitar model from which the bridge admittance and radiated sound pressure are computed. Subsequently, we synthesise the sound of this instrument via state-of-the-art methods for two different chords. The generated sound is then analysed in terms of traditional timbral descriptors. With this framework, it is possible to hear the design changes that the maker can perform in a guitar, paving the way for its timbral design, and bridging the gap between physical models and perception of sounds in musical instruments.