Making a silent guitar

[Rubycon]

Haha that sounds funny doesn't it?

Basically the strings would be super isolated and the sound board function nullified so there is practially no acoustic coupling to the air. Why? So someone can still play with NO sound other than perhaps fretting fingers sliding although the strings could be made to counter this.

The strings would not be oridinary guitar strings, instead they would actually produce a current that would be sent to a device that translates their movement into the sound of choice, etc. Similar to the video harp but with more precision and flexibility. Obviously the player would need to have feedback via IEM's.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Why not just use an electric and a nice effects processor??

 

[Encryptic]

Interesting idea....

For some reason, I'm reminded of Bill and Ted playing air guitar.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
Why not just use an electric and a nice effects processor??

Because the pickup is not multi faceted.

 

Wouldn't the strumming of just about any string create soundwaves?

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Wouldn't the strumming of just about any string create soundwaves?

Thats what I am thinking.

 

[nakedfrog]

?

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

I guess I'm just not understanding the vision here... Exactly what would it do? Is this like depending on how you strike the string then different sound effects are produced or something? I don't know? I guess I just don't understand enough about guitars to see where this idea is going.

Oh, and I'm not trying to thread crap, I'm just trying to follow your concept here.

 

[phisrow]

So, an electric guitar not connected to an amp?

 

[Rubycon]

The vibrating string will produce a modulus however it is often weak. Acoustic guitars provide passive amplification through coupling. This is why no two sound alike and the sound will change depending on how its treated and even where it's stored!

 

[Fritzo]

Try a MIDI guitar. I'm not sure if Casio and Yamaha still makes these or not. They had nylon strings and were nearly silent when playing (other than the sound of the pick hitting the strings).

 

[mordantmonkey]

Originally posted by: C6FT7
Haha that sounds funny doesn't it?

Basically the strings would be super isolated and the sound board function nullified so there is practially no acoustic coupling to the air. Why? So someone can still play with NO sound other than perhaps fretting fingers sliding although the strings could be made to counter this.

The strings would not be oridinary guitar strings, instead they would actually produce a current that would be sent to a device that translates their movement into the sound of choice, etc. Similar to the video harp but with more precision and flexibility. Obviously the player would need to have feedback via IEM's.

how can a moving string, not make noise? especially if you plan to change it's pitch with "fretting fingers".

 

[BrokenVisage]

"You know those guitars that are like.. double guitars?"

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

<-- Still doesn't get it...

Is it supposed to sound like an acoustic or something?

 

[Rubycon]

The practice guitar is nice however PZE pickups are not exactly what was in mind.

This material produces hardly any acoustic energy when excited. Unfortunately the only thing I have to experiment on currently is a banjo and the owner will not allow this.

LOL banjos sound so funny. Hee Haw!

Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
<-- Still doesn't get it...

Is it supposed to sound like an acoustic or something?

It can sound like anything you want once the transition to the digital domain has been made.

 

[nakedfrog]

Which leads us back to... why?

 

[mpitts]

Just get this

 

It can sound like anything you want once the transition to the digital domain has been made.

I think I know what you're talking about now. This sort of thing has already been done basically.
One of the first applications was in a violin style instrument.

 

[rbV5]

I don't know why you would want to kill the nuances that seperate the artist from the instrument, and one instrument from another. Something like a Variax would be good for electronic modeling however, but I doubt thats what you're after.