Phosphor bronze guitar strings are the vibratory component that originates the sound. The same applies to different stringed musical instruments, such as the harp, the piano and the violin family. Additionally, this applies to some ancient instruments, including rabeles, fidulas, salterios and vihuelas. The strings are segments formed by a flexible material that retains tension to allow vibration without obstruction that causes a distortion of the acoustic wave.
The vibrations are transmitted by an easel in the case of instruments like the violin or the guitar directly to a sound body, which can support itself and plays the role of resonator and amplifier. This refers to the soundboard in the case of the harp. In practice, the strings always have two ends fixed to a solid support.
In theory, the sound they can produce depends on length, tension and weight. These factors are applicable the strings that are infinitely thin. As the strings always have a certain stiffness and a certain diameter, material used to make them has an influence on the harmonic spectrum of the sound that they produce.
The string’s pitch depends on its weight, diameter and density, that is, its measurements. Traditionally the diameter is measured in thousandths of an inch or millimeter because the metric system is also widely used, especially in Europe. The larger the string, the greater its weight. With greater weight, it will take more energy to vibrate and therefore it oscillates slowly.
Heavier strings require a greater tension for the same pitch of the sound. However, they can be more difficult to press with the fingers at the time of playing. If the strings are changed to a fret instrument and different strings are placed, it may be necessary to adjust the strings on the frets. This is aimed at making it easier to play or prevent the strings from buzzing against the frets.
The action of modifying the strings on fretless instruments can also be adjusted to accommodate the measurements as well as the desired interpretive style. Steel strings for conventional guitars usually come in already tight string sets. String ensembles are generally referenced either by the measurements of the instrument to which they are to be placed. Some manufacturers may differ from others slightly in the measurements.
Materials
The material used for the construction of musical strings is varied: nylon and metal (often harmonic steel coated with phosphor bronze spirals for the lower notes). Nylon variants are coated with metal, carbon fiber and other synthetic materials. The point used to initiate vibration affects the type of wave that is formed. If the vibration begins near the center, the resulting sound is generally softer characterized by the prevalence of the fundamental harmonic. Conversely, when the rope is vibrated from a point near its end, the sound is drier and the highest harmonics prevail.
Pitch
By decreasing the length of the string, for example by half, you get a sound equal to the previous one as a tone, but higher than an octave. The rope vibrates with a double frequency. When the string vibrates with a quadruple frequency, the pitch is higher. This is the definition of the height of the sound, which changes with frequency. The frequency at which the cord vibrates can also be adjusted by changing the voltage applied to the ends. Increasing voltage increases the frequency and thus the tone of the sound produced.
To vary the pitch, it is necessary to vary with the energy possessed by the sound waves or their intensity. This can be done by pinching or striking the string with greater force or by dimensioning a suitable resonance case.
The sound produced by a single string can be improved from one acoustic point of view with a further focus, based on the beating phenomenon, thus using two or three strings with a very close but non-identical vibration frequency.