A one hour talk on the physics of musical instruments. Musical instruments have been an integral part of human culture for at least 60,000 years. Throughout their history they have evolved in a great variety of sizes, shapes and sound qualities that reflected the everchanging requirements of their players. In this talk we describe the most important parameters, as we understand them today, that affect the quality of the sound produced in stringed, wind and percussion instruments. Experimental techniques used in musical acoustics research will also be discussed, together with some of the still unanswered questions.

The talk contains many acoustic examples and videos that help to explain, in a simple and direct way, the main factors that influence the sound of a musical instrument. Some mathematical equations are also included in the talk but they are explained in a simplified way which allows the non-scientist to follow these. The talk has been presented as part of the Institute of Physics Evening lectures, West Midlands Branch.

Image credit: HAK Wright