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Grin... further exploration reveals that in a sense both are right and
both are wrong. Same length and pitch strings with different diameters
will react identically to same length changes. But different length and
same pitch strings will not. JD's observation below has a slightly
hidden tripping point. Halving two different length strings does not
change their length by the same amount... same percentage yes.... but
not same actual amount.<br>
<br>
Even so... the method for calculating change in pitch for change in
length holds. An insteresting little side track this turned out to be.<br>
<br>
Cheers<br>
RicB<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>>Sorry, but itÕs not quite a complete enough formula
for purposes of <br>
>this discussion. When comparing two strings that produce the same <br>
>pitch but with different tensions, either the original length will <br>
>be different or the diameter will be different (or both), thus a <br>
>similar change in length will yield a different change in tension <br>
>and thus pitch.<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
If this were so, then the whole basis upon which musical instruments <br>
are designed would crumble. When you halve the length of a vibrating <br>
string, no matter how much strain is on it etc., you double the <br>
frequency, and if you stop two unison strings of identical length but <br>
of different mass, and thus tension, at the same point, you will make <br>
precisely the same change in their frequency and they will still <br>
sound in unison. If this were not so it would be impossible to play <br>
a guitar in tune unless the tension of all six strings were identical.<br>
<br>
According to Wolfenden, if the temperature changes, and one of the <br>
strings is well below its yield point whereas the second is close the <br>
yield point, then the strings will produce a beat because the less <br>
strained string is more sensitive to the change in temperature. This <br>
is easy enough to verify by a simple experiment, which I shall do in <br>
the next few weeks once the new workshop is up and running.<br>
<br>
JD</blockquote>
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