New Additions to the Guitar Family: Lego and Automatic Microtonal Guitars

Authors : Ruşen CAN ACET, Batuhan BAŞAR, Tolgahan ÇOĞULU, Atlas ÇOĞULU, Tony ITALİA, Selçuk KESER

Pages : 26-41

Doi:10.33906/musicologist.1079674

View : 17 | Download : 14

Publication Date : 2022-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :One of the modern classical guitar’s biggest strengths is also one of its biggest weaknesses. The instrument depends on an equal temperament fretboard system that has lent itself to brilliant repertoire and ease of production, yet this same fretboard system does not lend itself to perfectly tuned notes and tuning systems not found in Eurocentric classical music. Many guitarists and luthiers have sought a fretboard system that marries the benefits of equal temperament with the rich possibilities of just intonation and other tuning systems. This paper presents two new fretboard designs and discuss their role in the history of guitar fretboard construction. Our first design is a fully functional fretboard made from the popular toy ‘Legos’ and solves many of the problems that previous designs had, including ease of use and production, affordability, and versatility. Our second design is a one-string prototype for an automatic insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(automated); fretboard that would allow performers to switch tuning systems instantly at the press of a button.
Keywords : Musical instruments, Microtonal guitar, 3d printing, Lego, Robotics, Guitar making, World music