Using the Sonometer
Using the Sonometer
Apply and measur
Apply and measure string tension
e string tension
Hanging masses from the tensioning lever applies tension to the
strings. The string tension is equal to five times the weight of the
masses, as indicated by the 5× on the lever.
1. Hang masses from the notch on the lever.
CAUTION: Do not exceed 3 kg per string. Keep feet and
body clear of the area under the mass. Place a foam pad under
the mass to protect the floor. As an added precaution, you can
also hang the mass from a string to minimize the distance to
the floor.
2. Turn the tuning peg key until the tensioning lever is level.
3. Multiply the total weight of the hanging masses by 5 to determine
the tension on the string.
Set and measur
Set and measure the string length
e the string length
Use the built-in ruler with the bridges to determine the length of the
string.
1. Place a bridge on the Sonometer. Make sure to place the groove
on the bridge onto the raised edge on the Sonometer.
2. Move the bridge to the desired position.
3. Read the measurement on the indicator mark on the bridge to
determine the string length (Figure
Figure 4. Use the indicator on the bridge to determine string length.
Resonate a string with a tuning fork
Resonate a string with a tuning fork
Place the base of a vibrating tuning fork on the soundboard to
resonate a string. Use paper riders to see the string vibrations more
easily.
1. Hang masses from the tensioning lever to apply tension to the
string. Turn the tuning peg until the tensioning lever is level.
CAUTION: Do not exceed 3 kg per string. Keep feet and
body clear of the area under the mass. Place a foam pad under
the mass to protect the floor. As an added precaution, you can
also hang the mass from a string to minimize the distance to
the floor.
2. Cut multiple 2 mm × 2 cm pieces of paper to make string riders.
3. Fold each rider in half and place them at various locations on the
string (Figure
Figure 55). The riders move when the string vibrates.
4. Place the bridge near the 50 cm mark.
5. Vibrate a tuning fork and place the base of the tuning fork on the
soundboard.
Tip: Place a finger on string located on the
other side of the
bridge to keep it from vibrating.
6. Slowly move the bridge to the 0 cm end until the paper riders
start vibrating.
Figure 5. The base of a tuning fork placed on the Sonometer with paper
riders on the string.
Sonometer | 3
