Automated String Instrument Tuner
Format
SOECS Senior Project Demonstration
Faculty Mentor Name
Kyle Watson
Faculty Mentor Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Artist Statement
Tuning a string instrument is a task that is done in order to create a proper sound from the instrument. The frequency of the act can be as often as every time before use to once every two years, depending on the instrument. While guitar tuning is relatively simple and takes only a couple of minutes, a basic skill and training is required to do this. On the other hand, the tuning of a piano can take hours and requires the skill of an experienced certified technician. The fee of such a technician can range from $110 - $155 and take about two full hours of work per piano. The work of an automated string tuner has the possibility of making tuning a string instrument cheap, quick, and intuitive. The objective of this project was to create a proof of concept that could detect a frequency and automatically tune a string to a target frequency. The idea was that this proof of concept could be used to create consumer products that can automatically tune instruments for the user. The goals were accomplished by use of Labview, Arduino, a laptop, servo motors, and a custom-built mount.
Location
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Start Date
27-4-2013 2:00 PM
End Date
27-4-2013 3:30 PM
Automated String Instrument Tuner
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Tuning a string instrument is a task that is done in order to create a proper sound from the instrument. The frequency of the act can be as often as every time before use to once every two years, depending on the instrument. While guitar tuning is relatively simple and takes only a couple of minutes, a basic skill and training is required to do this. On the other hand, the tuning of a piano can take hours and requires the skill of an experienced certified technician. The fee of such a technician can range from $110 - $155 and take about two full hours of work per piano. The work of an automated string tuner has the possibility of making tuning a string instrument cheap, quick, and intuitive. The objective of this project was to create a proof of concept that could detect a frequency and automatically tune a string to a target frequency. The idea was that this proof of concept could be used to create consumer products that can automatically tune instruments for the user. The goals were accomplished by use of Labview, Arduino, a laptop, servo motors, and a custom-built mount.