A tritare^[a] is an experimental guitar invented in 2003 by mathematicians Samuel Gaudet and Claude Gauthier of the Université de Moncton of a family of stringed instruments which use Y-shaped strings, instead of the usual linear strings.

Instrument sound and reactions

Y-shaped strings can produce sounds which are harmonic integer multiples, but also non-harmonic sounds more akin to those produced by percussion instruments.^[1][2][3]

The model uses 6 strings and was commercially available for a short period. The sound effects achieved with the instrument are similar to the sounds that can be achieved with the 3rd bridge playing technique. When tuned correctly, the Y-shaped strings create Chladni patterns.

Depending on how each note is played, Gaudet explains that non-harmonic ingredients can be included and offer a richer sound than a classical stringed instrument.^[1][2] However the value of this greater possibility has been questioned by physicist and acoustics specialist Bernard Richardson of Cardiff University, who considers the branched string as just a simple analogue of complex structures with curved shells such as bars, cymbals, bells, and gongs. Richardson also claims that the tritare sounds bad.^[1][2]

Footnotes

References

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