Coupled modes of the resonance box of the guitar.

Vibrations of the resonance box of the guitar have been studied by means of the modal analysis technique and the finite-element method. An expert craftsman constructed the guitar box with all the structures, internal and external, characteristic of a real instrument for the experimental measurements. The boundary conditions were chosen in order to clarify the soundboard-back interaction only via the internal air coupling. The numerical model allows one to study the influence of each component on the whole box, and the contribution of the modes of the components (wooden box and its parts, and air), to the coupled modes by calculating their participation factors. The coupled modes of the guitar box are discussed taking into account both the finite-element and modal analysis results.