Designing and evaluating an actively controlled acoustic guitar
Author
Term
4. Term
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-05-26
Abstract
This thesis investigates the design and evaluation of an actively controlled acoustic guitar, combining control theory with performer-centered design. Using current-sensing amplifiers and collocated actuation, a feedback system is developed to selectively damp structural modes in the guitar body. Experimental validation shows measurable attenuation of resonances. To explore expressive and perceptual effects, two interactive design probes were created, embedding audio effects into the feedback loop. These were evaluated through user studies with guitarists, using interviews to examine themes like control intimacy, expressive potential, and performer-instrument relationship. Results suggest that while sensing limitations remain, the system enables novel expressive affordances and reconfigures traditional instrument behavior. This work contributes to New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME) by connecting technical innovation with embodied musical interaction and points to future directions in augmented acoustic instruments.
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