Algebra, Basses, and Me!

sylasvondrac · #1 01-31-2009, 02:07 PM

Help!

I have an algebra project due on the ninth, and I have to answer the following questions:

What is the algebraic equation for the increase of the surface area of the varying sizes of upright bass?

What is the algebraic equation for the decrease of the surface area of the varying sizes of upright bass?

Thanks so much!

< Sylas >

lunker · #2 01-31-2009, 02:19 PM

First, try the DB side of the forum.

Second, good luck with that. I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, but there is a pretty broad range in dimensions for different instruments of the same "size". There is probably some set of approximations you can use though.

sylasvondrac · #3 01-31-2009, 03:39 PM

Thanks. I'm new, and don't really know my way around.

Angus · #4 01-31-2009, 04:48 PM

There will not be a standard equation for that, since the volume (and thus the surface area) is not a standard shape. You could theoretically make one, but it is way beyond the math that you are doing and will only apply to a single instrument that you've carefully measured and documented. It would be empirical, though, so it would have wild coefficients and many, many terms. IE, what I'm trying to say is, what you are looking for does not exist.

sylasvondrac · #5 01-31-2009, 05:01 PM

Actually, I'm looking for an equation for the string lengths, as, apparently, there's no equation for surface area.

Jim Carr · #6 01-31-2009, 05:55 PM

The scale length varies, but 41.5 inches is quite typical.

That applies to the string length from the bridge to the nut, and does not include the length of the string between the tailpiece and the bridge, the string passing between the nut and the tuning machines, or the string wound on the tuning rollers themselves.

If you want actual string length, check some string makers web pages. You may find that info there.

bongomania · #7 01-31-2009, 08:09 PM

It will help if you can tell what sort of equation is expected. I recently left the advanced Algebra realm and am now in Trig working toward Calc, and IME whenever an Algebra teacher asked for an equation they had a very specific idea of what sort of equation was expected.

Let us know what exactly you are studying at this time, like what is the specific subject of the chapter you're at in your textbook, and we can try to come up with an equation that (a) fits, and (b) has to do with basses.

mongo2 · #8 01-31-2009, 08:34 PM

There is a equation that defines the fret postions for fretted instruments using the scale length as a starting point.

d = s – (s / (2 ^ (n /12)))

Where:

d = the distance from the nut.

n = the fret number currently desired.

s = the scale length.

lindseyp · #9 01-31-2009, 08:52 PM

Mongo2, I like your signature.

Wish I like math.

**embellisher** · #10 01-31-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunker

First, try the DB side of the forum.

Good call. Moved.

sylasvondrac · #11 02-01-2009, 08:05 AM

To Bongomania: I am working on line equations and how to solve them. But, anything that has variables in it will work, basically. It doesn't matter what the format is, but it has to be able to be understood by a ninth grade Algebra 2 class.

To Jim Carr: Thanks for the direction. I'll make sure to check some out.

To Mongo2: Thanks for the equation! That helps a lot!

To Everyone: Thanks for all of the great responses. You're all great!

fdeck · #12 02-01-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongo2

There is a equation that defines the fret postions for fretted instruments using the scale length as a starting point.

d = s – (s / (2 ^ (n /12)))

Where:

d = the distance from the nut.

n = the fret number currently desired.

s = the scale length.

That should be good. Practically anything with powers and roots qualifies as algebra.

fdeck · #13 02-01-2009, 03:30 PM

Just as another idea... working out an explanation of why the fret position equation works would be a nice tidy project.

Angus · #14 02-01-2009, 11:59 PM

And why the above equation is an approximation.

Eli_Upright12 · #15 02-02-2009, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

Just as another idea... working out an explanation of why the fret position equation works would be a nice tidy project.

doesnt it relate to the equation I posted that calculates frequency and also the fact that cutting the vibrating length in half, double the frequency. Double the frequency and you create an octave.