Experimental measurements of a prototype vibraphone bar with three-dimensional cutaway geometry

Abstract

This article discusses the fabrication and testing of two prototype vibraphone bars. Bar cutaway shapes vary along both the length and width of the bar, whereas previous examples in the literature vary only along the length. Bar shapes were designed using a method, previously published by the authors, that tunes both flexural and torsional modes. Fabrication issues prevented the first prototype from achieving its desired geometry. These issues were resolved in the second prototype, which accurately reflects its designed geometry and produces modal frequencies that agree well with design targets.