pointing towards the tailpiece and the tip pointing towards the nut, or vice versa).

On my cello this pitch is a slightly flat G5.

The overtone content of body and bridge excitation increases as: ! The width of the hammer or bowing/stroking object reduces ! The density of the hammer or bowing/stroking object increases.

The overtone content of a struck tone changes according to the point on the hammer at which the body is struck. Higher overtones become stronger and lower overtones less prominent as this striking point moves from the hammers base (where it is held) to its tip.236

Loudness increases as: ! The striking force or the bowing/stroking speed increases ! The density of the hammer or bowing/stroking object increases.

Stroking/bowing the cello body under high pressure might induce high-pitched squeaking sounds. The sustainability of these sounds improves with increased friction at the excitation point, for example by using a rubber ball or damp fingers. Similar squeaks occur if, as the bridge is bowed on its surface, a few bow hairs become stuck under the curve of the bridges shoulder.

D2 Plucking, striking and stroking/bowing the tailpiece

PLUCKING

Plucking the tailpiece (pulling upwards/pushing downwards and releasing) results in a deep, thudding tone. The sound is loudest and lowest if the tailpiece is plucked at one of its corners close to the A- or C-string adjuster. It becomes quieter and higher as the plucking point moves towards the cellos end-pin. If the strings between bridge and tailpiece arent dampened, they are

236

This is true for stick-like hammers, e.g. the bow. The results are more complicated for different shaped hammers. In general the lowest pitches are heard for striking points close to the point at which the fingers grip the hammer. This is because of the damping effects of the hand.

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