Study of Sarasvati Veena - a South Indian musical instrument using its vibro-acoustic signatures

This study aims to characterize and standardize the Sarasvati Veena of South India. The instrument is very unique in the way in which it is manufactured and played. This instrument is often tuned relative to the accompanying instruments. The aim of the study was to find out the optimum tuning frequency for a particular Veena. The natural frequency of the body of the Veena was determined by conducting an impact test. The strings of the Veena were tuned to the corresponding body frequency to obtain resonance and FFT plots were generated to see the frequency variation. The optimum tuning frequency for a given Veena was obtained such that the body undergoes conductive resonance when tuned to that particular frequency. Acoustic readings were taken using a sound level meter to confirm on the results obtained by impact test.