Effects of Hollowed Neck Designs on Sound Radiation and Loudness of Baglama

This study investigated the effects of two experimental (patented) neck designs on sound radiation and the perceived loudness of the baglama, a stringed instrument. The primary hypothesis of this research is that compared to traditional neck, the experimental neck designs increase the stringed instrument's air volume and vibrating surface area, thereby contributing to radiation efficiency and perceived loudness. Sound radiation analysis based on acoustic modal analysis and psychoacoustic analysis were conducted. First, sound radiation measurements were made in an experimental setup. The data were then examined using the Frequency Response Function (FRF). The results revealed that the experimental necked baglamas’ sound radiated better than the traditional one. Second, listening (N=38) and playability (N=26) tests were conducted in focus group interviews. The participants listened to or played traditional and experimental necked baglamas and rated their loudness. The Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank test on the scores indicated that the participants perceived the experimental necked baglamas as significantly louder than the traditional one. Most participants stated that the experimental necked baglamas sounded higher and had better quality than the traditional one. Psychoacoustic findings corroborated the results of sound radiation analysis.