Tonewood & Acoustics
Studying the vibrational behavior of traditional and alternative tonewoods, optimizing bracing patterns through modal analysis, and characterizing the acoustic properties of sustainable material substitutes.
We are a dedicated research group working at the intersection of traditional luthiery, material science, and digital signal processing. Our mission is to advance the tonal, structural, and ergonomic qualities of the guitar through rigorous experimentation, careful measurement, and thoughtful engineering.
Pickup & Electronics
Designing magnetic and piezoelectric transducers, modeling electromagnetic interference, and developing active electronics that preserve acoustic transparency while expanding tonal versatility.
Playability & Ergonomics
Applying biomechanical research to neck profiles, fretboard geometry, and body contours — designing instruments that reduce fatigue and extend expressive range for players across styles and skill levels.
Sustainable Manufacturing
Investigating low-waste CNC workflows, alternative finishes with reduced VOC, and supply chain traceability for tonewood and hardware components.
Digital Signal Processing
Developing modeling plugins, impulse-response capture systems, and real-time performance tools that translate the nuanced behavior of fine instruments into the digital domain.
Structural & Materials
Researching composite reinforcements, climate-resilient construction techniques, and joint designs that improve long-term stability and resonance under varying environmental conditions.
Anatomy Lab
Our primary research facility integrates a vibration-isolated acoustic chamber, a climate-controlled conditioning room, and an anechoic measurement booth. Cross-disciplinary benches cover woodworking, electronics, and signal processing under a single roof.
chamber_rt60 0.08s
temp_range 18 – 28 °C
humidity 40 – 55 %RH
sample_rate 192 kHz / 32-bit
mics 1/4" + 1/2" + ambisonic
modal_hammer PCB 086C03
fea_solvers Comsol, OnScale
dsp_toolchain JUCE, MATLAB, Python