Model-based sound synthesis of tanbur, a Turkish long-necked lute

Physics-based simulation and sound synthesis of the tanbur, a traditional Turkish long-necked lute is tackled by two computational models based on digital waveguides. A linear generic dual-polarization simulation including sympathetic coupling is calibrated according to recorded sound examples. The other approach utilizes a specific model that incorporates a nonlinear tension modulation mechanism that is pronounced in the tanbur. The nonlinear implementation can accurately reproduce features such as variation of the fundamental frequency, nonlinear coupling of the harmonic partials, and tension modulation driving force coupling to the body. The synthesis results of both models are justified by audio demonstrations available at http://www.acoustics.hut.fi/~cerkut/icassp2000/.