Summary: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are using advanced CT imaging to study historic string basses, aiming to understand their unique characteristics and guide new instrument creation.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are using advanced CT imaging to study historic string basses, aiming to understand their unique characteristics and guide new instrument creation.
  2. The project, led by Peter Noël, PhD, involves collaborations with musicians and luthiers and focuses on instruments from the 17th to 19th centuries, potentially using sustainably harvested U.S. wood for new instruments.
  3. This interdisciplinary effort applies medical imaging techniques to the arts, with the potential to revolutionize the preservation and construction of string basses.

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In a groundbreaking interdisciplinary project, researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania are applying advanced CT imaging techniques to unlock the secrets of some of the world’s finest string basses. Led by Peter Noël, PhD, Associate Professor of Radiology and Director of CT Research, the project seeks to understand the characteristics that make these instruments exceptional.

Partnering with Philadelphia Orchestra bassist Duane Rosengard, amateur bassist Mark Kindig, and award-winning luthier Zachary S. Martin, Noël and his team aim to provide new insights into the construction and care of masterworks built between the 17th and 19th centuries. This research could also guide the creation of new instruments using sustainably harvested U.S. wood.

“No one has ever tried to image a string bass using a CT scanner before,” says Noël. “We’re excited about the potential to apply our medical research techniques to the arts and gain a deeper understanding of these magnificent instruments.”

The project began when Rosengard and Kindig sought a scanner large enough to accommodate the dimensions of a string bass. After a nationwide search, they connected with Noël, a music lover and patron of the Philadelphia Orchestra, located just a mile from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Using a Siemens Healthineers CT scanner, Noël’s team, including PhD student Leening Liu, has developed specialized protocols to image the basses. This involves creating custom holders and meticulously removing all metal components from the instruments to avoid image distortion.

“Our goal is to understand the internal air volume and wood density of each bass,” says Martin. “These factors play a significant role in the instrument’s sound quality and structural integrity.”

The team’s findings could revolutionize both the preservation of historic instruments and the construction of new ones. By analyzing the internal characteristics of the basses, the researchers hope to uncover the secrets behind their unique sounds, which range from classical to jazz and beyond.

“This project exemplifies how medical research can transcend traditional boundaries and impact other fields,” says Noël. “It’s inspiring to see the collaboration between scientists and musicians, and the potential benefits for both the arts and sciences.”