Tritare

A tritare^[1] is an experimental guitar invented in 2003 by mathematicians Samuel Gaudet and Claude Gauthier of the Université de Moncton of a family of stringed instruments which use Y-shaped strings, instead of the usual linear strings. Y-shaped strings can produce sounds which are harmonic integer multiples, but also nonharmonic sounds more akin to those produced by percussion instruments.^[2][3][4] When tuned correctly, the Y-strings create Chladni patterns. Depending on how each note is played, Gaudet explains that non-harmonic ingredients can be included and offer a richer sound than a classical stringed instrument.^[2][3] However the value of this greater possibility has been questioned by physicist and acoustics specialist Bernard Richardson of Cardiff University, who considers the branched string as just a simple analogue of complex structures with curved shells such as bars, cymbals, bells, and gongs, and claims that the tritare sounds bad.^[2][3]

The model uses 6 strings and was commercially available for a short period. The sound effects achieved with the instrument are similar to the sounds that can be achieved with the 3rd bridge playing technique.

References

1. Pronounced to rhyme with guitar. The prefix tri indicates that each string has 3 branches. The final e is by analogy with the French spelling guitare.
2. Weiss, Peter String Trio: Novel instrument strums like guitar, rings like bell, Science News, Week of June 3, 2006; Vol. 169, No. 22, p. 342
3. Extra Strings for New Sounds Sohn, Emily, Student Science, June 7, 2006
4. S.Gaudet and S.Léger, A New Family of Stringed Musical Instruments, presented at Acoustical Society of America 2006 June 6