An Analysis of Vibration Characteristic of Thai Traditional Xylophone (Ranad-Ek)

This research studied features of a Thai traditional xylophone (Ranad-Ek). The characteristic vibrations of Ranad pieces were considered by the measurement of frequencies using MATLAB and the results compared with finite element analysis (FEA). Three pieces of Ranad were investigated in this study: lowest tone, middle tone and highest tone. It was found that characteristic vibrations of Ranad pieces were similar to vibration of free-free beam as the simulation results of frequencies corresponded to experimental results from MATLAB. The effects of the geometry and weight of lead pieces used in tuning a Ranad piece were also analyzed. Two shapes of lead weights were considered, i.e. a hemispherical shape and a rectangular shape. The weight of lead attached to Ranad pieces and sound frequencies exhibited an inverse relationship. On the other hand, the lead geometry had insignificant effect on the Ranad piece’s frequency.