Distinctions of the Stuart piano sound : C2, mics 2 & 6 MW.

The characteristics of the Stuart sound previously described in the introduction of chapter four, have been observed in the sounds C2v54 MW mic2, and C2v81 MW mic6.

i) The Stuart sounds consisted of a wider spectrum with larger amplitudes of the fundamental, 3rd,
5th , 6th and 24th partial frequencies.

ii) The Stuart sound had fuller bass frequencies, which sustained in a stable, slow steady rate of
decay with an after-sound of M3rd and P5th intervals, i.e. 5th and 3rd partials. The Steinway
sound was brighter, thinner, with a characteristic of 7th and 9th intervals in its after-sound, and
characterised by more metallic buzz noise, Wolfenden’s ‘vizz’ of the trichord.²⁴⁹

iii) Stuart produced a faster onset rate of decay, plotted at .5s.

iv) The onset oscillation of the Stuart sound of C2v54 MWmic2, transferred earlier than Steinway
to its settled after-sound oscillation, enhancing its transient sustain quality.

^{249     4}Wolfenden,209.