The use of simple geometry and the local unit of measurement in the design of Italian stringed keyboard instruments:

an aid to attribution and to organological analysis

 

Grant O'Brien

 

Appendix 1 - Definitions of the Geometrical Functions

 

          The geometry of the simple right-angled triangle is basic to the understanding of the design of Italian keyboard instruments.  The definitions of the sine (sin), cosine (cos) and tangent (tan) of the angles of a right-angled triangle are based on the ratios of the lengths of the sides x, y and r in the diagram below:

 

 

           The angle α is measured in degrees and this angle, for the spine-baseboard corners of Italian stringed keyboard instruments, usually has a value between about 30º to 60º.  Here by definition:

                                              sin α =                cos α =                 tan α =

and

                                         arcsin  = α             arccos  = α             arctan  = α

 

          Of these the most important factors involved in the determination of the unit of measurement used in the design of Italian stringed keyboard instruments are tan α and arctan  = α.  The actual values of the tan and arctan can be calculated using a normal scientific calculator, they can be found in tables of the geometrical functions, or they can be read from any good scientific slide rule.

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