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Tuning Forks
Tuning Forks generated
constant, sound wave frequencies and
were made of highly tempered metal. The
set shown in the picture was made later
than 1909, but provided one example how
tuning forks look like. The turning fork
set in the picture provided a very small
range of frequencies, approximately 1/3
of a semi-tone. A - 435 served as the
standard. Such a set would have been
ideal for testing auditory
discrimination of similar frequencies.
Tuning forks were also
used to test the upper and lower
thresholds of auditory perception. Davis
and Merzbach (1975) note the competition
amongst 19th century
acoustical instrument makers to produce
tuning forks that corresponded to the
limits of human perception. In addition
to studies in auditory perception,
psychophysical laboratories employed
tuning forks as standard timing devices.
DESCRIPTORS:
Type: Stimulus presentation device
Stimulus:
System: Sound
Output:
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