Abstract:

A presentation and lecture on the aesthetic and tactile challenges of the Bohlen-Pierce Guitar, and the introduction of a “new” and more practical instrument for the given scale.
An introduction and short discussion of the “Bohlen-Pierce Scales for Guitar” book, which segues into brief theoretical information and a brief history on the BP tuning.
The Bohlen-Pierce Guitar is explained and shown on 6-string BP standard classical and Paul Erlich’s “Triple-BP” tuning, which offers additional odd harmonics. The mathematics behind each of the guitars will be shown, and how tunings can be derived on any string length division. An  “A/B” listening test will be given as well in comparison to the Just Intonation Version of the Scale.

Finally, the “9-string BP Electric” will be introduced and explained as well with a short performance on each of the guitars during the lecture. The scores for the performances of “Bohlen-Pierce Timbre Etudes I, II, and IV” for BP Classical Guitar will be available for the concert, as well as copies of the “Bohlen-Pierce Scales for Guitar” Books and Guitars at the symposium.