Patent Publication Number: US-2022223123-A1

Title: Resonance podium for musical instruments

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/840,695, filed Apr. 30, 2019, and entitled “RESONANCE PODIUM FOR STRING INSTRUMENTAL SOLOIST,” the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to podiums for musical instruments and, more particularly, to resonance podiums for enhancing the acoustical properties of musical instruments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Traditionally, a riser or podium for a musical instrument, such as a cello, is a hollow wooden box that supports the musical instrument primarily for visual aesthetics. For example, an endpin of the cello drives a resonant top surface of the podium which can play either a constructive or destructive role in both the quality and quantity of the acoustic projection. Despite a performer&#39;s performance being visually enhanced by the podium, few studies have examined how the physics, dimensions, and/or acoustic capabilities of the podium can complement the timbre intended by the performer. 
     One podium design derives from architect Maxwell Kimball in 1963. This particular podium was used several times by cellist Maurice Eisenberg in performances with the New Jersey Symphony. A common problem known to cellists is that most podiums emphasized only the lowest harmonics of the cello and thus sounded rather dull (e.g., lacking in clarity and projection). Although the design attempted to resolve this problem, it still failed to adequately address the projection of the upper frequencies of the cello. 
     It is a common practice for instrumental soloists to sit on a podium when featured in front of an orchestra. There are also scenarios where a whole section of instrumentalists use a podium for their performance. Conventional podiums have poor acoustical designs and/or are made of poor materials that affect the sound of the musical instruments in nonproductive ways. For example, these podiums are typically made of plywood in the form of an inverted 5-sided box that varies greatly in dimensions. However, most conventional podiums only provide visual aesthetics and/or portability with little to no concerns for the acoustics. 
     With a cello, a performer typically sits in a chair/bench on a top panel of the podium. The top panel is a single contiguous surface that supports the performer&#39;s feet, feet of the chair/bench, and the cello&#39;s endpin. As such, the top panel indirectly serves an acoustic function by projecting the structurally-transmitted vibrations of the cello. However, because the vibrations transmitted from the cello through the performer and/or chair/bench are not productive to the acoustic projection, the vibrations have a detrimental effect on the top panel of the podium. This effect, when coupled with the widely-varying dimensions of the podium, generates inconsistent and unproductive acoustic contributions to the sound that the performer is trying to achieve. Moreover, in the case of smaller podiums, the performer is also concerned with the chair/bench sliding off the back end. Accordingly, there remains a need to design better podiums that can enhance the acoustical properties of musical instruments and provide comfort to the performer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a resonance podium that includes a plurality of walls defining a frame of the resonance podium. A top panel is coupled to the plurality of walls to form a top surface that supports a performer playing a musical instrument on the resonance podium. A resonant panel is also coupled to the plurality of walls and isolated from the top panel. The resonant panel is configured to receive a portion of the musical instrument and to project structurally-transmitted vibrations from the musical instrument for acoustical amplification. 
     According to certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a resonant panel that includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface includes a first brace disposed along a length of the first surface and configured to receive a portion of a musical instrument. The resonant panel is configured to couple to a resonance podium that supports a performer playing the musical instrument and to project structurally-transmitted vibrations from the musical instrument for acoustical amplification. 
     In some examples, the second surface includes a second brace having a plurality of braces disposed on the second surface in a parallel pattern, a lattice pattern, a concentric pattern, a symmetric pattern, and/or an asymmetric pattern. In certain examples, the first brace includes an interface configured to receive the portion of the musical instrument. As an example, the portion of the musical instrument is an endpin, and the interface includes a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles adapted for receiving the endpin to couple the musical instrument to the resonant panel. 
     In some examples, the plurality of walls include a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. In certain examples, at least one of the plurality of walls includes an opening. For example, the first sidewall includes a first sidewall opening disposed through the first sidewall. As an example, the second sidewall includes a second sidewall opening disposed through the second sidewall. For example, the front wall includes a front wall opening disposed through the front wall. In some examples, the resonant panel is coupled to the plurality of walls via mounting rails. In certain examples, the top panel includes an opening through which the resonant panel is coupled to the plurality of walls. 
     In some examples, the resonant panel is comprised of a single material. In certain examples, the resonant panel is comprised of two or more different materials. In some examples, the resonant panel is integrated with the frame of the resonance podium, while in certain examples, the resonant panel is a separate piece attachable to the frame of the resonance podium. 
     According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of making a resonance podium. The method includes assembling a frame of the resonance podium, where the frame includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The method also includes coupling a top panel to the frame to form a top surface that supports a performer playing a musical instrument on the resonance podium. Further, the method includes coupling a resonant panel to the frame. The resonant panel is isolated from the top panel and configured to receive a portion of the musical instrument to project structurally-transmitted vibrations from the musical instrument for acoustical amplification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a resonance podium; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a further perspective view of the resonance podium of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a frame of a resonance podium; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 3  with mounting rails; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 4  with a top panel; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a rear perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 4  with a top panel; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom perspective of the frame of  FIG. 4  with a top panel; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 4  with a resonant panel; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates different configurations of a resonance podium; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates different configurations of a resonant panel; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a top-side brace; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the top-side brace of  FIG. 11  coupled to a resonant panel; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a musical instrument coupled to a top-side brace; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates different configurations of a top-side brace; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates different configurations of receptacles for a top-side brace; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a bottom-side brace in a lattice pattern; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom-side brace of  FIG. 16  coupled to a resonant panel; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of a bottom-side brace in a parallel pattern; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom-side brace of  FIG. 18  coupled to a resonant panel; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates different configurations of a bottom-side brace; and 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of a performer playing a musical instrument on a resonance podium. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, these embodiments are described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. 
     To design a resonance podium for a musical instrument such as a cello, it is important to understand the mechanical interactions between a performer, the cello, and a supporting surface of the podium. Studies have shown that the highest concentration of energy is transmitted from an endpin of the cello and that there is little to no useful transmission from the performer to the supporting surface. 
     Harnessing the energy thorough the endpin of the cello for acoustical amplification is akin to a bridge transmitting vibrations to a soundboard on an instrument with an oscillating string. As such, various musical instruments that utilize bridges, such as concert pianos, concert harps, classical guitars, and hammered dulcimers, were analyzed for their transduction methods and materials. From these studies, several important characteristics were found. First, the choice and structure of the materials should be structurally significant to support the weight or pressure of the vibrating string. Second, the type and shape of the materials should be chosen and shaped in a way to enhance the acoustical output of the structurally-transmitted vibrations. Third, the structure transmitting the sound should impose the smallest possible mass on the vibrating string. 
     The most successful instrument to exhibit these characteristics is the concert grand piano. While the bridge of the piano is a large structure made of dense wood and metal, the piano overcomes this by using heavy gauge strings that are under high tension to drive the bridge and a large spruce soundboard. The soundboard also varies in width along its length to thereby allow resonances in a wide range of frequencies. In the case of the endpin on the cello, the advantage of this tension driving the soundboard is not present. Instead, only the weight of the cello and the downward pressure induced by the performer are relied upon. 
     The concert harp has highly tensioned strings and a well-braced bridge connected to a trapezoidal soundboard made of spruce. Like the concert piano, a transition in the width of the trapezoidal soundboard along the length of instrument allows the harp to have a wide range of resonant frequencies. The implementation of a trapezoidal soundboard can also be seen in early lutes and modern hammered dulcimers. 
     Classical guitar soundboards feature strings under lower tension and with less vibrating mass in comparison to a piano or harp. Again, the soundboard of the guitar supports a wide range of frequencies to be amplified due to the varied width from tip to tail. However, the guitar is less efficient in harnessing the energy due to a small vibrating mass. 
     For the various musical instruments examined, choosing a suitable material and having a bracing technique are important factors to successfully harness the energy from these instruments. In all the cases, the soundboards were heavily supported and braced at the edges in an effort to maximize the impedance at the interface of support in order to reflect as much energy as possible back into the panel. The goal is to be as light as possible at the top, to be compliant at the edges so as to allow vibrations, and to be as stiff as possible across the majority of the structure to aid in projecting the upper harmonics as well as resisting any twisting or bending motions of the strings on the bridge. 
     With conventional podiums, a problem exists in that the vibrations transmitted from the musical instrument through the performer generate inconsistent and unproductive acoustic contributions to the sound that the performer is trying to achieve. To solve this problem, the present disclosure proposes a podium design that serves to actively project the structurally-transmitted vibrations of the musical instrument. In particular, the embodiments of the present disclosure describe a resonance podium on which a performer of a cello sits. The resonance podium is a mechanical and passive acoustical device that contains no electronics or artificial amplification. The resonance podium takes an endpin of the cello and couples the endpin to a vibrating resonant panel or “soundboard.” The resonant panel is isolated from a surface on which the performer sits to prevent any detrimental effects caused by the performer&#39;s body and/or a chair/bench that the performer is sitting on. The endpin of the cello, which carries the weight of the instrument while being performed, is supported by the resonant panel which is mechanically coupled through the endpin. The structurally-transmitted vibrations created by the cello drives the resonant panel, which in turn helps the cello to project acoustically to the surrounding environment. 
     As described herein, the resonant panel take its design concept from the soundboards found in pianos, harps, classical guitars, or hammered-dulcimers, in the sense that there is a large wooden panel of lightweight material, braced from one side to best enhance and project the vibrations of a string under tension. When used in the resonance podium, the point of the connection with the cello is under significantly less pressure or tension as it would with a piano or harp. As such, special attention is paid to create the resonant panel with the following characteristics. First, the resonant panel needs to be as light as possible to allow the vibrations to be amplified through the endpin of the cello. In some examples, this is accomplished by using European Sitka spruce because of its combined properties in rigidity, regularly-spaced grain, and overall low density. Second, the resonant panel needs to be compliant to vibrational movements so that energy from the cello can be transmitted to the air, but stiff enough to support the weight of the cello and resonate across a broad spectrum of frequencies. In some examples, this is accomplished by using a variety of braces on the back side of the resonant panel constructed from laminated layers of wood, carbon fiber, and/or other synthetic materials (e.g., Kevlar, Nomex). Third, the interface where the resonant panel is supported by the frame of the resonance podium needs to be as rigid as possible so that vibrational energy is reflected back into the resonant panel and not lost or damped by the frame. 
     In certain embodiments, the resonant panel is not permanently installed in the resonance podium. Instead, the resonant panel is interchangeable depending on the acoustic needs of different instruments and/or performers. Although the present disclosure is described in the context of cellos, it is understood that the present disclosure is applicable to other musical instruments having endpins or end-rests such as double basses, harps, wind instruments, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a resonance podium  100  is shown that includes a frame  102 , a top panel  104 , and a resonant panel  106 . The frame  102  is a support structure defined by a plurality of walls including a front wall  108 , a rear wall  110 , a first sidewall  112 , and a second sidewall  114 . The front wall  108  is opposite the rear wall  110 , while the first sidewall  112  is opposite the second sidewall  114 . The top panel  104  is coupled to the walls to form an inverted 5-sided box with the 6 th  side being open and facing the floor. In this manner, the top panel  104  provides a support surface on which a performer can sit or stand while playing a musical instrument. The resonant panel  106  is isolated from the top panel  104  and configured to project structurally-transmitted vibrations from the musical instrument for acoustical amplification. 
     According to certain embodiments, at least some of the walls have ports or openings to promote acoustical projection. Depending on the desired design and/or acoustic response, some or all of these openings may not be needed. For example, at least one of the walls has an opening. As an example, the front wall  108  includes a front wall opening  116  disposed through the front wall, the first sidewall  112  includes a first sidewall opening  118  disposed through the first sidewall, and the second sidewall  114  includes a second sidewall opening  120  disposed through the second sidewall. In some embodiments, the rear wall  110  includes an opening. According to various embodiments, any combination of walls may have openings. For example, the front wall  108  and the rear wall  110  have openings. As an example, the rear wall  110  and the sidewalk  112 ,  114  have openings. For example, only the sidewalk  112 ,  114  have openings. As an example, only one of the sidewalk  112 ,  114  has an opening. For example, only one of the sidewalk  112 ,  114  and the front wall  108  have openings. As an example, only one of the sidewalk  112 ,  114  and the rear wall  110  have openings. For example, all of the walls  108 - 114  have openings. 
     In some embodiments, the front wall opening  116  is an oval-shaped hole that serves to promote acoustical projection to the front of the podium. In certain embodiments, the first and second sidewall openings  118 ,  120  are teardrop-shaped holes that serve to promote acoustical projection to the sides of the podium. It is appreciated that other shapes, sizes, and locations for the wall openings may be contemplated in other embodiments. 
     According to sonic embodiments, the top panel  104  includes an opening  122  through which the resonant panel  106  is disposed and coupled to the walls of the frame. For example, the opening  122  is a trapezoidal-shaped aperture that corresponds to the shape of the resonant panel  106 . However, any suitably shaped opening corresponding to a shape of the resonant panel may be contemplated in other embodiments. 
     According to certain embodiments, the top panel  104  includes a chair rail  124  disposed in a rear end of the top panel. For example, the chair rail  124  is disposed across the top of the rear wall  110 . The chair rail  124  serves to prevent the performer&#39;s chair/bench from moving beyond and sliding off the back of the podium. 
     According to some embodiments, the resonant panel  106  includes a top-side surface  126  and a bottom-side surface  128  (see  FIGS. 17 and 19 ). To couple the musical instrument to the resonant panel  106 , a top-side brace  130  is disposed on the top-side surface  126 . For example, the top-side brace  130  is disposed along a length of the top-side surface  126 . The top-side brace  130  includes an interface  132  with a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles  134  configured to receive a portion of the musical instrument. As an example, the portion of the musical instrument is an endpin of a cello, and each of the plurality of receptacles  134  is adapted to receive the endpin to couple the cello to the resonant panel  106  to effectively extend or double the surface area of the cello. In some examples, the resonant panel  106  is made from European Sitka spruce with a thickness of 5-7 mm. 
       FIGS. 3-8  show the fabrication of the resonance podium  100 . According to various embodiments, the components of the podium  100  are assembled using any suitable fastening means such as screws, nails, bolts, adhesives, etc. In  FIGS. 3-4 , the frame  102  is constructed by using the external walls  108 - 114  as well as internal walls  302 ,  304 , which provide support to weights placed on the frame (e.g., weight of the performer). In some embodiments, the various walls of the frame  102  are made from dense and rigid materials that are stable with temperature and humidity changes such as different types of plywood (e.g., a 9-layer birch/poplar plywood, a 13-layer all-Russian birch plywood, etc.). 
     In  FIG. 4 , mounting rails  402 ,  404  are constructed and disposed between the front wall  108  and internal wall  302  by using respective support walls  406 ,  408  that heavily brace the mounting rails to create a stable and rigid structure that can reflect vibrational energy back into the resonant panel. As an example, the mounting rails  402 ,  404  are made from maple hardwood. The resonant panel  106  is coupled to the walls of the frame  102  via the mounting rails  402 ,  404 . As such, the mounting rails  402 ,  404  are sized to receive the resonant panel  106  and to couple the resonant panel to the walls of the frame  102 . In this manner, the resonant panel is contained within and supported by the frame at the front of the resonance podium. This arrangement allows the performer to be isolated from the surface that supports the cello, thereby eliminating any damping effects of the performer&#39;s chair and feet. 
     In  FIGS. 5-7 , the top panel  104  is constructed and coupled to the frame  102 , while in  FIG. 8 , the resonant panel  106  is constructed and coupled to the frame  102 .  FIGS. 5-6  also show the chair rail  124  disposed across the top of the rear wall  110 . In  FIG. 7 , ledges  702 ,  704 , upon which the resonant panel  106  rests, are shown on the mounting rails  402 ,  404 , respectively.  FIG. 8  shows the resonant panel  106  between the mounting rails  402 ,  404  without the top panel  104 . An air gap  802  exists between the front of the resonant panel  106  and the front wall  108 , while an air gap  804  exists between the rear of the resonant panel  106  and the internal wall  302 . These air gaps allow for vibrational movements of the resonant panel. The resonant panel  106  has inherent flexibility for acoustical amplification. In some embodiments, a stiffer panel construction is used to help emphasize higher frequencies and better clarity of the tone, but potentially at the expense of having attenuated acoustical outputs. The resonant panel  106  is structurally isolated from the top panel  104 . In some embodiments, the resonant panel  106  is integrated with the frame of the resonance podium  100 . In certain embodiments, the resonant panel  106  is a separate or independent piece attachable to the frame of the resonance podium  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , different configurations of a resonance podium fitted with various resonant panel shapes are shown including a trapezoidal-shape  902 , a triangular-shape  904 , a circular-shape  906 , oval-shapes  908 ,  910 , a square/rectangular-shape  912 , a diamond-shape  914 , as well as other suitable symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes. These resonant panels may be made from any suitable materials such as wood, metal, plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, other composites, honeycomb structures, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , to promote acoustical transmission, laminated layers of different materials are used for constructing the resonant panels. In some embodiments, a resonant panel is comprised of a single material. For example, a resonant panel  1002  includes three layers  1004 - 1006  of different types of the same material (e.g., three different types of wood). In certain embodiments, a resonant panel is comprised of two or more different materials. For example, a resonant panel  1008  includes three layers of different materials such as a first layer  1010  comprising wood, a second layer  1011  comprising Nomex, and a third layer  1012  comprising carbon fiber. As an example, a resonant panel  1014  includes two layers of different materials such as a first layer  1016  comprising wood and a second layer  1017  comprising fiberglass. 
       FIGS. 11-15  show the construction of the top-side brace  130 . According to some embodiments, the top-side brace  130  is a 5-layer lamination of spruce wood (3-layers) and carbon fiber (2-layers) with at least six receptacles  134 . In some examples, the receptacles  134  are reinforced with carbon fiber pre-impregnated with resin to enable the transmission of available vibrations across the surface of the resonant panel without unnecessary kinetic losses and/or damping to the spectrum. 
     To construct the top-side brace shown in  FIG. 11 , two side-layers  1102 ,  1104  are fabricated from spruce wood and laminated with carbon fiber (e.g., using a vacuum-bagging process). A center-layer  1106  is also fabricated from spruce wood and etched with grooves to form the receptacles  134  which may be plated with any suitable reinforcement material (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, epoxy resin, etc.). The side-layers  1102 ,  1104  and the center-layer  1106  are then attached to one another to create the top-side brace  130 . While  FIG. 11  shows the center-layer  1106  as having six receptacles, any number of receptacles may be contemplated in other embodiments. 
     In  FIG. 12 , the top-side brace  130  is coupled (e.g., via adhesives) to the top-side surface  126  of the resonant panel  106 . The receptacles  134  are lined towards the narrow end of the trapezoidal-shaped resonant panel  106 . This provides a mechanical advantage that favors higher partials more than lower frequencies to add clarity to the projected tone. 
       FIG. 13  shows a cello endpin  1302  disposed in one of the receptacles  134  to couple a cello to the resonant panel  106 . This interface between the cello and the resonant panel is important. Cellists are accustomed to forcing the endpin into the soft wood of a typical podium. While this is effective in preventing the cello from sliding away, the soft wood does not provide a good interface to transfer the vibrations, especially the upper harmonics, present in the endpin to the supporting surface of the podium. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , different configurations of a top-side brace with different receptacle types are shown. The top-side brace is designed in a way to allow comfortable movements of the performer handling the musical instrument, while enabling the structurally-transmitted vibrations from the musical instrument to be transferred into the resonant panel. The top-side brace may be made from any suitable materials such as wood, metal, plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, other composites, honeycomb structures, etc. For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , a top-side brace  1402 , coupled to a resonant panel  1404 , is made from a single material (e.g., wood) that includes a center-layer  1406  and side-layers  1408 ,  1410 . A series of square-shaped receptacles  1412  are disposed on the center-layer  1406 . Alternatively, a top-side brace  1414 , coupled to the resonant panel  1404 , is made from a combination of different materials, where a center layer  1416  is comprised of a first material (e.g., fiberglass) and side-layers  1418 ,  1420  are comprised of a second material (e.g., wood). Here, the receptacles  1412  disposed on the center layer  1416  are circular-shaped. 
     In  FIG. 15 , the receptacles  1412  are shown with different types of grooves, such as V-grooves  1502  and concave grooves  1504 , configured to receive and support an instrument endpin  1506 . In some embodiments, the V-grooves  1502  are laminated with a layer of reinforcement material  1508  (e.g., carbon fiber). The reinforcement material can also serve to prevent any slippage of the endpin. According to various embodiments, the receptacles include any form of a single or a series of grooves, cups, notches, holes, recesses, and/or other indentations. 
       FIGS. 16-19  show the construction of a bottom-side brace  1602  on the bottom-side surface  128  of the resonant panel  106 . While bracing may not be necessary for any given resonant panel, braces with different shapes and/or materials can be used to promote desired acoustical properties. For example, when using a honeycomb structure or a multi-layered resonance panel, bracing may not be needed. In  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the bottom-side brace  1602  includes a plurality of individual braces intersecting one another in a lattice pattern (“lattice-style”). Each individual brace includes one or more scalloped cutaways  1604  on its underside between where the individual braces intersect. This is done to reduce the overall weight while maintaining a high degree of rigidity. In  FIG. 17 , the “lattice-style” bottom-side brace  1602  is coupled (e.g., via adhesives) to the bottom-side surface  128  of the resonant panel  106 . In some embodiments, prior to attachment, the “lattice-style” bottom-side brace  1602  is laminated with a layer of reinforcement material  1702  (e.g., carbon fiber). 
     In  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the bottom-side brace  1602  includes a plurality of individual braces arranged in a parallel pattern (“piano rib-style”). Each individual brace is made from a spruce/carbon/spruce laminate. Each individual brace has a tapered profile near the ends to allow for increased flexibility at the edges. In  FIG. 19 , the “piano rib-style” bottom-side brace  1602  is coupled to the bottom-side surface  128  of the resonant panel  106 . Each brace is placed perpendicularly with respect to the bottom-side surface  128  in order to give rigidity while adding minimal mass. In some examples, a vacuum-bagging process is used to attach the “piano rib-style” bottom-side brace  1602  so that a consistent and even force is applied across each brace during the attachment to the resonant panel  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , different configurations of a bottom-side brace for different resonant panel shapes are shown including lattice patterns  2002 , parallel patterns  2004 , concentric patterns  2006 , symmetric patterns  2008 , asymmetric patterns  2010  (e.g., fan-shape, X-shape, curved-shape, star-shape, snail-shape, etc.), as well as other suitable patterns. These bottom-side braces may be made from any suitable materials such as wood, metal, plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, other composites, honeycomb structures, etc. Further, the width, length, and overall number of individual braces may be varied as desired to provide optimized outcomes for different musical instruments and/or musical contexts. 
       FIG. 21  shows a performer in a sitting positions is playing a cello on the resonance podium  100 . The endpin of the cello is coupled to the resonant panel  106 . There are several formant areas that give the cello its unique sound. These include key frequencies at 250, 300-500, 600-900, and 2 kHz. By using the resonant panel  106  with the configurations seen in  FIGS. 17 and 19 , vibrations between 500 Hz and 2 kHz can be projected which adds presence and clarity to the sound of the cello. The resonance podium  100  can be adapted for use by an instrumental soloist and/or an entire section of instrumentalists. 
     According to various embodiments, operations are performed to make a resonance podium (e.g.,  100 ). The operations may be performed manually or using automated assembly machines and fixtures. The operations begin by assembling a frame (e.g.  102 ) which includes a front wall (e.g.,  108 ), a rear wall (e.g.,  110 ), a first sidewall (e.g.,  112 ), and a second sidewall (e.g.,  114 ) (see  FIG. 3 ). The operations continue by coupling a top panel (e.g.,  104 ) to the frame to form a top surface that supports a performer playing a musical instrument on the resonance podium (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The operations proceed further by coupling a resonant panel (e.g.,  106 ) to the frame (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The resonant panel is isolated from the top panel and configured to receive a portion of the musical instrument to project structurally-transmitted vibrations from the musical instrument for acoustical amplification (see  FIG. 13 ). For example, the resonant panel is coupled to the frame via mounting rails (e.g.,  402 ,  404 ) (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     According to some embodiments, the operations entail disposing a first brace (e.g.,  130 ) on a first surface (e.g.,  126 ) of the resonant panel (see  FIG. 12 ). For example, the first brace includes an interface (e.g.,  132 ) with a plurality of spaced-apart receptacles (e.g.,  134 ) configured to receive the portion of the musical instrument. 
     According to certain embodiments, the operations entail disposing a plurality of second braces (e.g.,  1602 ) on a second opposite surface (e.g.,  128 ) of the resonant panel (see  FIGS. 17 and 19 ). For example, the plurality of second braces are disposed on the second surface in a parallel pattern, a lattice pattern, a concentric pattern, a symmetric pattern, and/or an asymmetric pattern. 
     While the present disclosure has been described in a manner that establishes possession by the inventors and that enables those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the same, it will be understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the embodiments disclosed herein and that various modifications, adaptations, and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, which is to be limited not by the embodiments but by the appended claims.