Different diameters tune Aeolian strings to activate at different wind speeds

Evidence

Aeolian harp strings are all supposed to be tuned to the same frequency, but they have different diameters, so each goes into resonance with the wind at different wind velocities. Each string has several useful upper harmonics that are activated at the correct wind velocity. Adjacent higher harmonics of a string are separated by approximately a whole tone. As different strings activate, the harp will play a random tune, even over a modest range of wind velocities. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 1869

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 1869
• XREF: connects to: Entrainment’s broad wind-speed range makes the Aeolian harp playable; String and wind instruments share modifier physics but differ in wave motion type; Pitch is controlled by string length, tension, or mass (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Pitch is controlled by string length, tension, or mass #expands (0.85)
• Wind harps invented independently in Asia produced distinct single tones #exemplifies (0.85) — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 845
• String and wind instruments share modifier physics but differ in wave motion type #complicates (0.78)