OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

Excellent for graduates, 18 Jul 2007
The style is straightforward. Fundamentals are covered. It does require a good level in maths (3rd-4th year of engineering degree that's all). Overall it's been very helpful in my PhD.

Comprehensive, but confusing, 10 Jan 2004
It is impossible to fault this book for not covering enough material with regards to the different classes of turbulence. However, the language used is overly complex; turbulence is a difficult subject to study and the initial chapters do not introduce concepts in an easy to understand manner. This would make a fantastic reference book, but as a study aid it falters slightly.

OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

Excellent for graduates, 18 Jul 2007
The style is straightforward. Fundamentals are covered. It does require a good level in maths (3rd-4th year of engineering degree that's all). Overall it's been very helpful in my PhD.

Comprehensive, but confusing, 10 Jan 2004
It is impossible to fault this book for not covering enough material with regards to the different classes of turbulence. However, the language used is overly complex; turbulence is a difficult subject to study and the initial chapters do not introduce concepts in an easy to understand manner. This would make a fantastic reference book, but as a study aid it falters slightly.

A classic in the field, 23 Nov 1999
This is possibly the best introduction to fluid mechanics for those that want to develop a deep insight into the area. The mathematical treatment is clearly presented, and the physical arguments insightful. Possibly not recommended for those that want a simple, quick introduction.

OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

Excellent for graduates, 18 Jul 2007
The style is straightforward. Fundamentals are covered. It does require a good level in maths (3rd-4th year of engineering degree that's all). Overall it's been very helpful in my PhD.

Comprehensive, but confusing, 10 Jan 2004
It is impossible to fault this book for not covering enough material with regards to the different classes of turbulence. However, the language used is overly complex; turbulence is a difficult subject to study and the initial chapters do not introduce concepts in an easy to understand manner. This would make a fantastic reference book, but as a study aid it falters slightly.

A classic in the field, 23 Nov 1999
This is possibly the best introduction to fluid mechanics for those that want to develop a deep insight into the area. The mathematical treatment is clearly presented, and the physical arguments insightful. Possibly not recommended for those that want a simple, quick introduction.

Simplicity itself, 24 Feb 2003
The presentation and style of this book is such that it becomes simplicity itself to master, edit and or restore audio recordings. When used with Cool Edit Pro or Cool Edit 2000 Help files, the book becomes an intergral part of a learning process. Easy to read and understand assuming no prior knowledge or experience of audio recording techniques. Anyone can become capable in this field. The book is well written and illustrated and presented in a logical manner. Index and cross reference is easy to follow and all questions anyone could ever want answers to are covered and explained in a professional but relaxed writing style i.e. easy to read

OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

Excellent for graduates, 18 Jul 2007
The style is straightforward. Fundamentals are covered. It does require a good level in maths (3rd-4th year of engineering degree that's all). Overall it's been very helpful in my PhD.

Comprehensive, but confusing, 10 Jan 2004
It is impossible to fault this book for not covering enough material with regards to the different classes of turbulence. However, the language used is overly complex; turbulence is a difficult subject to study and the initial chapters do not introduce concepts in an easy to understand manner. This would make a fantastic reference book, but as a study aid it falters slightly.

A classic in the field, 23 Nov 1999
This is possibly the best introduction to fluid mechanics for those that want to develop a deep insight into the area. The mathematical treatment is clearly presented, and the physical arguments insightful. Possibly not recommended for those that want a simple, quick introduction.

Simplicity itself, 24 Feb 2003
The presentation and style of this book is such that it becomes simplicity itself to master, edit and or restore audio recordings. When used with Cool Edit Pro or Cool Edit 2000 Help files, the book becomes an intergral part of a learning process. Easy to read and understand assuming no prior knowledge or experience of audio recording techniques. Anyone can become capable in this field. The book is well written and illustrated and presented in a logical manner. Index and cross reference is easy to follow and all questions anyone could ever want answers to are covered and explained in a professional but relaxed writing style i.e. easy to read

Engineers need math, --but on their terms..., 06 Mar 2003
At many US universities, math departments offer service courses in math for the engineers, and there is a periodic discussion of the curriculum. One difficulty is that the two sides speak different languages;-- in math, it is linear algebra, calculus...,- and in engineering, signals, high-pass/low-pass filters, downsampling/upsampling, filter bank, polyphase matrix...A wonderful feature of the Strang-Nguyen book is that it speaks both languages. In this way it is refreshing, and it stands out in a class of its own. It has been tested in courses for engineers, and stood the test. From what I hear, it is equally popular in the two cultures, math and engineering.

A clear and succinct presentation of the material, 30 Nov 1999
It is a well paced discussion of the fundamental principles of filters, filter banks and wavelets. Provides interesting insights of their relations and various specifics. Even though the book requires some detailed mathematical knowledge, the friendly style helps the reader to feel at ease. I would recommend it both as a course on the principles of wavelets and as a reference. Various practical applications are also discussed which makes the book even more valuable.

OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

Excellent for graduates, 18 Jul 2007
The style is straightforward. Fundamentals are covered. It does require a good level in maths (3rd-4th year of engineering degree that's all). Overall it's been very helpful in my PhD.

Comprehensive, but confusing, 10 Jan 2004
It is impossible to fault this book for not covering enough material with regards to the different classes of turbulence. However, the language used is overly complex; turbulence is a difficult subject to study and the initial chapters do not introduce concepts in an easy to understand manner. This would make a fantastic reference book, but as a study aid it falters slightly.

A classic in the field, 23 Nov 1999
This is possibly the best introduction to fluid mechanics for those that want to develop a deep insight into the area. The mathematical treatment is clearly presented, and the physical arguments insightful. Possibly not recommended for those that want a simple, quick introduction.

Simplicity itself, 24 Feb 2003
The presentation and style of this book is such that it becomes simplicity itself to master, edit and or restore audio recordings. When used with Cool Edit Pro or Cool Edit 2000 Help files, the book becomes an intergral part of a learning process. Easy to read and understand assuming no prior knowledge or experience of audio recording techniques. Anyone can become capable in this field. The book is well written and illustrated and presented in a logical manner. Index and cross reference is easy to follow and all questions anyone could ever want answers to are covered and explained in a professional but relaxed writing style i.e. easy to read

Engineers need math, --but on their terms..., 06 Mar 2003
At many US universities, math departments offer service courses in math for the engineers, and there is a periodic discussion of the curriculum. One difficulty is that the two sides speak different languages;-- in math, it is linear algebra, calculus...,- and in engineering, signals, high-pass/low-pass filters, downsampling/upsampling, filter bank, polyphase matrix...A wonderful feature of the Strang-Nguyen book is that it speaks both languages. In this way it is refreshing, and it stands out in a class of its own. It has been tested in courses for engineers, and stood the test. From what I hear, it is equally popular in the two cultures, math and engineering.

A clear and succinct presentation of the material, 30 Nov 1999
It is a well paced discussion of the fundamental principles of filters, filter banks and wavelets. Provides interesting insights of their relations and various specifics. Even though the book requires some detailed mathematical knowledge, the friendly style helps the reader to feel at ease. I would recommend it both as a course on the principles of wavelets and as a reference. Various practical applications are also discussed which makes the book even more valuable.

Top book all around, good reference, 06 Mar 2001
This book requires knowledge of some advanced mathematics and not "little mathematics" as it modestly states in the back cover. If someone is in the "little mathematics" league, he/she could still follow it but some points could be missed like the explanation of "Nonlinear Systems". Other than that, no more criticism. It is exceptionally organized. First part goes on about "Vibrating Systems", like strings, plates, membranes, etc and the description of their behavior in mathematics. Second part goes on about "Sound waves", like waves in air, in pipes, horns, cavities, etc. The other parts deal with "String Instruments", "Wind Instruments", "Percussion Instruments". The last part talks about "Materials" for musical instruments. You will also find all the right names in the bibliography. It is a good starting point for the researcher and student. If you are a musicologist entering the mechanics of sound generation on the current traditional western instruments, the maths are rather heavy. If you want only one book as a reference in the field, probably this is the one.

An excellent musical acoustics book, 02 Sep 1998
The new 1998 edition of Fletcher and Rossing is an excellent book for anyone working in musical acoustics or building instruments. Covers a wide range of instruments and gives extensive references to primary literature and ... it's good reading too.

OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

Excellent for graduates, 18 Jul 2007
The style is straightforward. Fundamentals are covered. It does require a good level in maths (3rd-4th year of engineering degree that's all). Overall it's been very helpful in my PhD.

Comprehensive, but confusing, 10 Jan 2004
It is impossible to fault this book for not covering enough material with regards to the different classes of turbulence. However, the language used is overly complex; turbulence is a difficult subject to study and the initial chapters do not introduce concepts in an easy to understand manner. This would make a fantastic reference book, but as a study aid it falters slightly.

A classic in the field, 23 Nov 1999
This is possibly the best introduction to fluid mechanics for those that want to develop a deep insight into the area. The mathematical treatment is clearly presented, and the physical arguments insightful. Possibly not recommended for those that want a simple, quick introduction.

Simplicity itself, 24 Feb 2003
The presentation and style of this book is such that it becomes simplicity itself to master, edit and or restore audio recordings. When used with Cool Edit Pro or Cool Edit 2000 Help files, the book becomes an intergral part of a learning process. Easy to read and understand assuming no prior knowledge or experience of audio recording techniques. Anyone can become capable in this field. The book is well written and illustrated and presented in a logical manner. Index and cross reference is easy to follow and all questions anyone could ever want answers to are covered and explained in a professional but relaxed writing style i.e. easy to read

Engineers need math, --but on their terms..., 06 Mar 2003
At many US universities, math departments offer service courses in math for the engineers, and there is a periodic discussion of the curriculum. One difficulty is that the two sides speak different languages;-- in math, it is linear algebra, calculus...,- and in engineering, signals, high-pass/low-pass filters, downsampling/upsampling, filter bank, polyphase matrix...A wonderful feature of the Strang-Nguyen book is that it speaks both languages. In this way it is refreshing, and it stands out in a class of its own. It has been tested in courses for engineers, and stood the test. From what I hear, it is equally popular in the two cultures, math and engineering.

A clear and succinct presentation of the material, 30 Nov 1999
It is a well paced discussion of the fundamental principles of filters, filter banks and wavelets. Provides interesting insights of their relations and various specifics. Even though the book requires some detailed mathematical knowledge, the friendly style helps the reader to feel at ease. I would recommend it both as a course on the principles of wavelets and as a reference. Various practical applications are also discussed which makes the book even more valuable.

Top book all around, good reference, 06 Mar 2001
This book requires knowledge of some advanced mathematics and not "little mathematics" as it modestly states in the back cover. If someone is in the "little mathematics" league, he/she could still follow it but some points could be missed like the explanation of "Nonlinear Systems". Other than that, no more criticism. It is exceptionally organized. First part goes on about "Vibrating Systems", like strings, plates, membranes, etc and the description of their behavior in mathematics. Second part goes on about "Sound waves", like waves in air, in pipes, horns, cavities, etc. The other parts deal with "String Instruments", "Wind Instruments", "Percussion Instruments". The last part talks about "Materials" for musical instruments. You will also find all the right names in the bibliography. It is a good starting point for the researcher and student. If you are a musicologist entering the mechanics of sound generation on the current traditional western instruments, the maths are rather heavy. If you want only one book as a reference in the field, probably this is the one.

An excellent musical acoustics book, 02 Sep 1998
The new 1998 edition of Fletcher and Rossing is an excellent book for anyone working in musical acoustics or building instruments. Covers a wide range of instruments and gives extensive references to primary literature and ... it's good reading too.

Analog Days, 29 Jan 2003
Excellent book, probably the best history of the synthesizer I have come across.

The authors manage to make the subject interesting by their attention to detail plus the exhaustive research they must have carried out. However this is an entertaining read if you are interested in synthesizers and how they developed.

OK in some respects flawed in others, 01 Jul 2008
As another reviewer has said this is hardly a 'Master' handbook but it does have some useful and interesting things to say to the beginner. What is most disappointing is that a textbook on acoustics, printed in 2001 (the date of this edition) stills uses imperial measurements! Anywhere that distance is discussed it is given in feet and inches. This is the 21st century right? A pretty lazy attempt at updating this text.

Fantastic, 13 Jan 2004
At over 600 pages, you certainly get your money's worth with this book. It is replete with information on the design of acoutical spaces, noise isolation, reverb time, control of room resonances, room modelling and numerous other related topics. I bought this book to gain a better understanding of acoustics for the design of a home studio and it certainly paid off. It will take you a while to get through this book, but you'll be able to amaze your friends (or bore them) with your in depth understanding of acoustics. Highly recommended.

Not a Masters' book but a good place to start., 19 Jan 2002
This book is very well explained but lacks that which some may hope for from a book entitled 'The Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
If you are an 'acoustic enthusiast' and a knowledge of acoustic concepts is important to you, then, this would be worth buying - maybe an undergraduate physics/engineering student might also benefit from its approach.
However, if you are someone that wishes to go beyond, getting to the heart of problems like; noise/vibration control and acoustics, you should go for something like Frank Fahy's Engineering Acoustics, Kinsler and Frey, or, if you are up to it!, Pierce...

Outstanding!!!!!, 04 Aug 1999
To say that the Master Handbook of Acoustics is an 'incredibly comprehensive work' it's like saying that the Beatles were 'some band from Liverpool'. Without a doubt, a must-have. Better than that, buy two and enlighten a friend! :-)

Now really, this is the absolute definitive book on acoustics, covering topics ranging from sound propagation to room acoustics to absortion, diffusion, refraction, reflection, diffraction and everything else you can think of.

Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their acoustics palet, 08 Aug 1998
This book can be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in cleaning up their audio listening invironment. It would be difficult to imagine myself not having this book around now with all the wealth of information it possesses. Highly recomended.

Excellent for graduates, 18 Jul 2007
The style is straightforward. Fundamentals are covered. It does require a good level in maths (3rd-4th year of engineering degree that's all). Overall it's been very helpful in my PhD.

Comprehensive, but confusing, 10 Jan 2004
It is impossible to fault this book for not covering enough material with regards to the different classes of turbulence. However, the language used is overly complex; turbulence is a difficult subject to study and the initial chapters do not introduce concepts in an easy to understand manner. This would make a fantastic reference book, but as a study aid it falters slightly.

A classic in the field, 23 Nov 1999
This is possibly the best introduction to fluid mechanics for those that want to develop a deep insight into the area. The mathematical treatment is clearly presented, and the physical arguments insightful. Possibly not recommended for those that want a simple, quick introduction.

Simplicity itself, 24 Feb 2003
The presentation and style of this book is such that it becomes simplicity itself to master, edit and or restore audio recordings. When used with Cool Edit Pro or Cool Edit 2000 Help files, the book becomes an intergral part of a learning process. Easy to read and understand assuming no prior knowledge or experience of audio recording techniques. Anyone can become capable in this field. The book is well written and illustrated and presented in a logical manner. Index and cross reference is easy to follow and all questions anyone could ever want answers to are covered and explained in a professional but relaxed writing style i.e. easy to read

Engineers need math, --but on their terms..., 06 Mar 2003
At many US universities, math departments offer service courses in math for the engineers, and there is a periodic discussion of the curriculum. One difficulty is that the two sides speak different languages;-- in math, it is linear algebra, calculus...,- and in engineering, signals, high-pass/low-pass filters, downsampling/upsampling, filter bank, polyphase matrix...A wonderful feature of the Strang-Nguyen book is that it speaks both languages. In this way it is refreshing, and it stands out in a class of its own. It has been tested in courses for engineers, and stood the test. From what I hear, it is equally popular in the two cultures, math and engineering.

A clear and succinct presentation of the material, 30 Nov 1999
It is a well paced discussion of the fundamental principles of filters, filter banks and wavelets. Provides interesting insights of their relations and various specifics. Even though the book requires some detailed mathematical knowledge, the friendly style helps the reader to feel at ease. I would recommend it both as a course on the principles of wavelets and as a reference. Various practical applications are also discussed which makes the book even more valuable.

Top book all around, good reference, 06 Mar 2001
This book requires knowledge of some advanced mathematics and not "little mathematics" as it modestly states in the back cover. If someone is in the "little mathematics" league, he/she could still follow it but some points could be missed like the explanation of "Nonlinear Systems". Other than that, no more criticism. It is exceptionally organized. First part goes on about "Vibrating Systems", like strings, plates, membranes, etc and the description of their behavior in mathematics. Second part goes on about "Sound waves", like waves in air, in pipes, horns, cavities, etc. The other parts deal with "String Instruments", "Wind Instruments", "Percussion Instruments". The last part talks about "Materials" for musical instruments. You will also find all the right names in the bibliography. It is a good starting point for the researcher and student. If you are a musicologist entering the mechanics of sound generation on the current traditional western instruments, the maths are rather heavy. If you want only one book as a reference in the field, probably this is the one.

An excellent musical acoustics book, 02 Sep 1998
The new 1998 edition of Fletcher and Rossing is an excellent book for anyone working in musical acoustics or building instruments. Covers a wide range of instruments and gives extensive references to primary literature and ... it's good reading too.

Analog Days, 29 Jan 2003
Excellent book, probably the best history of the synthesizer I have come across.

The authors manage to make the subject interesting by their attention to detail plus the exhaustive research they must have carried out. However this is an entertaining read if you are interested in synthesizers and how they developed.

Wonderful Book, 28 Apr 2005
I think this is one of the best books on Physical Acoustics.
I would recommend this book to anyone starting to learn acoustics. This statement does not mean that advanced students should not go for this book, as it also covers advanced materials.

My opinion about the book can resumed as follows:

- Clear and concise
- Relatively easy to follow / Very good for self-studying.
- Very good presentation
- There is a derivation (or instructions on how to get) to almost every equation in the book.
- Not too theoretical. Many practical interpretations of the mathematical results are given. (percentage of mathematics well balanced)
- The author makes apparently difficult material simple!

From this book one can jump to more advanced texts (Theoretical Acoustics by Morse and Ingard and Acoustics - An Introduction to its Physical Principles and Applications by Pierce).

Fundamentals of Acoustics by Kinsler et al is also a good book for a beginner, but I think this one is much better.

Moral of the story, I really like this book!

Ps: This is an opinion of a beginner on Physical Acoustics more interested in air applications, that never had lessons about this topic. I don't know if my opinion will change as my knowledge on this field increases. I doubt it!