# Decision Record ## qmd Step 0 - Command attempted: `qmd search "musical saw hand saw bowed struck S-curve bending pitch flex control" -c instrument-builds`. - Result: qmd failed before returning content because sqlite-vec was unavailable and the database could not be opened. - Packet grounding: this L1 packet is grounded in the user prompt and general musical-saw mechanism only. It makes no QMD-derived, measured, dimensional, tuning, CAD, or fabrication claims. ## Decisions - Readiness is `L1 concept packet`. - The instrument is treated as a flexible-blade idiophone played by bowed or struck excitation while pitch is changed by S-curve bending. - Bowed playing is the primary sustained-tone concept; struck playing is a secondary response test. - Blade flex control, edge safety, handle comfort, bow contact, and measurement repeatability are the first risks. - The packet intentionally avoids blade dimensions, tuning values, curvature values, bowing force, strike force, handle geometry, CAD, DXF, and fabrication outputs. - Every visual-output register row is `concept_only` or `pending_measurement`; no artifact is fabrication authority. ## Open Questions - Which saw blade family can flex safely and repeatably for a first test? - How should sharp teeth and blade tip hazards be guarded during bowing? - What bow and rosin setup starts tone cleanly without excessive scrape? - What hand posture or temporary guide makes S-curve tests repeatable? - Should struck tests use a soft striker, fingertip tap, or another safe excitation method? - What measurement log is enough to connect pitch observation to flex state without pretending to define a tuning chart? - What safety checks are required before public build guidance is appropriate? ## Rejected For L1 - No dimensions. - No tuning table. - No blade profile, steel specification, curvature value, or pitch range. - No bowing force, strike force, contact point, or fixture geometry. - No CAD, DXF, G-code, or fabrication drawing. - No claim that the concept is ready to build.