Klarinet Archive - Posting 000316.txt from 1996/10

From: Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.NET>
Subj: Harmonic structure of clarinet sound
Date: Sat, 12 Oct 1996 07:55:31 -0400

Dave,

First, to dispel another myth of the clarinet, the odd-harmonic nature of
clarinet sound applies basically only to the lowest register of the
instrument. Especially, above the cutoff frequency (approximately 1500 Hz
for most clarinets) there is an equal amount of even harmonics. Even in
the low register one gets some amount of even harmonics, especially when
notes are played loudly, and even more so if the player's mouthpiece has a
high baffle. More on this later.

Second, any harmonic (2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.) will help reinforce the regime
of oscillation that the resonance peak at the fundamental is trying to
reinforce.

In this case, only the 4th lies within the range of the reed resonances.

-----------------
Jonathan Cohler
cohler@-----.net

P.S. An important point, that Leonardo reminded me of recently, is that one
must be careful not to confuse the resonant modes of the clarinet tube,
with the *output* spectrum of the clarinet. Although the former has a
strong effect on the latter, they are quite different.

At 12:32 PM 10/11/96, Dave Yee wrote:
>I have found very enlightening the various recent postings mostly under the
>subject "odd comments (acoustics)," especially those of Jonathan Cohler.
>
>However, Mr. Cohler, your posting on "Embouchure position in clarinet
>playing" has left me somewhat confused. You state that, in order to "center"
>the 587-Hz clarion E, the reed resonance must be aligned at 2348 (@-----.
> I was under the impression that one of the most characteristic features that
>define a clarinet's timbre is the lack of EVEN harmonics; i.e., the clarion E
>would only exhibit the 1761 (@-----.
>
>Any light that you (or anyone else) can shed on this matter would be greatly
>appreciated.
>
>Dave Yee (who is happy for the opportunity to relearn his college physics)

   
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