Klarinet Archive - Posting 000550.txt from 1997/09

From: mipresc@-----.edu (Steve Prescott)
Subj: Re: Clarinet material
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 18:50:45 -0400

Jonathan,

If the material of which the instrument is constructed is thin
enough to vibrate sympathetically with the sound waves passing through it,
will this affect the resultant pitch? I think this has more bearing on
brass instruments (and flute and saxophone) as I don't think you can
construct a clarinet thin enough yet strong enough to allow the material to
vibrate.

If the bell of a trumpet "rings" a Bb then will the instrument
favor the associated harmonics? Will certain notes "center" more than
others?

If the instrument doesn't vibrate - which I don't believe clarinets
do - the above questions would be irrelevant, I know, but I'd still like to
know what you think about materials other than wood.

Steve

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu