Klarinet Archive - Posting 000001.txt from 1998/03

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Clarinet as a Tuning Instrument
Date: Sun, 1 Mar 1998 00:31:31 -0500

> The problem is that the assumption in the first paragraph above is
> incorrect. A trumpet is called a trumpet in Bb because when it plays its
> written C, it sounds Bb. A trumpet, French horn or saxophone is in Eb if
> when it plays its written C, it sounds Eb, etc. It actually has little to
> do in this instance with the overtone series. The trumpet cannot sound
> the lowest note, or fundamental, of its overtone series without playing a
> pedal tone. That's because of the relationship between the diameter and
> the length of its tubing.
>
> The rule which simplifies all questions having to do with transposition
> is, "An instrument playing its written C sounds its key name."

I'm glad you responded Ed.

Why did the Trumpet receive special treatment and the tuba did not?

Is the trumpet the only member of the brass family to "break the rule"?

In other words.....why not call it a C for trumpet also? Same horn except
for the octave......

These are not my questions by the way.....just passing them on!

Roger Garrett
IWU