Klarinet Archive - Posting 000765.txt from 2000/07

From: Bilwright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpieces
Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2000 20:14:33 -0400

<><> OrionDJ12@-----.com wrote:
What is a baffle and what role does it play? Also, what does this tip
opening matter?

There are several mouthpiece manufacturers on this list, and I'm
certainly not fully knowledgable -- but since a person can learn by
talking and then listening to any corrections, and since nobody else has
replied yet, I'll offer my reply:
(Just be prepared for someone else to tell me that I've got a
detail or two incorrect. <smile> )

'Baffle' refers to the space inside the mouthpiece. The size and
shape of the baffle influences -- among other things, I'm sure -- the
path & turbulence & velocity of air as it moves through the mouthpiece.
These factors control the 'venturi effect' that helps pull the reed
fully closed for a moment, thereby acting as a closed valve. Once the
'valve' is closed, the air velocity becomes zero and the venturi effect
disappears and the reed 'feels' less closing force and so it springs
open again. Then the cycle repeats.
Another force that helps push the reed back open is the pressure
that momentarily builds up inside the mouthpiece as a puff of air
enters. Once again, the size and shape of the baffle influences this
force also.
The details of all this (in relation to the baffle's size and
shape) are beyond me, except to say that they affect the tone.

As for the tip opening, there are several forces that affect how
quickly (and for how long) the tip bends toward the facing and closes
the 'valve'. One of the forces is, of course, pressure from the
player's embouchure. Another is the force of air that you blow against
the outside surface of the reed. We've already mentioned the venturi
effect and the size of the baffle. Believe it or not, even the inertia
of the air column has a significant effect. And of course the reed's
stiffness.
The bottom line is: a larger opening forces the reed to travel a
greater distance in order to close, and it also allows air to enter
faster while the 'valve' is open.
The relative importance of all these forces are beyond me. Maybe
someone else will talk about them.

Cheers,
Bill

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org