Klarinet Archive - Posting 000084.txt from 2004/09

From: "David Renaud" <manonrivet@-----.ca>
Subj: Re: [kl] B clarinets/ High pitch Bb (Re: [kl] A bass clarinet)
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2004 12:44:46 -0400

Could you give a one-paragraph or two-paragraph summary of why it's
needed, and/or why one piano needs more or less stretch than another?
---------------------------------------------------------

Its is needed because piano tone consists of harmonic content that is sharp.

For piano octaves to sound "pure" they must be stretched to match
harmonics of string an octave lower ; sharp harmonics.
We do not stretch beyond "in tune" when we tune. We
in tune to match as purely as possible, sharp harmonic content.

Piano harmonics are sharp the wire thick and stiff ; there is inertia.
Clarinet harmonics are not sharp because vibrating air has
negligible inerta. Shorter strings are more stiff. A small piano with
shorter thicker bass string has sharper harmonic content. then a grand.
A very big piano with longer string, and a more flexible soundboard has
less inertia to deal with, harmonics are not forced as sharp.
A harpsicord which has very very thin string by the way, requires
almost no stretch at all.

There is more to it yet, but these are the most important concepts.

Hope that helps
Cheers
Dave Renaud

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