Klarinet Archive - Posting 000126.txt from 2010/08

From: "Peter Gentry" <peter.gentry@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] About clarinet acoustics
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 06:48:32 -0400


The acoustic properties of clarinets are indeed difficult. It is best to
stick to a simple model first to gain an understanding of the main features
of sound production. The finer points of intonation, timbre etc are more of
an art form and not susceptible to simply mathematical modelling. Most of
the great designers and manufacturers would be hard pressed to fully explain
why their solutions work.

One aspect not discussed here so far is the frequency response of the reed.
We all know that hardness and therefore stiffness affects the quality of the
sound (from squeaks to buzzes) but not much the intonation. Does this mean
that the reed is simply a means of injecting energy via pressure
fluctuations into the body of the instrument. The dynamic result depending
on the shape of the cylinder and its venting.

But it must also influence the character of the vibrations in order to
perceptibly change the timbre.

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