Author: Paul Wusow
Date: 1999-02-15 16:21
If thie is the case (materials make no difference) then why are so many clarinets made from grenadilla wood? A quote from "Clarinet Acoustics"--which, by the way, does cite the Bonade book--"The physicist's definition of density (mass per unit of volume) IS important in a woodwind, for it and the quality of an instrument's inner surfaces determine not only timbre but also energy losses in the walls." Gibson does mention "blindfold" tests, and how through the opinion of the listener, these factors are less critical. But you cannot argue with science... materials do matter, or else all clarinets would be made from alternative materials. Traditionally thay have been constructed from grenadilla. Gibson also states that wood of a certain should be used in a clarinet of a certain pitch.
So I am not disagreeing, Mark, I am only trying to clarify. What sounds good to the listener is of primary importance... but materials do make differences.... Think about gold flutes vs silver vs wood... box wood clarinets sound lighter and more neutral... etc..
Thanks for the input, as all of these facts are interesting and important... especially when purchasing an instrument...
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