The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

RE: Clarinet vs. oboe vs flute

Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-02-05 11:34

The flute acts as a pipe open at both ends, which behaves the same as a vibrating string, i.e. the tube (or the string) contains 1/2 of a complete sound wave.

So in approximate terms (without other complicated considerations) the sound wave for the lowest note for a flute is twice as long as the flute.

The clarinet acts as a tube which is closed at one end and open at the other. It contains only 1/4 of a complete sound wave.

So the sound wave for the lowest note for a clarinet is FOUR times as long as the clarinet.

Now the oboe, like the clarinet, is closed at one end and open at the other, so it could be expected to have a low note like a clarinet. This is not the case because the bore is seriously tapered and this makes it follow a different set of rules, making it behave rather like a flute.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics