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: Effect of Oral Cavity Size on Sound

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-06-07 23:47

Paul Aviles wrote:

> I'm going to say that it doesn't make any difference.
I'm not necessarily going to disagree with you, but maybe more definitional clarity is needed.

> I've
> heard this claim sometimes used as an excuse for why one person
> has a great sound and another does not.
>
It depends of course on what the person making the judgment considers to be a "great" sound. The meaning isn't always consistent among people who judge other players' sounds.

Poor or even mediocre tone isn't explained by oral cavity size. Things as basic as poor choices in reeds or other equipment or inefficient embouchure formation will do it, or a weak or non-existent concept of what even a *good* sound (never mind a "great" one) is.

And it's probably silly to try to say that all "great" or even very good players have larger oral cavity space than not-so-great players.

That isn't to say that the tone and pitch can't be manipulated by changing the shape of the soft palate, the tongue and the lower jaw position. So, while oral cavity size can't be used to explain why some players produce "great" sounds, I think it goes too far to say voluntary adjustments to oral shape/size have no influence on the sound a player produces.

Karl

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics