Influence of lip position, lip force and blowing pressure on the tuning and playability of an alto saxophone mouthpiece

Abstract

The embouchure of a musician plays a crucial role in the correct tuning of an instrument. This work examines the influence of lip position, lip force and blowing pressure on the tuning of an alto saxophone mouthpiece. The measurements were collected by means of an artificial mouth setup which mimics the realistic playing condition. The range of lip forces and blowing pressures in which the mouthpiece generates a chosen note, is defined as the total playability area (TPA) for that note. Sound pressure level within the TPA and correct tuning playability area (CTPA) are measured for four different lip positions. Sound pressure is nearly independent of blowing pressure but increases strongly with decreasing lip force. The slope of this decrease is a characterization of the mouthpiece. In the airflow/pressure zone where sound is being produced, airflow increases as blowing pressure decreases, so an extrapolated airflow at zero blowing pressure can be calculated. The hydrodynamic resistance and extrapolated airflow are calculated for all notes and averages and variabilities are determined as parameters which characterize the mouthpiece. Results confirm that the lowest notes on a saxophone are difficult to play in an acceptable tuning. Adjusting lip position extends the total dynamic range of the sound pressure. The hydrodynamic resistance is similar across notes. The extrapolated airflow strongly depends on note. The study provides foundation for objective characterization of the playability of different mouthpiece types.