Woodwind Commonalities

Abstract

Abstract Acoustical Basics: Common acoustical and physical tonal characteristics of woodwind instruments. The acoustical qualities of woodwind instruments are largely determined by the design of the instrument and the manner in which tone is produced. Although the design characteristics of woodwind instruments vary greatly in some respects, they also share several fundamental design characteristics. All woodwind instruments are designed with (1) a way to set the air column in vibration; (2) an instrument tube for the vibrating air column; and the use of only the First and second partials (or First and third partials on clarinet) of the harmonic series in the normal playing ranges. The way an instrument is designed contributes signiTcantly to the overall tonal and response characteristics of that instrument. These design variables include: (1) the manner in which the air column is set in vibration; (2) the types, weight, and thickness of materials used in instrument construction; (3) the shape or Sare of the instrument tubing; the inner dimensions along the tubing; (5) how the tubing is bent or looped; and (6) the Tnish (e.g., lacquer or silver plate). The acoustical and physical tonal characteristics of each woodwind instrument are located under Acoustical Properties in each instrument chapter. See also Harmonics, Action: In general, the way keys and key mechanisms work on a particular instrument. The term “action” is used when referring to the way an instrument feels when it is played and/or the ease with which players can reach and operate the keys. Action is oRen described in terms of being smooth or rough, even or uneven, and heavy or light. Typically, the action on smaller woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, and clarinet) is light in comparison with the action on larger woodwind instruments (saxophone and bassoon) because their key mechanisms are smaller and lighter, and because the distance between the keys and the tone holes is much shorter. Smaller woodwind instruments are not prone to having a heavy action; however, any instrument that has not been properly adjusted, cleaned, and oiled can feel sluggish and uneven.