Answers to Readers' Questions on Sounds with Musical Instruments. Also refer to physics, hearing, music, string, wire, reed, guitar, piano, harp, violin, clarinet, kazoo, trumpet, flute, organ, vocal chords, amplifier, resonance, harmonics, frequency, pitch, tone, wavelength, physics, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Sounds with Musical Instruments
The following 2 questions have been answered. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
Comparing a clarinet and trumpet
Question
November 1, 2003
How can you change the sound of a clarinet by adjusting the reed?
when I say change the sound I mean make it sound like a trumpet on the higher octaves and stuff like that. Also how do you make the reed vibrate more. I will look forward to hearing from you.
Brian - USA
1033
Answer
The rate of vibration of the reed depends on its adjusted length. The length of the clarinet is such that the sound frequency made by the reed will resonate and increase in volume. This combination determines the note range of the clarinet.
The size and materials used are not perfect and create complex harmonics that give the clarinet its distinct sound.
With a trumpet, your lips take the place of the reed. That, along with the size and shape of the trumpet determine its distinct set of harmonics, which certainly would be different than those for a clarinet.
You might be able to match the frequency of the notes in the two instruments, but the sounds will be distinctly different.
Imitate animal sounds
Question
October 14, 2003
Hi,
I'm interested in making very small(and cheap) devices/instruments that can mimic animal or insect sounds such as a cricket, frog, owl, etc.
I vaguely remember seeing something in the past where, when blown into, it produced sounds of species mentioned above.
Any suggestions on what they are or how I could go about making them?
Brian - USA
816
Answer
"See 'n Say: Farmer Says Electronic Lever" by Fisher-Price is a toy that imitates animals sounds, but I'll bet they are recordings. Other than that, I'm not familiar with a wind instrument that will imitate some animals.
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Answers to Readers' Questions on Sounds with Musical Instruments