A spectral analysis of the tones of five flutes constructed of different materials

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Joan Lynn White (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Walter L. Wehner

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to systematically analyze the tonal spectra of five modern Boehm-system flutes constructed of different materials, i.e., white gold, 14 karat gold, palladium, and sterling silver (2), and produced with the same specifications by a single manufacturer. The questions of concern in the study involved the influence of wall material, intensity level, frequency level, and the performer on the harmonic structure of tones produced on each flute used in the investigation. Two professional flutists played a sustained tone using no vibrato on three frequencies representing three registers of the flute range, i.e., 392 Hz, 784 Hz, and 1568 Hz. Each frequency investigated was played on each flute at two intensity levels corresponding to the forte and piano dynamic levels. Three trials were conducted for each frequency at a single intensity by each performer.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1980
Subjects
Flute $x Testing
Flute $x Construction
Music $x Acoustics and physics

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