The effects of air and lip-pressure variations on the motion of a clarinet reed within an artificial embouchure

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Douglas Evan Miller (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
James W. Sherbon

Abstract: To observe the influence of air and lip-pressure variations on reed motion, a blowing chamber containing an artificial-embouchure device was constructed into which a clarinet was inserted and sealed at the barrel joint. A DC light source was directed through the bell end of the clarinet into a photo transistor mounted near the mouthpiece. Light fluctuations produced by the reed's movement were converted to voltages and directed to an analog-to-digital converter unit interfaced with an Apple lie computer. In air-pressure experiments, lip pressure was held constant while air pressure was varied. In lip-pressure experiments, air pressure was held constant while lip pressure was varied. Intensities were measured on a sound-level meter and air-pressure was monitored via a U-tube water manometer connected to the chamber; thus, the reed's vibrational patterns were observed at specific air pressures, lip pressures, and itensities.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1988
Subjects
Clarinet $x Reeds
Music $x Acoustics and physics
Wind instruments

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