An investigation of the effects of reed strength on the radiated waveform of a b-flat clarinet

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

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible effects of reed stiffness on the radiated waveform of a B-flat clarinet, and to investigate possible relationships between subjective ratings of clarinet tones and spectra produced with reeds of various stiffnesses. Three reeds were selected by using a Maccaferri reed meter to measure the flex of the reed tip for stiffness. The selected reeds were polished and stored in a Reed-Mate humidity case. The performer was a symphonic clarinetist and university clarinet teacher. The judges were ten professional clarinetists and six advanced university student clarinetists. All sound data were collected in an acoustically treated room under controlled conditions. Data were collected for three reed strengths and three frequencies at two intensities. The clarinet frequencies used in this study were F3 (155.56hz), G4 (349.23hz), and F5 (622.25hz), which represent the chalumeau, throat, and clarion registers, respectively.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1986
Subjects
Clarinet
Clarinet $x Reeds

Email this document to