Questions about the physical science of sound production.
Questions tagged [physics]
6 questions
41
votes
2 answers
Why are violin bows longer than viola bows, than cello bows, than double-bass bows ?
What is the logic behind this ?
As the larger instruments have larger gaps between the strings, I would have expected a larger bow to accomodate more easily continuous bowing while changing strings.
ogerard
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12
votes
1 answer
Flat-wound vs round-wound strings
What difference can you expect when playing with flat-wound vs round-wound strings on an electric bass/guitar?
I know that they feel different - I am asking explicitly in terms of sound.
user393
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11
votes
2 answers
brass: bending notes upwards
It is fairly easy - although it requires a bit of strength - to bend notes downwards on a trumpet. For example playing a F#, a F, or even lower notes with all valves open.
It does not sound nice, but it is possible.
It is however very hard to do the…
Gauthier
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11
votes
4 answers
Do cold/hot drinks have any effect on woodwinds and brass performers?
Hey, I saw this question and I immediately remembered one or two teachers that kept saying that drinking cold/hot drinks before and/or during playing any woodwind or brass instrument was a bad thing, and I always followed that advice, but never…
Edgar Gonzalez
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8
votes
1 answer
Why is (stiffness/speed of sound-travel of the wood) important for a bow?
High-end violin bows have been made for centuries out of permanbouc (a now rare and endangered brasilian wood) or equivalent woods and now synthetic material. Permambouc wood is praised for is stiffness and therefore the high speed of…
ogerard
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7
votes
2 answers
Does environmental (or food/drink) temperature have an effect on the voice?
Does ambient temperature (i.e. winter vs summer) or food/drink temperature (i.e. cold vs hot) have an effect on voice:
Texture
Pitch/range
Strength
explorer
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