Re: Music Glossary - 1.64 Concert Pitch (2.12.2)

[Anthony W. Youngman]

In message <address@hidden>, Paul 
Scott <address@hidden> writes
> > I don't see how the physics would work to give you a quarter- 
> > wavelength as you claim.
>
>
> I just did some quick online research and he is right.  A tube closed 
> on one end like a clarinet or trumpet has a wavelength that is four 
> times the length of the tube.  A flute is open on both ends so it has 
> a wavelength of double the length of the tube.

I think I have it! All blown musical instruments are, as far as physics 
is concerned, "open" at both ends. Don't think of it as "the mouthpiece 
closes the tube", think of it in physics terms as nodes and antinodes. 
The bell end, being open, has to be an antinode. The mouthpiece end, 
being the source of the vibrations, ALSO has to be an antinode (a node, 
by definition, does not vibrate). Therefore, by definition, all blown 
musical instruments will have a fundamental frequency of 2L.

Cheers,
Wol
--
Anthony W. Youngman - address@hidden