Playing Ranges of Instruments

Instrument
Lower Limit
Approx. Upper Limit
Violin
G3(196.0 Hz)
E7(2637.0 Hz)
Viola
C3(130.8 Hz)
C6(1046.5 Hz)
Cello
C2(65.4 Hz)
E5(659.3 Hz)
Double Bass
E1(41.2 Hz)
B3(246.9 Hz)
Flute
C4 (261.6 Hz)
C7(2093.0 Hz)
Oboe
Bb3(233 Hz)
F6(1396.9 Hz)
English Horn
Eb3(155.6 Hz)
Bb5(932.3 Hz)
Clarinet(Bb)
D3(146.8 Hz)
Bb6(1864.7 Hz)
Bass Clarinet(Bb)
D2(73.4 Hz)
F5(698.5 Hz)
Bassoon
Bb1(58.3 Hz)
Bb5(932.3Hz)
Contrabassoon
Bb0(29.1Hz)
Eb3(155.6 Hz)
Horn(double, F & Bb)
B1(61.7 Hz)
F5(698.5 Hz)
Trumpet (Bb)
E3(164.8 Hz)
Bb5(932.3Hz)
Trombone(tenor)
E2(82.4 Hz)
Bb4(466.2 Hz)
Trombone(bass)
B1(61.7 Hz)
Bb4(466.2 Hz)
Timpani
F2(87.3 Hz)
F4(349.2 Hz)
Harp
B0(30.9 Hz)
G#7(3322.4 Hz)
References: Rossing, Science of Sound, p 219, White & White p 280
Musical Acoustics Applications
Index

References
Rossing

White & White
 
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Formant Frequencies

These formant frequencies in Hertz for orchestral instruments are suggested by Backus, Ch 6, Table I.

Instrument
Formant I
Formant II
Flute
800
...
Oboe
1400
3000
English Horn
930
2300
Clarinet
1500-1700
3700-4300
Bassoon
440-500
1220-1280
Trumpet
1200- 1400
2500
Trombone
600-800
...
Tuba
200-400
...
French Horn
400-500
...

A formant is a favored frequency range of a musical instrument, demonstrated by a peak in the harmonic spectrum of the sound of the instrument. This favored frequency may stay essentially the same even if the fundamental is continually changing. The relative stability of the favored frequency with changing fundamental pitch may be associated with some sort of resonance. But as Wolfe has pointed out, the resultant favored frequency is not in general equal to a specific resonant frequency of the structure, though resonances are part of the determining causes. Since the confluence of several factors may influence the actual peaks of the harmonic spectrum, perhaps the best use of the word formant is just as a term to reference the observed peaks.

The concept of formants is particularly important in understanding speech, since the vocal formants provide much of the distinction between sustained vowel sounds. Formants also occur with musical instruments, and are of particular note with woodwinds. For example, the bassoon shows formant behavior over much of its playing range.

Musical Acoustics ApplicationsComposition of the orchestra
Index

Musical acoustics applications

Reference
Backus

Wolfe, Formants
 
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Power Output, Musical Instruments

Measured greatest power output

Source
Power Output (watts)
Large orchestra
67
Bass drum
25
Snare drum
12
Cymbals
9.5
Trombone
6.4
Piano
0.44
Trumpet
0.31
Tuba
0.20
Double bass
0.16
Flute
0.055
French horn
0.053
Clarinet
0.050

The maximum acoustic efficency of an orchestral instrument appears to ba about 1%. From Backus, p52.

Index

Musical acoustics applications

Reference
Backus
 
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Composition of the Orchestra

The standard orchestra consists of four major families of instruments: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. The woodwind section usually consists of two to four flutes, two to four oboes, two to three clarinets, and two to four bassoons. The brass section consists of four to seven French horns, three to four trumpets, three to four trombones, and one tuba. The orchestral strings are usually divided into twenty-two to thirty five violins, eight to fourteen violas, six to twelve violincellos, and five to ten doublebasses.

Index

Musical acoustics applications

Reference
Backus
 
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