3 ms·
I'm far from a musical expert, but I thought this was essentially how many instruments work: Each string/hole/whatever produces a different resonant frequency w
by mkingston 13y ago
I'm far from a musical expert, but I thought this was essentially how many instruments work: Each string/hole/whatever produces a different resonant frequency which is orthogonal from the others the instrument produces; therefore any combination of strings/holes/whatevers creates a sound that cannot be created by any other combination of strings/holes/whatevers.
Please, correct me if I'm wrong.
Edit (before someone nitpicks, I'll do it!): I'm aware interacting with instruments doesn't produce _only_ resonant frequencies; and that the off-resonance is what gives an instrument its characteristic sound, even when playing the same note as a different instrument.
- iansinke 13y agoThat is exactly correct, for wind instruments at least: and in fact, some wind instruments have more than 10 holes or keys. But many combinations produce identical sounds, limiting the range of the instrument. The limiting factor on a wind instrument is the fact that it can only play a single note, (yes, with resonant frequencies, of course) and the length of the instrument, which determines the lowest note it can play.
- mkingston 13y agoThanks for that. A little more to slow burn in my understanding of instruments before I eventually learn one!