Consultation des notices

Physical models for most reed instruments have been studied for about 30 years and relatively simple models are enough to describe the main features of their behavior. These general models seem to be valid for all members of the family, yet the sound of a clarinet is distinguishable from the sound of a saxophone or an oboe. Though the conical bore of an oboe or a bassoon has a strong effect over the timbre difference, it doesn t seem to be a sufficient explanation for the specific character of these double-reed instruments. The main hypothesis currently being developed is related to the geometry of the mouthpiece, and its effect on the flow inside the reed. Numerical simulations of a model based on this hypothesis show that it can introduce quantitative differences capable of explaining the behavior of double-reed instruments. A more realistic model will take into account current experiments and measurements of the flow and the reed s dynamic behavior. Preliminary observations seem to be consistent with the hypothesis being tested and the mathematical model that we describe.