The air column is the "engine" of the instrument. Its geometry determines the fundamental pitch and harmonic series.
: This technique involves expanding the hole at the junction with the main bore. It is used by makers to fine-tune the pitch of specific notes and improve the overall timbre and responsiveness of the instrument. Bart Hopkin Summary of Principles Effect on Sound Longer Column Lower pitch (longer wavelength) Cylindrical Bore Emphasizes odd harmonics (hollow tone) Conical Bore Full harmonic series (brighter tone) Opening Holes Raises pitch by shortening the air column Undercutting Adjusts pitch and improves note clarity/timbre Are you looking to design a specific type of instrument , or would you like to explore the mathematical formulas used for calculating tonehole placement?
An instrument tuned in equal temperament is a series of compromises. Each tonehole must be sized and positioned so that:
