_If_, as Jonathan correctly questions, the effect is real, then one one would need to investigate the relevant properties of the metals. I can think of three possible variables.
(But first, remember that nickel silver is considered by metallurgists to be a particular _kind_ of brass. So if investigating metalurgic properties, general figures for "brass" won't be specific enough to help.) Water vapor condenses inside a brass instrument because the tube is cooler than the 35 degree C 95% humidity breath. The condensation of the water on the metal surface transfers heat to the metal, warming it. (This is called the "heat of condensation".) As the metal warms, less condensation occurs. When you stop playing, the metal cools again. The rapidly the metal warms during playing affects how long and how much condensation occurs. This is affected by both the specific heat of the alloy (probably not too different over the range of alloys used in brass) and the mass (i.e. thickness) of the metal, which can be very different between different instruments. My guess, if the effect is real, is that the thermal mass of the main tubing is somewhat different between the two instruments. There might also be affects from different surface conditions of the metal surface of the bore, for instance, difference in initial finish, corrosion, or coating of scum. Of course, temperature of the surrounding air, and whether the air is completely still or moving, will greatly affect the warming and cooling of the brass. _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
