> > Do rim contours/dimensions influence tone? If yes > - how so? - and - what > might the physics be behind this? > Hi,
Yes. Some rims have a flat surface, with a definite inside edge. These rims can aid in staccato, as well as a more defined attack to a note, but can be a detriment to smooth legato playing. Some rims are more rounded on the surface, with less of an edge going into the cup. These rims can aid legato and slurs, but can be a detriment to staccato and more defined attacks. Which leads directely into the mouthpiece, which to me has more of an effect on tone than the contour of the rim...some mouthpieces have more of a cup, or bowl shape if you will. These mouthpieces can aid in a clearer high range, but can be a detriment to a good clear low range. Basically, the more cup, the brighter and more 'trumpet-like' the tone. Some mouthpieces have straighter sides, more like a funnel. These mouthpieces can aid in the production of a clearer low range, but can be a detriment to a good clear high range. Which leads directly to the bore, or diameter of the hole at the bottom of the cup, or funnel, of the mouthpiece. A smaller size bore can create a clearer, brighter high range, but can be a detriment to a clear, open low range. Some mouthpieces have a large diameter bore. These mouthpieces can aid in the creation of a more open, clearer low range, but can be a detriment to a clear, open high range. Farkas explained it best in The Art Of Horn Playing...you should find a mouthpiece that runs right down the middle of the extremes. A mouthpiece with a rounded surface and slight edge, with an inside that is between a cup and a funnel. That way you get a good compromise between the two extremes. If you don't have the Farkas book, go get it. By the way, you should also have a copy of The Hornplayer's Handbook, by Verne Reynolds. Note that nowhere in the above paragraph did I use the terms "can," or "will not." There are no absolutes, as I'm quite sure that anyone on the list can cite an example of a player who sounds fantastic on a mouthpiece that no one else would consider. To each his own. Gary Get Firefox!!http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/central.html _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
