Posted by DaveC on January 16, 2003 at 09:35:04:
In a reply further down, Joe S made a comment about the Willson's bottom bow being farther away from the bell than on another instrument. I am intrigued to learn what effect you think this has on an instrument's sound or playing characteristics.
Sound waves going around a curve act differently than they do in a straight tube or flare. Does the position of this last curve (or any other curves) have an effect on projection, intonation and "resistance"? Do instruments with two wraps play different than instruments with 3 wraps, and why? Cornets have more "resistance" than trumpets, have more curves, but also have a longer tapered section than trumpets.
Do instruments with "tall" bells (longer relative distance from bell rim to bottom bow curve) have better "projection" or "core" than "squat" tubas? Do American tubas have that characteristic "creamy" sound because they have traditionally had wider and relatively shorter bells?