Saxophone Acoustics

A site dedicated to understanding the saxophone

Where to start

Introduction to saxophone acoustics is just that, and a good place to start. If you can't remember much about sound, try the introduction of How do woodwind instruments work? If you strike a term or idea you don't know, try the Basics list on the navigation bar.

Data for each note: Acoustic response, Spectra, Sound files and Fingering

We have measured these for standard fingerings on Bb tenor and soprano saxophones: just click on the image above (written pitch). The acoustic response tells us how easily the saxophone responds to every frequency. For explanations, see What is acoustic response and why is it important? See also What is a sound spectrum?

Multiphonics

Explanatory notes

• Introduction to saxophone acoustics
• What is acoustic impedance and why is it important?
• How Do Woodwind Instruments Work? An introduction to sound and wind instruments
• Pipes and Harmonics Why do closed conical bores have the same set of resonances as open cylindrical bores?
• Flutes vs saxophones Why do these cylindrical instruments sound so different?
• What is a decibel? and what are dBA and dBC?
• What is a sound spectrum?
• Loudness and spectra What makes a note sound loud is not a trivial problem.
• Saxophone Fingering Legend
• Note names MIDI numbers and frequencies
• How harmonic are harmonics?

  See also Basics in our navigation bar

This site includes research by Chen Jer Ming, a student completing his PhD in Music Acoustics, with contributions from Stefanie Orlik and Joe Wolfe.

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Research and scholarship possibilities in music acoustics at UNSW

Acknowledgement Our research work on saxophones is supported by the Australian Research Council and Yamaha Music Australia.