Bb tenor saxophone
E4
| Acoustics of the saxophone |
Bb tenor saxophone |
E4 |
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Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance Notes are the written pitch. |
Observe that, unlike the curves for the notes below D#4, the impedance curve
has only two strong peaks that are in harmonic ratios (1:3). The sound still
has several strong odd harmonics (particularly when played forte, as
here) but, apart from the first two, they are not much assisted by resonances
of the bore. For this reason, we could say that the throat register begins
here: having only two harmonic resonances, fingerings in this register are more
easily 'bent' (their pitch is more readily changed) by embouchure and vocal
tract effects.
Sound spectrum
of a Bb saxophone
played using fingering for E4.
For more explanation, see
Introduction to saxophone acoustics
You can hear E4
played.
Alternative Fingering |
Bb saxophone |
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Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance Notes are the written pitch. |
You can hear XX
played with alternative fingering.
|
Contact:
Joe Wolfe
/ J.Wolfe@unsw.edu.au |
a key depressed
a key not depressed
a hole covered 
a hole uncovered
a
part of the mechanism that is not normally touched 
