answersLogoWhite

0

Each Instrument has its characteristic sound primarily, but not entirely, because of its sound "spectrum," the combinations of the pitches in its tone. When we listen to the sound of an instrument playing a sustained note, we hear one "pitch." But that note is acoustically "complex"; that is, it is a blend composed of a number of frequencies (pitches), each with its own intensity. When the combination of frequencies and their intensities varies, the quality of the instrument's tone changes, and we recognize a different instrument as the source of the note. Just as an artist can create varying shades of green by mixing varying yellows and blues, a pipe-organ (or an electronic device) can "create" -- imitate -- the sounds of other instruments by combining the various frequencies, each with its required intensity, to match the sound-spectrum of the instrument that is being imitated. Other elements determine to the characteristic tone of the various instruments, but sound-spectrum is the main one. For an advanced discussion of the issue, and of a great number of other issues in the science of the acoustics of music, go to http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/SiteMap.html#general At the page, click on "General Topics" and then on "What is a sound spectrum."

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the name of the instrument you blow into to produce sound?

The instrument you blow into to produce sound is called a "wind instrument."


What type of instrument uses vibrations of the lip to produce sound?

brass instrument


What does the musician need to do to produce a sound?

Air && an instrument (;


What type of instrument uses vibrations of the lips to produce sound?

brass instrument


Which instrument can make the sound of every instrument in the orchestra?

Keyboard and harpsota can


What part of the keyboard produce sound?

The keys on a keyboard produce sound when pressed, as they activate mechanisms that create vibrations in the instrument's strings or produce electronic tones through a sound module.


How do idiophones produce sound?

By shaking, scraping, or striking the instrument itself


What type of instrument use vibrations of the lips to produce sound?

woodwind


Is the clarinet a high pitched brass instrument?

No, the clarinet is a woodwind instrument. A clarinet uses a reed to produce sound instead of using a mouthpiece and the player's embouchure to produce sound like brass instruments do.


What is instrumental acoustics?

An instrument that does not use electricity to produce sound. Aan instrument that makes sound loud enough to be hear without the use of any electrical amplification of the sound.


What is the unique sound or tone color produced by every instrument and voice is known as?

The unique sound or tone color produced by every instrument and voice is known as it's timbre. It is also referred to an instrument's color.


What type of instrument is a Clavenet?

The Clavenet is a keyboard instrument which is an electro mechanical instrument. This means that it requires amplification to produce sound at an acceptable level.