1pMU5. Understanding the operation of auxiliary fingerings on conical double-reed instruments.

Session: Monday Afternoon & Evening, May 13

Time: 3:15


Author: Robert H. Cronin
Location: 360 Marmona Dr., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Author: Douglas H. Keefe
Location: Boys Town Natl. Res. Hospital, Omaha, NE 68131

Abstract:

Players of the modern bassoon are accustomed to using ornate fingerings to stabilize and correct certain notes that are difficult to tune. These ``auxiliary'' fingerings open or close tone holes far below the first open tone hole. The primary subject of the investigation was a modern German-system bassoon. Calculations of impedance versus frequency were made using a program based on the Plitnik--Strong model of 1979, with several extensions. The model, in turn, was validated by comparison with measurements taken with a system developed by Keefe et al. The authors also investigated the behavior of auxiliary fingerings on a replica baroque bassoon, and sorted out a puzzling ``feature'' of a replica Renaissance alto shawm. Based on this work, criteria for ``good'' note behavior are postulated. [Work supported by the International Double Reed Society.]


from ASA 131st Meeting, Indianapolis, May 1996