Modeling of Wind Instruments

Abstract

Wind instruments wind instrument driven by a constant pressure air reservoir produce a steady oscillation and associated sound waves. This self-sustained oscillation self-sustained oscillation can be explained in terms of a lumped element lumped element feedback loop composed of an exciter, such as a reed-valve or an unstable jet, coupled to an acoustical air column resonator, usually a pipe. In this chapter this simplified model is used to classify wind instruments. Five prototype wind instruments are selected: the clarinet clarinet, the oboe oboe, the harmonica harmonica, the trombone trombone and the modern transverse flute flute. The elements of this feedback loop are described for each instrument. In simplified models the player is reduced to the role of a pressure reservoir. The player's control, also called the embouchure embouchureplayer's control is however essential. This aspect is discussed briefly for each instrument.