Horn-loaded musical instruments Horn (acoustic)

many wind instruments have kind of flaring bell shape. these not exponential in configuration, , used modify standing wave patterns of instrument, , thereby musical notes can produced.

flared section of bore in many instruments conical. first let s @ spacing of frequencies. in page pipes , harmonics, saw closed conical pipes have resonances frequencies both higher , more closely spaced of closed cylindrical pipe. 1 can think of introducing conical or flared section of pipe raising frequencies of standing waves, , raising frequencies of low pitched resonances of all. bell contributes effect: in rapidly flaring bell, long waves (with low pitches) least able follow curve of bell , reflected earlier shorter waves. (this because wavelengths longer radius of curvature of bell.) 1 might therefore long waves see shorter pipe.

this has effect of providing both brassy sound of horn instruments versus woodwinds or metal instruments lack flare, , of increasing perceived loudness of instrument, harmonics in range ear sensitive delivered more efficiently. however, enhanced radiation in higher frequencies means definition less energy imparted standing waves, , less stable , well-defined notes in higher registers, making instrument more difficult play.