Soundclips to demonstrate terms re: sound and tone

dave 645

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122
A, A
I read various words relating to the sound of various mouthpiece and reed set ups, but I really struggle to know what they mean. Could somebody record a clip or series of clips that "exhibit" comparisons between buzzy, edgy, soft, thin, and/or any of the other descriptors used when discussing tone. I understand there is no right or wrong, no exact answers, but somebody's direct comparison would help me with my own understanding, and in turn progress.

I think this is potentially a time consuming request so I thank anybody in advance for any clips they may be able to offer.
 
Great topic! What I think it's dark, you may think is dull, and a third person think it's warm, thick, full body ..... . And edge maybe also can be described as cracking, cutting, piercing, sharp .... .

I'll try to upload dome samples.

There is a Swedish study made at Luleå Tekniska Unversitet that cover this subject. The study is called "Modelling Perceptual Dimensions of Saxophone Sounds" (Arne Nykänen, Örjan Johansson, Jan Lundberg, Jan Berg).

"Summary
In the past, musical instruments were developed over long periods of time by skilled craftsmen. Today, most instruments
are mass-produced. Design of musical instruments as mass-produced products requires using strategies
which make it easier to identify customer needs and develop exact specifications. To develop useful specifications
it is necessary to convert general descriptions into something which can be commonly understood and also be
interpretable in terms of acoustic metrics. In this study, methods for analysis and specification of steady state
parts of alto saxophone sounds were developed. Saxophonists’ use of verbal descriptions of saxophone sounds
was investigated. Sound stimuli were binaurally recorded. Judgements upon perceived qualities were made by
saxophonists and non-saxophonists using the method of verbal attribute magnitude estimation. Perceptual dimensions
were identified using principal component analysis of listening test data. Three prominent dimensions were
found and described using the verbal attributes: 1) warm/soft, 2) back vowel analogues and 3) sharp/rough. The
perceptual dimensions were modelled as linear functions of acoustic metrics. The results were validated through
listening tests with new subjects and new stimuli. Based on the findings, the method was seen as an approach
which can enhance the musical instrument design process." (Modelling Perceptual Dimensions of Saxophone Sounds", ACTA ACUSTICA UNITED WITH ACUSTICA, Vol. 95 (2009) 539 – 549)

Thomas
 

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