A comparative study of flutes II

This is part two of the previous presentation on flute acoustics. This talk will expand on the individual observations of each of the six flutes to include a cross-instrument comparison. Factors used in the comparison include instrument range, material, geometry, and instrument types. Findings conclude that material had the predicted effect on tone and geometry was more significant than predicted. Additional findings and confirmation of these from the NW anechoic chamber will be discussed, as well. These comparative findings are significant as they provide insight into the physics of the sound produced in each instrument and how that contributes to the unique tone of each instrument. This is significant for musicians, including flute players and composers, as predicting and manipulating the tone of different flutes is instrumental in making music, from knowing how to make, play, and compose for flutes, including when choosing what flute instruments are applicable in certain musical settings. This talk will also discuss possible extensions of this project, including to extended members of the flute family, and more note ranges tested on each instrument.