In-depth acoustic modeling and temperament studies of 18th and early 19th century baroque bassoons comparing originals and reproductions by maker, time period, and region

Bryant Hichwa , David Rachor

The researchers developed a non-linear least squares acoustical modeling procedure and precision measurement techniques of physical dimensions to characterize Baroque bassoons. They deduced 1) Natural and playing pitch; 2) Reed equivalent volume; 3) Acoustic length corrections for the tone holes and boot joint double miter bend. The initial study expanded to 44 original bassoons and 14 reproductions. Original makers included Scherer, Poerschmann and Eichentopf. Multiple bassoons by five makers were compared and measurable differences between period and contemporary makers were noted. Unique to woodwinds, dimensional measurements determining pitch allowed an exhaustive study comparing 47 temperaments selected from English, French, German and Italian temperaments of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Sensitivity was enhanced by including forked fingerings, E-flat and B-flat. For each instrument results indicated a grouping of 5-7 preferred temperaments, typically mean-tone. Preferred temperaments exhibited a correlation with region and maker. Pitch differences by note for every temperament was evaluated for each bassoon. The model demonstrated the proficiency of 18th century bassoon makers. It is also predictive. In about 25% of the instruments, minor changes to the wing joint result in a significantly improved “designer” bassoon. The model also illustrates bassoon evolution leading to changes in mid-19th century bassoons.

Mots clés: Baroque bassoons; acoustic model; temperament study; original and reproduction

Domaines: Acoustique [physics.class-ph]

Bryant Hichwa, David Rachor. In-depth acoustic modeling and temperament studies of 18th and early 19th century baroque bassoons comparing originals and reproductions by maker, time period, and region. Acoustics 2012, Apr 2012, Nantes, France. ⟨hal-00810841⟩