Preprint / Version 1

Developing Relationship Between Ambient Temperature and Main Tuning Slide Length of a B-Flat Trumpet

##article.authors##

  • Pok Fung Tang Saratoga High School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.505

Keywords:

trumpet, temperature, tuning, music, musical instruments, physics

Abstract

Trumpet players rehearse and perform indoors and outdoors. However, large temperature differences in various settings significantly affect pitch. This project investigates how temperature affects the main tuning slide length of a standard B-flat trumpet to produce accurate harmonic pitches, based on the equal tempered chromatic scale. Six experimental trials were conducted, in which temperature sensors and measuring tapes were attached to respective locations on the trumpet. The project report provides a model with a table of values describing the ambient temperatures and corresponding tuning slide lengths for the trumpet player to reference. They can make accurate adjustments to play in tune and enhance intonation, when located in different environments with varying ambient temperatures.

References

University of Tennessee. (n.d.). Standing sound waves. Elements of Physics I. http://labman.phys.utk.edu/phys221core/modules/m12/Standing%20sound%20waves.html

Bradley (2021). https://www.musicalhow.com/trumpet-parts-diagram/

Leeman, D. (2020). How To Tune A Trumpet. Notestem. https://www.notestem.com/blog/how-to-tune-a-trumpet/

Davis, R. (2023). Do Brass Instruments Go Flat In The Cold (And Sharp When Hot)? Brass Hero. https://brasshero.com/brass-music-flat-cold-sharp-hot/

Georgia State University (2017). Producing a harmonic sequence of notes with a trumpet. HyperPhysics. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Music/brassa.html

Michigan Tech. (n.d.). Scales: Just vs Equal Temperament. Physics of Music - Notes. https://pages.mtu.edu/~suits/scales.html

Lumen Learning. (n.d.). 17.2 Speed of Sound. University Physics Volume 1. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-osuniversityphysics/chapter/17-2-speed-of-sound/

Michigan Tech. (n.d.). Tuning Frequencies for equal-tempered scale, A4 = 440 Hz. Physics of Music - Notes. https://pages.mtu.edu/~suits/notefreqs.html

Downloads

Additional Files

Posted

2023-10-01

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Pok Fung Tang

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

You are free to:

  1. Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
  2. Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
  3. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

Under the following terms:

  1. Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
  2. No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license