Characteristics of Cornet Tones
Earle L. Kent, Jody C. Hall · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1956
Extensive tests were made to determine the characteristic differences between cornet tones judged by musicians to be acceptable or unacceptable. A research committee from the College Band Directors National Association collaborated in the evaluation tests with the cooperation of some of America's finest musicians. A valid group of judges was determined on the basis of repeatability and range of judgments. Musicians in the valid group were generally in close agreement. Where serious disagreement existed, a change in the quality of the tone during its production was usually found. Analysis of the tones used revealed the relationship between the subjective ratings and the following: the dynamics, the harmonic structure, and the formants. Other information was obtained as a by-product of the tests. Included were such things as: the relationship between the harmonic content and the musician's descriptive terms, such as, “bright” and “dark” tones; the difference between cornet and trumpet tones; and trends that may be expected in the tones produced by other wind instruments. Demonstrations will be used in presenting the paper.