Strong energy above the fifth harmonic makes instruments sound bright
Evidence
Instruments among those for which spectra have been presented, which have significant amplitudes in harmonics above the fifth or seventh during their steadystate phases, include organ reed stops (see Figures 4.22 and 5.2), the tenor saxophone (see Figures 4.24 and 5.3), the trumpet (see Figure 5.4), the violin and professional singing voice (see Figure 5.5). The timbres of such instruments might be compared with those of other instruments using descriptive terms such as “bright,” “brilliant” or “shrill.” — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1475
Categorization
- XREF: Connects the psychoacoustic harmonic criterion to the ordinary descriptive vocabulary musicians use — a bridge between the acoustic and the experiential. — connects to: Bright timbres stem from strong energy in harmonics above the seventh; Playing wind instruments louder shifts spectral energy toward higher harmonics. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 2257; A singer’s formant boosts a distinct energy band near 2.4-3.5 kHz (+16 more)
Broader Connections
- Bright timbres stem from strong energy in harmonics above the seventh
#corroborates(1.00) - Playing wind instruments louder shifts spectral energy toward higher harmonics.
#complicates(0.90) — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 2257 - A singer’s formant boosts a distinct energy band near 2.4-3.5 kHz
#complicates(0.80) - Boosting energy near 2 kHz and 8 kHz makes a sound brighter and harsher
#complicates(0.80) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1517 - Lacking high harmonics makes instruments sound dark or dull
#corroborates(0.80) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1476 - Aligned harmonic phases make sounds sharper and buzzy
#complicates(0.70) - Stringed instruments radiate low frequencies omnidirectionally but high frequencies directionally
#complicates(0.70) - Instruments with lower partials up to the sixth sound rich yet sweet
#complicates(0.70) - Rapid airflow cutoffs generate harmonic-rich tones in reed instruments
#complicates(0.70) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1201 - Piano strings and soundboards can exchange energy producing audible loudness shimmer
#complicates(0.70) - Having all harmonics up to the fifth or seventh also shapes timbre
#complicates(0.70) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1477 - Instrument tuning relies on high harmonics because pitch changes there are easier to hear
#complicates(0.70) — Professor Dr.-Ing. Hugo Fastl, Professor Dr.-Ing. Eberhard, Psychoacoustics- Facts and Models, 1056 - Slightly inharmonic spectra are musically preferred over strictly harmonic ones
#complicates(0.70) - Harmonic bands crowd closer together as frequency rises because of the ERB scale.
#complicates(0.70) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1503 - Even harmonics appear in clarinet sound despite its closed cylindrical resonator
#complicates(0.70)