Vocal tract shape determines voice timbre far more than vocal cords do

Evidence

The quality or “timbre” of the human voice, I believe, is due in very minor degree to the vocal cords, and in a much greater degree to the shape of the passage through which the vibrating column of air is passed. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 1633

Categorization

• DEFINE: Establishes timbre as the perceptual quality shaped by vocal tract geometry.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 1633
• XREF: connects to: Different voice qualities result from distinct vocal fold modes; Vocal tract sound transmission is governed by cross-sectional area; Male and female voices differ by vocal tract scale and fold length (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Different voice qualities result from distinct vocal fold modes #qualifies (0.85)
• Higher formants above the third shape vocal identity and projection #expands (0.85)
• Vocal tract sound transmission is governed by cross-sectional area #expands (0.80)
• Male and female voices differ by vocal tract scale and fold length #expands (0.80)
• Throat singers create melodies by shaping vocal-tract resonances #exemplifies (0.80)
• A vocal tract constriction at the mouth forms a Helmholtz resonator #expands (0.75)