Influence of lip position, lip force and blowing pressure on the tuning and playability of an alto saxophone mouthpiece

The embouchure of a musician plays crucial role in the correct tuning an instrument. This work examines influence lip position, force and blowing pressure on alto saxophone mouthpiece. measurements were collected by means artificial mouth setup which mimics realistic playing condition. range forces pressures mouthpiece generates chosen note, is defined as total playability area (TPA) for that note. Sound level within TPA (CTPA) are measured four different positions. nearly independent but increases strongly with decreasing force. slope this decrease characterization In airflow/pressure zone where sound being produced, airflow decreases, so extrapolated at zero can be calculated. hydrodynamic resistance calculated all notes averages variabilities determined parameters characterize Results confirm lowest difficult to play acceptable tuning. Adjusting position extends dynamic pressure. similar across notes. depends study provides foundation objective types.