EP1461803A1 - Lip element for instrument with flapping reed - Google Patents

Lip element for instrument with flapping reed

Info

Publication number
EP1461803A1
EP1461803A1 EP02782629A EP02782629A EP1461803A1 EP 1461803 A1 EP1461803 A1 EP 1461803A1 EP 02782629 A EP02782629 A EP 02782629A EP 02782629 A EP02782629 A EP 02782629A EP 1461803 A1 EP1461803 A1 EP 1461803A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reed
spout
interlayer
intended
mouthpiece
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02782629A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pierre-André Taillard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP02782629A priority Critical patent/EP1461803A1/en
Publication of EP1461803A1 publication Critical patent/EP1461803A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10D7/00—General design of wind musical instruments
    • G10D7/06—Beating-reed wind instruments, e.g. single or double reed wind instruments
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10D9/00—Details of, or accessories for, wind musical instruments
    • G10D9/02—Mouthpieces; Reeds; Ligatures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10D9/00—Details of, or accessories for, wind musical instruments
    • G10D9/02—Mouthpieces; Reeds; Ligatures
    • G10D9/035—Reeds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to instruments with a single swing reed, in particular clarinets and saxophones, which have a bore forming an air column vibrated by the instrumentalist to generate sounds. It relates more particularly to the part comprising a spout, a reed and a ligature intended to be mouthpieces to breathe air into the instrument and to vibrate the air column.
  • this part is called mouthpiece, to avoid any confusion with the word "mouthpiece”, which here exclusively designates the way of taking the instrument in the mouth.
  • the spout comprises a table comprising a curved portion and a substantially flat portion, intended to serve as a support for the reed.
  • the term "table” used without further specification always designates the table of the spout in the following description.
  • the mouthpiece comprises:
  • a spout fitted with - a chamber comprising a vault, a wall opposite to the vault and two side walls, and a bore, intended to allow the flow of air and the circulation of sound waves towards the tube of the 'instrument, and
  • a first table, original comprising a curved portion, arranged laterally on either side of the chamber and forming the end of the walls, and a substantially planar portion disposed above the chamber and the bore, in the extension of the curved portion,
  • a second table extending over its entire length and forming one of the faces of the heel and of the bevel, arranged to bear, by the part of its table associated with the heel against the flat portion of the first table, and
  • a ligature to ensure the assembly of the reed on the beak.
  • the spout and the reed define between them an opening intended to let the air penetrate, to generate sound vibrations.
  • the air then flows into the chamber and into the bore, in a general direction known as longitudinal.
  • the mouthpiece is characterized in that it further comprises, present during sound production, a removable interlayer in the form of a patch, sandwiched between the tables of the spout and the reed, and arranged so as to define, with the first table, a third, virtual table, as a function of the shapes of the first table, of the interlayer and of the position of said interlayer on the first table.
  • a patch will be defined as being a flexible piece, advantageously of generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape, the thickness of which is variable and substantially smaller than the other dimensions.
  • the interlayer can cover at least part of the curved portion of the first table. In this way, the length and / or the curvature of the curved portion can be modified, and a longitudinal displacement allows its characteristics to be finely modulated.
  • the present invention also relates to a spacer intended to equip such a mouthpiece.
  • This insert has a chamfer at at least one of its ends, intended to be arranged facing the bevel of the reed.
  • the thickness of the end of the chamfer is less than 0.09 mm.
  • the thickness of the interlayer is constant laterally and variable, along the longitudinal dimension, according to a continuous function defined by pieces, said pieces, three in number, each being formed by a polynomial of the fourth degree, the at least one, present over a length of more than 2 millimeters, at least two non-zero coefficients.
  • the film consists of a superposition of thin sheets fixed to each other, the number of superimposed sheets decreasing to form the chamfer.
  • the angle at the top of the chamfer is small, advantageously less than 3 °.
  • the shape of the chamfer of the interlayer makes it possible to modify the characteristics of the curved portion of the virtual table. Several forms are possible, chosen according to the modifications to be made.
  • its end comprising the chamfer is provided with a cutout made throughout its thickness and disposed laterally in its middle part.
  • This cutout defines two fingers arranged so as to bear on the curved portion of the table of the spout, and a notch defined by these fingers and intended to clear access to the room.
  • the choice of material plays a role in the working conditions of the reed on the spout. It is also necessary that the material used allows to give the desired shape to the interlayer and that its structure is such that it does not vibrate with the reed during sound production. It is thus advantageous to use a material capable of being worked by plastic deformation, for example an aluminum alloy.
  • the interlayer in the case where the interface must be made of a weakly elastic material, it is advantageous to produce the interlayer in a plastic material. If the latter is of the thermoformable type, the desired shapes can be obtained by simple and inexpensive means, by heating and crushing of the parts to be deformed, by injection or by calendering.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show a clarinet mouthpiece according to the invention respectively seen in perspective and on its side intended to receive a reed, defined as “above” in the present description,
  • FIG. 3 and 4 illustrate respectively seen from above and from the side, different types of dividers capable of equipping the mouthpiece according to the invention
  • FIG. 5 shows a profile view of a clarinet mouthpiece without interlayer. It illustrates the system of axes Ox and Oz defined when a reed is secured on the substantially flat portion of the table of the spout, and
  • FIG. 6 is a graph showing how a thin tab is calculated.
  • the mouthpiece shown in Figures 1 and 2 is of the type intended to equip a clarinet.
  • a similar model can be adapted to a saxophone or any other instrument with a single swing reed. It comprises a spout 10, a reed 12 and a ligature which has not been shown in the drawing, to make the parts involved in the invention more visible. As will be seen in the description which follows, these elements are those which conventionally equip the instrument, without having undergone any transformation or structural adaptation.
  • the mouthpiece further comprises an insert 14, disposed between the spout 10 and the reed 12, and the structure and function of which will be specified below.
  • the spout 10 is made in one piece. It has an oblong shape, with a front part 16 intended to be mouthed, and a cylindrical rear part, forming a tenon 18, and arranged to be fixed. the barrel of the clarinet.
  • the front part 16 comes from a substantially conical shape, truncated by two surfaces 20 and 22.
  • the surface 20 forms a table, called here original, comprising two portions, one of which 20a, substantially planar, is close to the tenon 18, and the other 20b, curved, occupies the front of the spout 10.
  • the post 18 is of generally cylindrical shape and carries, at its periphery and in an ad hoc concentric recess, a seal 24 made of cork, intended to ensure a tight connection with the barrel.
  • the surface 22 constitutes the part of the beak called chin rest and forms, with the surface 20, an acute angle, which defines the whistle shape of the end of the beak, also called tip of the beak, in its part to be mouthed.
  • the spout 10 is crossed by a channel, connecting the surface 20 to the central part of the post 18, and intended to ensure the passage of air from the mouth to the body of the instrument. It is formed by a chamber 26 - delimited by a vault 26a, a wall opposite the vault and hidden in the drawing, and two side walls 26b - opening in the portion 20b to define the part of the beak usually called light, and a bore 27, of slightly conical shape, concentric with the tenon, opening into the chamber and extending into the barrel then into the tube of the clarinet, not shown in the drawing.
  • the bore 27 delimits a column of air vibrated under the effect of the reed's oscillations and whose frequency defines the sound emitted.
  • the reed 12 consists, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, of a plate usually made from a portion of reed of the Arundo donax species, having a flat underside which constitutes a table 28, a heel 30, curved on the side opposite to the table 28, which serves as a support for the ligature to fix the reed 12 on the spout 10, and a bevel 32, the thinned structure of which ensures its implementation vibration.
  • the reed is shown above the spout, so as to leave visible the tab 14.
  • the table 28 has however been marked with dotted lines in its working position, identified by the reference 28 '.
  • the interlayer 14 is formed of a film of stable material and sufficiently flexible so as to adhere without difficulty to the table of the spout despite strong oscillations of the reed, for example aluminum or plastic. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, it has a rear portion 34, forming the body of the interlayer and allowing, depending on its shape, to modify the distance and the inclination of the reed 12 with reference to the beak 10, a front part 36 intended to adjust the characteristics of the curvature of the portion 20b, and a middle part 38 connecting the front parts 36 and rear 34. This middle part 38 is called upon to extend the front part 36 or the rear part 34 , according to the longitudinal position of the interlayer on the spout 10.
  • the thickness of the rear part 34 is constant.
  • the front part has a chamfer 40, better visible in FIG. 4, tapering towards the end of the spout 10 as well as two fingers 42 and 44 each extending on one of the sides of the chamber 26 and covering partially the end of the side walls 26b and defining a cutout 46 making it possible to prevent the chamber 26 from being obstructed, even if the interlayer 14 is placed very forward on the spout 10.
  • the thickness of the chamfer at its free end should be as small as possible, usually less than 0.09 mm, with a vertex angle less than or equal to 3 °.
  • the reed was pressed directly by its table 28, against the flat portion 20a of the original table. Because of the curved shape of the portion 20b, the front parts of the spout 10 and the reed 12 are spaced from one another and form an opening 48 opening into the chamber 26 and allowing the clarinet player to produce a sound by beating the reed, by blowing air into it.
  • the interlayer 14, affixed to the surface 20 and partially covering the surface 20b forms a new table, here called virtual, having another curvature and / or another length than the curved portion 20b, function of the shape of the tab 14.
  • the quality of the sounds emitted depends on many parameters, in particular the body of the instrument, but also the reed 12 and the way in which it vibrates on the mouthpiece 10.
  • this part of the instrument is very sensitive to minute differences in its structure as well as to the surrounding, thermal, hygrometric and barometric conditions.
  • a clarinetist performs, he must choose a reed suited to the work to be performed, the tone of the instrument used and the acoustic environment.
  • the clarinet player has to “ripen” a large number of them, which is costly and tedious.
  • the optimal operating period of each reed is quite short.
  • the insert 14 makes it possible to provide a simple, economical and original solution to the problem mentioned above, in particular because it adapts to any type of spout, without requiring any prior modification. Such a solution also allows a teacher to direct his pupil towards more suitable mouthing and support techniques, by developing his flexibility and his sensitivity to variations in sound.
  • this interlayer 14 modifies the conditions of connection of the reed 12 to the mouthpiece 10, and thus, the quality of the sound, depending on the shape, the position and the material constituting the interlayer. 14. More specifically, it has been observed that, for a given reed, the quality of the sounds generated depends, among other things, on:
  • Figures 3 and 4 show a range of dividers, allowing such adjustments, respectively seen from above and from the side.
  • the references have only been placed on part of them, in order to avoid overloading the drawing.
  • they When viewed from above, they have a generally rectangular shape. They could equally well be of trapezoidal shape, so as to best match the shape of the surface 20.
  • the interlayer 14 shown in a is rectangular in shape, cut from a film of constant thickness. It is intended to be interposed between the flat portion 20a of the spout and the table 28 of the reed 12.
  • the material chosen will define the interface qualities, while the thickness will ensure the adjustment of the opening 48.
  • This insert may also include a chamfer, as shown in FIG. 4, seen from the side, in h or in. In this case, it may slightly overflow onto the curved portion 20b, however little enough not to obstruct the chamber 26 too much.
  • the spacers shown in b, ç, d, e, and f allow a strong engagement on the curved portion 20b, thanks to the cutout 46 with which they are provided, defined by the fingers 42 and 44.
  • This cutout 46 can have several forms. Thus, it is in half-ellipse in b and trapezoidal in ç. In d, we find the trapezoidal shape, completed by a triangular structure.
  • the dividers shown in e and f have only two fingers 42 and 44 very short, so that the cutout 46 is small.
  • the interlayer 14 shown in perspective in g in FIG. 4, has a very simple shape with rear 34 and middle 38 parts of constant thickness, while the front part 36 forms the chamfer 40. It can be produced by superposition thin sheets, from a few ⁇ m to a few hundredths of a millimeter thick, for example made of thermo-adhesive plastic, the sheets being fixed to each other by heating. Note that the rear part of the interlayer can be made using thicker sheets than the other parts, as this one supports the heel of the reed whose oscillation during sound production is negligible.
  • the interlayer advantageously has a thickness of between 0.01 and 1 mm.
  • the embodiment illustrated in h is similar to g. in its structure, the chamfer 40 however being regular and without stairs.
  • a structure can be produced by means of an aluminum alloy sheet, the edges of which would be flattened in a rolling mill.
  • the angle of the chamfer 40 is greater than in h. Practice shows that this angle is advantageously less than 3 °, typically 0.1 to 0.3 °.
  • the embodiments shown in j, k and I are provided with a curved front portion 36.
  • the rear part 34 is inclined towards its free part in j, decreasing towards the middle part 38 in k, while in I, the interlayer shown does not have a rear part.
  • These latter structures allow, by the bulging of the front part 36, a reduction in the length of the curved portion of the virtual table of the spout.
  • the support conditions of the reed 12 on the portion 20a of the table of the spout, and therefore of the opening 48, can be modified as a function of the structure of the rear part 34.
  • the interlayer presented in m has a thick rear part 34 which decreases towards the middle part 38, thus considerably modifying the support conditions of the reed 12 on the portion 20a of the table of the spout 10.
  • Its front part 36, forming the chamfer 40 has a concave shape, which does not modifies only slightly the shape of the portion 20b in its front part, whereas it strongly modifies its part close to the portion 20a. In this way, the length of the virtual table is increased.
  • p ra x ⁇ ⁇ a r 0 + a r .x + a r 2 x 2 - a, ⁇ + a rA x 4
  • p rb x ⁇ ⁇ b r 0 + b r x + b r 2 x 2 + b 3 x 3 + b r 4 x 4
  • ⁇ r ⁇ (k r ) p rb (k r )
  • the longitudinal axis Ox is defined as being the line of intersection between the plane of the table of a reed 12 subject at the original table and the plane of symmetry of the beak.
  • the origin of the axis system is on the Ox axis at the tapered end of the reed. The latter is centered laterally and arranged so that the tip of the beak also has the abscissa 0.
  • the lateral axis Oy perpendicular to the axis Ox, is in the plane of the reed table, while the axis Oz is perpendicular to this latter plane ( Figure 5).
  • f r (x) defines the ordinate in z of a point of abscissa x of the original table of the beak.
  • the constant k r constitutes the limit between the curved portion 20b and the substantially planar portion 20a of a table referenced by this function. If this last portion was perfectly flat, then we would have br.o ° • In reality, it is generally very slightly concave.
  • Pv.i x > ⁇ ⁇ v, o + K, x + .2 ⁇ 2 +> ⁇ 3 + A X * the coefficients a v 0 , a v , a v 2 . a v 3 , a v 4 , b vfi> b vl , b v 2 , b v 3 , b v 4 and k v being real constants.
  • the axis Ox ' is defined as being the line of intersection between the plane of the table 28 of a reed subject to the virtual table and the plane of symmetry of the spout.
  • the origin of this new axis system is on the Ox 'axis, at the tapered end of the reed. The latter is centered laterally and arranged so that the tip of the beak also has the abscissa 0.
  • the axis Oy ', perpendicular to the axis Ox', is in the plane of the reed table, while the 'Oz axis' is perpendicular to this last plane.
  • f y (x ') defines the ordinate z of a point of abscissa x' of the virtual table of the beak.
  • the two defined axis systems are therefore slightly offset from each other.
  • the angle of the two axes being very small, we will consider that a point of abscissa has the same abscissa compared to the two axes.
  • the vibrating reed can move beyond its rest position; p V ⁇ (l ( ⁇ ) can therefore have a maximum for an abscissa x, slightly less than k v so as to govern the reed also in this part of its oscillation, as can be seen in FIG. 6.
  • the dividers make it possible to obtain virtually, from a given original table, a large variety of table shapes by giving adequate values to the coefficients ⁇ v 0 , ⁇ V ⁇ l , a v 2 , ⁇ v 3 , a v , b v 0 , b vl , b v 2 , b v 3 , b v and k v .
  • the longitudinal thickness of the interlayer follows substantially a continuous function - defined by pieces, by means of three fourth-degree polynomials, delimited by the constants k r and k v , as well as by the minimum thickness and the maximum length that one wishes to give it. Outside these last two limits, the thickness of the interlayer is zero. Generally, the thickness is laterally constant, unless it is desired to give it lateral asymmetry.
  • the volume of air v displaced by the reed between position g (0) and position g () of its thinned end can be calculated by the function:
  • a materials engineer can estimate the stresses experienced by the reed during sound production. It is therefore possible to create a range of spacers allowing to manage at will the intensity and the location of the stresses that one wants to subject to the reed so as to optimize its longevity. Empirically, we have found that it can be seriously prolonged by first exploiting the elastic potential of a new reed where it is very thick, using a spout table with the following characteristics: small opening, great length and low curvature. As the reed is softened, it is possible to apply greater pressure to the areas where the reed is thinner by increasing the opening and the curvature while decreasing the length.
  • the instrumentalist would be forced to compress the reed using the lips and thereby exploit a thinner area of the reed. Once this zone is weakened, it is no longer possible to take advantage of the thicker zones with a musically satisfactory result, which notably reduces the longevity of the reed.
  • its face intended to be brought into contact with the table of the spout 10 is advantageously coated with a layer of adhesive of repositionable type such as those sold by 3M ® (USA).
  • This layer of relatively soft material modifies the interface conditions between the reed 12 and the spout 10, this is why it may be advantageous for it to be applied only over a small portion of the length of the interlayer, chosen depending on the goal. In all cases, it is preferable that it does not completely cover the surface of the interlayer, in order to facilitate its detachment.
  • spacers provided with lateral positioning means produced by folding its front part 36, engaging in the chamber 26 and / or conforming to the shape of the outside the spout 10.
  • the interlayer 14 is affixed to the table of the spout 10. It may however also be imaginable to apply it to the table 28 of the reed 12.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Stringed Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For Music (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a lip element for instrument with single flapping reed, for instance for clarinet or saxophone, comprising mouthpiece (10), a reed (12) and a ligature for fixing the reed (12) to the mouthpiece (10). In said mouthpiece, an insert (14) is interposed between the reed (12) and the mouthpiece (10), thereby modifying the conditions in which the two co-operate with each other, and in particular enabling to optimize the vibrational behaviour of the reed (12), by virtually modifying the table of the mouthpiece (10). The insert consists of a thin plastic or metal film provided with an adhesive and has a bevelled profile.

Description

EMBOUCHOIR POUR INSTRUMENT A ANCHE BATTANTE MOUTHPIECE FOR INSTRUMENT WITH SWINGING REED
La présente invention se rapporte aux instruments à anche simple battante, en particulier aux clarinettes et aux saxophones, qui comportent une perce formant une colonne d'air mise en vibration par l'instrumentiste pour générer des sons. Elle concerne plus particulièrement la partie comportant un bec, une anche et une ligature destinée à être embouchée pour insuffler l'air dans l'instrument et mettre la colonne d'air en vibration. Dans le présent document, cette partie, est appelée embouchoir, pour éviter toute confusion avec le mot « embouchure », qui désigne ici exclusivement la manière de prendre l'instrument en bouche. Le bec comporte une table comprenant une portion incurvée et une portion sensiblement plane, destinée à servir d'appui à l'anche. Le terme « table » utilisé sans autre précision désigne toujours la table du bec dans la suite de la description. Pour bien comprendre le fonctionnement de ce type d'instruments, on se référera avantageusement à l'ouvrage intitulé « Clarinette mon amie » Ernest Ferron, éditions IMD 1994.The present invention relates to instruments with a single swing reed, in particular clarinets and saxophones, which have a bore forming an air column vibrated by the instrumentalist to generate sounds. It relates more particularly to the part comprising a spout, a reed and a ligature intended to be mouthpieces to breathe air into the instrument and to vibrate the air column. In this document, this part is called mouthpiece, to avoid any confusion with the word "mouthpiece", which here exclusively designates the way of taking the instrument in the mouth. The spout comprises a table comprising a curved portion and a substantially flat portion, intended to serve as a support for the reed. The term "table" used without further specification always designates the table of the spout in the following description. To fully understand the functioning of this type of instrument, we will advantageously refer to the work entitled "Clarinet my friend" Ernest Ferron, IMD editions 1994.
Les clarinettistes se plaignent, depuis l'invention de leur instrument, il y a plus de trois siècles, de la difficulté à se procurer des anches répondant parfaitement à leur attente. Aussi, les facteurs d'instruments et les inventeurs se sont ingéniés à améliorer les performances des becs et des anches. Aujourd'hui, ce n'est pas tant la précision de la facture de l'anche, faite en roseau, qui est en cause, mais plutôt les irrégularités intrinsèques de la matière qui la compose. On peut considérer une anche comme un ressort dont les caractéristiques varient en fonction de sa forme, de la structure de la matière, de son taux d'humidité et de l'état de fatigue et de la transformation, chimique et structurelle des fibres qu'elle comporte, due au vieillissement et à la lumière.The clarinetists complain, since the invention of their instrument, more than three centuries ago, of the difficulty in obtaining reeds that perfectly meet their expectations. Also, the makers of instruments and the inventors have worked to improve the performance of the mouthpieces and reeds. Today, it is not so much the precision of the reed's invoice, made of reed, that is at issue, but rather the intrinsic irregularities of the material that composes it. We can consider a reed as a spring whose characteristics vary according to its shape, the structure of the material, its moisture content and the state of fatigue and the chemical and structural transformation of the fibers that it involves, due to aging and light.
Il arrive souvent que l'anche soit bonne en soi, mais qu'elle n'interagit pas de manière satisfaisante avec le bec sur lequel on la pose. Le clarinettiste en prenα une autre ou la retravaille alors pour l'adapter plus intimement à ce bec, activité qui demande un savoir-faire important.It often happens that the reed is good in itself, but that it does not interact satisfactorily with the beak on which it is placed. The clarinetist in take another or rework it then to adapt it more intimately to this beak, an activity that requires significant know-how.
Il a également été proposé des dispositifs destinés à être associés à l'embouchoir, pour tirer le meilleur profit des anches disponibles, par exemple des modèles particuliers de ligatures. Une telle solution est décrite dans le document US 1 ,896,814. Dans l'instrument décrit, le bec comporte une gorge dans sa table, et la ligature est agencée de manière à pouvoir exercer une pression au niveau de la gorge, de façon à faire fléchir l'anche et à modifier ainsi l'ouverture. Le document US 3,791 ,253 décrit une ligature munie d'une pièce amovible et susceptible de venir prendre appui sur l'anche. En déplaçant cette pièce longitudinalement, il est possible de modifier les caractéristiques élastiques de l'anche.It has also been proposed devices intended to be associated with the mouthpiece, to make the most of the available reeds, for example particular models of ligatures. Such a solution is described in document US 1, 896,814. In the instrument described, the spout has a groove in its table, and the ligature is arranged so as to be able to exert pressure at the level of the throat, so as to flex the reed and thus modify the opening. Document US 3,791, 253 describes a ligature provided with a removable part and capable of coming to bear on the reed. By moving this piece longitudinally, it is possible to modify the elastic characteristics of the reed.
Le document US 2,224,719 prévoit l'adjonction d'un ressort faisant pression sur la face intérieure de l'anche, la fixation et la pression étant assurées par une vis engagée dans un trou que comporte l'anche. Cette solution modifie également les caractéristiques élastiques de l'anche. En outre, le fait de la percer peut considérablement changer son comportement, et de manière difficilement prévisible. Les améliorations procurées par les solutions qui viennent d'être décrites sont limitées, car dans les trois cas, un seul paramètre est visé. Or, il apparaît qu'en plus de l'élasticité de l'anche, pouvant être modifiée par les dispositifs décrits dans les documents US 3,791,253 ou US 2,224,719, ou la dimension de l'ouverture comprise entre le bec et l'extrémité de l'anche, modifiable au moyen du dispositif décrit dans le document US 1 ,896,814, cinq paramètres relatifs à l'interaction du bec et de l'anche jouent un rôle essentiel. Trois concernent la portion incurvée de la table, soit sa longueur, sa courbure et son asymétrie latérale. A cela s'ajoutent les conditions d'interface entre l'anche et le bec, et l'inclinaison de l'anche en référence à la voûte de la chambre. D'autres modifications plus importantes ont- été proposées, nécessitant d'aménager la structure du bec de l'instrument de manière importante. Par exemple, le brevet US 2 495 484 décrit un embouchoir muni d'un cadre fixé au moyen de vis et tenant lieu de table du bec. Une fourchette, fixée à l'embouchoir, est disposée de manière à prendre appui contre la face du cadre opposée à la table. Ce genre d'amélioration présente un inconvénient rédhibitoire : celui de ne pas s'adapter sans autre à l'instrument du musicien. En effet, celui-ci doit, soit remplacer le bec auquel il est habitué, soit faire modifier son instrument par un professionnel. Le but de la présente invention est de pallier ces inconvénients, en permettant une meilleure maîtrise de tous les paramètres influençant l'interaction entre le bec et l'anche et s'adaptant sur un bec standard - ne nécessitant aucune modification de sa structure. Selon l'invention, l'embouchoir comporte :Document US 2,224,719 provides for the addition of a pressure spring on the inner face of the reed, the fixing and the pressure being ensured by a screw engaged in a hole that the reed contains. This solution also modifies the elastic characteristics of the reed. In addition, piercing it can significantly change its behavior, and in a manner that is difficult to predict. The improvements provided by the solutions which have just been described are limited, since in the three cases, only one parameter is targeted. However, it appears that in addition to the elasticity of the reed, which can be modified by the devices described in documents US 3,791,253 or US 2,224,719, or the size of the opening between the spout and the end of the reed, modifiable by means of the device described in document US 1, 896,814, five parameters relating to the interaction of the beak and the reed play an essential role. Three relate to the curved portion of the table, namely its length, its curvature and its lateral asymmetry. To this are added the interface conditions between the reed and the mouthpiece, and the inclination of the reed with reference to the vault of the chamber. Other more significant modifications have been proposed, necessitating an important modification of the structure of the mouthpiece of the instrument. For example, US Pat. No. 2,495,484 describes a mouthpiece provided with a frame fixed by means of screws and serving as a table for the spout. A fork, fixed to the mouthpiece, is arranged so as to bear against the face of the frame opposite the table. This kind of improvement presents a crippling disadvantage: that of not adapting without other to the instrument of the musician. Indeed, the latter must either replace the mouthpiece to which he is accustomed, or have his instrument modified by a professional. The purpose of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks, by allowing better control of all the parameters influencing the interaction between the mouthpiece and the reed and adapting to a standard mouthpiece - requiring no modification of its structure. According to the invention, the mouthpiece comprises:
- un bec muni - d'une chambre, comprenant une voûte, une paroi opposée à la voûte et deux parois latérales, et une perce, destinées à permettre l'écoulement de l'air et la circulation des ondes sonores vers le tube de l'instrument, et- a spout fitted with - a chamber, comprising a vault, a wall opposite to the vault and two side walls, and a bore, intended to allow the flow of air and the circulation of sound waves towards the tube of the 'instrument, and
- d'une première table, originelle, comprenant une portion incurvée, disposée latéralement de part et d'autre de la chambre et formant l'extrémité des parois, et une portion sensiblement plane disposée au-dessus de la chambre et de la perce, dans le prolongement de la portion incurvée,- a first table, original, comprising a curved portion, arranged laterally on either side of the chamber and forming the end of the walls, and a substantially planar portion disposed above the chamber and the bore, in the extension of the curved portion,
- une anche comportant - un talon, destiné à être fixé au bec,- a reed comprising - a heel, intended to be fixed to the spout,
- un biseau destiné à vibrer, et- a bevel intended to vibrate, and
- une deuxième table, s'étendant sur toute sa longueur et formant l'une des faces du talon et du biseau, agencée pour prendre appui, par la partie de sa table associée au talon contre la portion plane de la première table, eta second table, extending over its entire length and forming one of the faces of the heel and of the bevel, arranged to bear, by the part of its table associated with the heel against the flat portion of the first table, and
- une ligature, pour assurer l'assemblage de l'anche sur le bec. Dans cet embouchoir, -le bec .et- -'anche définissent entre eux une ouverture destinée à laisser pénétrer l'air, pour engendrer des vibrations sonores. L'air s'écoule ensuite dans la chambre et dans la perce, selon une direction générale dite longitudinale. L'embouchoir est caractérisé en ce que qu'il comporte, en outre, présent lors de la production sonore, un intercalaire amovible se présentant sous la forme d'un patch, enserré entre les tables du bec et de l'anche, et agencé de manière à définir, avec la première table, une troisième table, virtuelle, fonction des formes de la première table, de l'intercalaire et de la position dudit intercalaire sur la première table. On définira, dans la présente description, un patch comme étant une pièce souple, avantageusement de forme générale rectangulaire ou trapézoïdale, et dont l'épaisseur est variable et sensiblement plus faible que les autres dimensions.- a ligature, to ensure the assembly of the reed on the beak. In this mouthpiece, the spout and the reed define between them an opening intended to let the air penetrate, to generate sound vibrations. The air then flows into the chamber and into the bore, in a general direction known as longitudinal. The mouthpiece is characterized in that it further comprises, present during sound production, a removable interlayer in the form of a patch, sandwiched between the tables of the spout and the reed, and arranged so as to define, with the first table, a third, virtual table, as a function of the shapes of the first table, of the interlayer and of the position of said interlayer on the first table. In the present description, a patch will be defined as being a flexible piece, advantageously of generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape, the thickness of which is variable and substantially smaller than the other dimensions.
Dans cet embouchoir, l'intercalaire peut couvrir une partie au moins de la portion incurvée de la première table. De la sorte, la longueur et/ou la courbure de la portion incurvée peut être modifiée, et un déplacement longitudinal permet de moduler finement ses caractéristiques.In this mouthpiece, the interlayer can cover at least part of the curved portion of the first table. In this way, the length and / or the curvature of the curved portion can be modified, and a longitudinal displacement allows its characteristics to be finely modulated.
La présente invention concerne également un intercalaire destiné à équiper un tel embouchoir. Cet intercalaire présente un chanfrein à l'une au moins de ses extrémités, destinée à être disposée en regard du biseau de l'anche. De manière avantageuse, l'épaisseur de l'extrémité du chanfrein est inférieure à 0.09 mm.The present invention also relates to a spacer intended to equip such a mouthpiece. This insert has a chamfer at at least one of its ends, intended to be arranged facing the bevel of the reed. Advantageously, the thickness of the end of the chamfer is less than 0.09 mm.
Avantageusement, l'épaisseur de l'intercalaire est constante latéralement et variable, selon la cote longitudinale, suivant une fonction continue définie par morceaux, lesdits morceaux, au nombre de trois, étant chacun formés d'un polynôme du quatrième degré, dont l'un, au moins, présente sur une longueur de plus de 2 millimètres, au moins deux coefficients non nuls.Advantageously, the thickness of the interlayer is constant laterally and variable, along the longitudinal dimension, according to a continuous function defined by pieces, said pieces, three in number, each being formed by a polynomial of the fourth degree, the at least one, present over a length of more than 2 millimeters, at least two non-zero coefficients.
De manière avantageuse, le film est constitué d'une superposition de feuilles minces fixées les unes aux autres, le nombre de feuilles superposées allant décroissant pour former le chanfrein. Pour permettre une correction fine, il est nécessaire que l'angle au sommet du chanfrein soit faible, avantageusement inférieur à 3°.Advantageously, the film consists of a superposition of thin sheets fixed to each other, the number of superimposed sheets decreasing to form the chamfer. To allow a fine correction, it is necessary that the angle at the top of the chamfer is small, advantageously less than 3 °.
La forme du chanfrein de l'intercalaire permet de modifier les caractéristiques de la portion incurvée de la table virtuelle. Plusieurs formes sont envisageables, choisies en fonction des modifications à apporter.The shape of the chamfer of the interlayer makes it possible to modify the characteristics of the curved portion of the virtual table. Several forms are possible, chosen according to the modifications to be made.
Afin d'éviter qu'une portion trop grande de la chambre ne soit masquée par l'intercalaire, son extrémité comportant le chanfrein est munie d'une découpe pratiquée dans toute son épaisseur et disposée latéralement dans sa partie médiane. Cette découpe définit deux doigts disposés de manière à prendre appui sur la portion incurvée de la table du bec, et une échancrure définie par ces doigts et destinée à bien dégager l'accès à la chambre.In order to prevent an excessively large portion of the chamber from being masked by the interlayer, its end comprising the chamfer is provided with a cutout made throughout its thickness and disposed laterally in its middle part. This cutout defines two fingers arranged so as to bear on the curved portion of the table of the spout, and a notch defined by these fingers and intended to clear access to the room.
Le choix du matériau joue un rôle dans les conditions de travail de l'anche sur le bec. Il est aussi nécessaire que la matière utilisée permette de conférer la forme voulue à l'intercalaire et que sa structure soit telle qu'il ne vibre pas avec l'anche lors de la production sonore. Il est ainsi intéressant de faire appel à un matériau susceptible d'être travaillé par déformation plastique, par exemple un alliage d'aluminium.The choice of material plays a role in the working conditions of the reed on the spout. It is also necessary that the material used allows to give the desired shape to the interlayer and that its structure is such that it does not vibrate with the reed during sound production. It is thus advantageous to use a material capable of being worked by plastic deformation, for example an aluminum alloy.
Dans le cas où l'interface doit être en un matériau faiblement élastique, il est intéressant de réaliser l'intercalaire en une matière plastique. Si cette dernière est de type thermoformable, les formes souhaitées peuvent êtres obtenues par des moyens simples et peu coûteux, par échauffement et écrasement des parties à déformer, par injection ou par calandrage.In the case where the interface must be made of a weakly elastic material, it is advantageous to produce the interlayer in a plastic material. If the latter is of the thermoformable type, the desired shapes can be obtained by simple and inexpensive means, by heating and crushing of the parts to be deformed, by injection or by calendering.
Il est apparu qu'en munissant l'intercalaire, sur une portion de l'une de ses faces, d'une couche adhésive de type repositionnable, il est possible d'assurer un positionnement sûr et facilement ajustable. Cette couche peut agir aussi sur les conditions d'interface entre l'anche et le bec. L'épaisseur et la surface peuvent donc être ajustées en conséquence. En général, toutefois, la couche ne couvre pas complètement l'intercalaire, de manière à pouvoir le décoller facilement. D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui va suivre, faite en regard du dessin annexé, dans lequel:It appeared that by providing the interlayer, on a portion of one of its faces, with an adhesive layer of repositionable type, it is possible to ensure a secure and easily adjustable positioning. This layer can also act on the interface conditions between the reed and the beak. The thickness and the surface can therefore be adjusted accordingly. In general, however, the layer does not completely cover the interlayer, so that it can be peeled off easily. Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawing, in which:
- les figures 1 et 2 montrent un embouchoir de clarinette selon l'invention respectivement vu en perspective et de son côté destiné à recevoir une anche, défini comme « dessus » dans la présente description,FIGS. 1 and 2 show a clarinet mouthpiece according to the invention respectively seen in perspective and on its side intended to receive a reed, defined as “above” in the present description,
- les figures 3 et 4 illustrent respectivement vus de dessus et de côté, différents types d'intercalaires susceptibles d'équiper l'embouchoir selon l'invention, - la figure 5 représente une vue de profil d'un bec de clarinette sans intercalaire. Elle illustre le système d'axes Ox et Oz défini lorsqu'une anche est assujettie sur la portion sensiblement plane de la table du bec, et- Figures 3 and 4 illustrate respectively seen from above and from the side, different types of dividers capable of equipping the mouthpiece according to the invention, - Figure 5 shows a profile view of a clarinet mouthpiece without interlayer. It illustrates the system of axes Ox and Oz defined when a reed is secured on the substantially flat portion of the table of the spout, and
- la figure 6 est un graphique qui montre comment se calcule un intercalaire mince.- Figure 6 is a graph showing how a thin tab is calculated.
Sur les figures 1 , 4 et 6, les échelles ne sont pas respectées. Plus précisément, les épaisseurs des intercalaires ont été fortement exagérées, de manière à ce que leur forme soit visible.In Figures 1, 4 and 6, the scales are not respected. More specifically, the thicknesses of the spacers have been greatly exaggerated, so that their shape is visible.
L'embouchoir représenté aux figures 1 et 2 est du type destiné à équiper une clarinette. Un modèle similaire peut être adapté à un saxophone ou à tout autre instrument à anche simple battante. Il comporte un bec 10, une anche 12 et une ligature qui n'a pas été représentée au dessin, pour rendre plus visibles les pièces intervenant dans l'invention. Comme on le constatera dans la description qui va suivre, ces éléments sont ceux qui équipent classiquement l'instrument, sans avoir subi de transformation, ni d'adaptation structurelle. L'embouchoir comprend, en outre, un intercalaire 14, disposé entre le bec 10 et l'anche 12, et dont la structure et la fonction seront précisées ci-après.The mouthpiece shown in Figures 1 and 2 is of the type intended to equip a clarinet. A similar model can be adapted to a saxophone or any other instrument with a single swing reed. It comprises a spout 10, a reed 12 and a ligature which has not been shown in the drawing, to make the parts involved in the invention more visible. As will be seen in the description which follows, these elements are those which conventionally equip the instrument, without having undergone any transformation or structural adaptation. The mouthpiece further comprises an insert 14, disposed between the spout 10 and the reed 12, and the structure and function of which will be specified below.
De manière classique, le bec 10 est réalisé en une seule pièce. Il présente une forme oblongue, avec une partie avant 16 destinée à être embouchée, et une partie arrière cylindrique, formant un tenon 18, et agencée pour être fixée au baril de la clarinette. La partie avant 16 est issue d'une forme sensiblement conique, tronqué par deux surfaces 20 et 22. La surface 20 forme une table, appelée ici originelle, comportant deux portions dont l'une 20a, sensiblement plane, est voisine du tenon 18, et l'autre 20b, incurvée, occupe l'avant du bec 10.Conventionally, the spout 10 is made in one piece. It has an oblong shape, with a front part 16 intended to be mouthed, and a cylindrical rear part, forming a tenon 18, and arranged to be fixed. the barrel of the clarinet. The front part 16 comes from a substantially conical shape, truncated by two surfaces 20 and 22. The surface 20 forms a table, called here original, comprising two portions, one of which 20a, substantially planar, is close to the tenon 18, and the other 20b, curved, occupies the front of the spout 10.
Le tenon 18 est de forme générale cylindrique et porte, à sa périphérie et dans un évidement concentrique ad hoc, un joint 24 en liège, destiné à assurer une liaison étanche avec le baril.The post 18 is of generally cylindrical shape and carries, at its periphery and in an ad hoc concentric recess, a seal 24 made of cork, intended to ensure a tight connection with the barrel.
La surface 22 constitue la partie du bec appelée mentonnière et forme, avec la surface 20, un angle aigu, qui définit la forme en sifflet de l'extrémité du bec, également nommée pointe du bec, dans sa partie devant être embouchée.The surface 22 constitutes the part of the beak called chin rest and forms, with the surface 20, an acute angle, which defines the whistle shape of the end of the beak, also called tip of the beak, in its part to be mouthed.
Le bec 10 est traversé par un canal, reliant la surface 20 à la partie centrale du tenon 18, et destiné à assurer le passage de l'air de la bouche vers le corps de l'instrument. Il est formé d'une chambre 26 - délimitée par une voûte 26a, une paroi opposée à la voûte et masquée sur le dessin, et deux parois latérales 26b - s'ouvrant dans la portion 20b pour définir la partie du bec habituellement appelée lumière, et d'une perce 27, de forme légèrement conique, concentrique au tenon, débouchant dans la chambre et se prolongeant dans le baril puis dans le tube de la clarinette, non représentés au dessin. La perce 27 délimite une colonne d'air mise en vibration sous l'effet des oscillations de l'anche et dont la fréquence définit le son émis.The spout 10 is crossed by a channel, connecting the surface 20 to the central part of the post 18, and intended to ensure the passage of air from the mouth to the body of the instrument. It is formed by a chamber 26 - delimited by a vault 26a, a wall opposite the vault and hidden in the drawing, and two side walls 26b - opening in the portion 20b to define the part of the beak usually called light, and a bore 27, of slightly conical shape, concentric with the tenon, opening into the chamber and extending into the barrel then into the tube of the clarinet, not shown in the drawing. The bore 27 delimits a column of air vibrated under the effect of the reed's oscillations and whose frequency defines the sound emitted.
L'anche 12 est constituée, de manière bien connue de l'homme du métier, d'une plaquette habituellement faite à partir d'une portion de roseau de l'espèce Arundo donax, présentant une face inférieure plane qui constitue une table 28, un talon 30, bombé du côté opposé à la table 28, qui sert d'appui à la ligature pour fixer l'anche 12 sur le bec 10, et d'un biseau 32, dont la structure amincie permet d'assurer sa mise en vibration. Sur la figure 1 , l'anche est représentée au-dessus du bec, de manière à laisser visible l'intercalaire 14. La table 28 a toutefois été marquée en pointillés dans sa position de travail, identifiée par la référence 28'.The reed 12 consists, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, of a plate usually made from a portion of reed of the Arundo donax species, having a flat underside which constitutes a table 28, a heel 30, curved on the side opposite to the table 28, which serves as a support for the ligature to fix the reed 12 on the spout 10, and a bevel 32, the thinned structure of which ensures its implementation vibration. In Figure 1, the reed is shown above the spout, so as to leave visible the tab 14. The table 28 has however been marked with dotted lines in its working position, identified by the reference 28 '.
L'intercalaire 14 est formé d'un film en matériau stable et suffisamment souple de manière à adhérer sans difficulté à la table du bec malgré de fortes oscillations de l'anche, par exemple en aluminium ou en matière plastique. Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 3 et 4, il comporte une partie arrière 34, formant le corps de l'intercalaire et permettant, selon sa forme, de modifier la distance et l'inclinaison de l'anche 12 en référence au bec 10, une partie avant 36 destinée à ajuster les caractéristiques de la courbure de la portion 20b, et une partie médiane 38 reliant les parties avant 36 et arrière 34. Cette partie médiane 38 est appelée à prolonger la partie avant 36 ou la partie arrière 34, suivant la position longitudinale de l'intercalaire sur le bec 10. La distinction entre ces trois parties 34, 36 et 38 est donc avant tout fonctionnelle et non exclusivement morphologique, et elle dépend de la courbure de la portion incurvée 20b de la table du bec utilisé. Les limites entre les parties 34, 36 et 38 indiquées sur les figures 3 et 4 sont donc approximatives, car ladite courbure n'est pas connue a priori.The interlayer 14 is formed of a film of stable material and sufficiently flexible so as to adhere without difficulty to the table of the spout despite strong oscillations of the reed, for example aluminum or plastic. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, it has a rear portion 34, forming the body of the interlayer and allowing, depending on its shape, to modify the distance and the inclination of the reed 12 with reference to the beak 10, a front part 36 intended to adjust the characteristics of the curvature of the portion 20b, and a middle part 38 connecting the front parts 36 and rear 34. This middle part 38 is called upon to extend the front part 36 or the rear part 34 , according to the longitudinal position of the interlayer on the spout 10. The distinction between these three parts 34, 36 and 38 is therefore above all functional and not exclusively morphological, and it depends on the curvature of the curved portion 20b of the table of the spout used. The limits between parts 34, 36 and 38 indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4 are therefore approximate, since said curvature is not known a priori.
Dans le mode de réalisation représenté aux figures 3 et 4, l'épaisseur de la partie arrière 34 est constante. La partie avant présente un chanfrein 40, mieux visible sur la figure 4, allant en s'amincissant vers l'extrémité du bec 10 ainsi que deux doigts 42 et 44 s'étendant chacun sur l'un des côtés de la chambre 26 et recouvrant partiellement l'extrémité des parois latérales 26b et définissant une découpe 46 permettant d'éviter que la chambre 26 ne soit obstruée, même si l'intercalaire 14 est disposé très en avant sur le bec 10. L'épaisseur du chanfrein à son extrémité libre doit être aussi faible que possible, généralement inférieure à 0,09 mm, avec un angle au sommet plus petit ou égal à 3°.In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the thickness of the rear part 34 is constant. The front part has a chamfer 40, better visible in FIG. 4, tapering towards the end of the spout 10 as well as two fingers 42 and 44 each extending on one of the sides of the chamber 26 and covering partially the end of the side walls 26b and defining a cutout 46 making it possible to prevent the chamber 26 from being obstructed, even if the interlayer 14 is placed very forward on the spout 10. The thickness of the chamfer at its free end should be as small as possible, usually less than 0.09 mm, with a vertex angle less than or equal to 3 °.
Jusqu'ici, l'anche était plaquée directement par sa table 28, contre la portion plane 20a de la table originelle. A cause de la forme incurvée de la portion 20b, les parties avant du bec 10 et de l'anche 12 sont espacées l'une de l'autre et forment une ouverture 48 débouchant dans la chambre 26 et permettant au clarinettiste de produire un son par battement de l'anche, en y insufflant de l'air. Relativement à l'anche, l'intercalaire 14, apposé sur la surface 20 et recouvrant partiellement la surface 20b, forme une nouvelle table, appelée ici virtuelle, ayant une autre courbure et/ou une autre longueur que la portion incurvée 20b, fonction de la forme de l'intercalaire 14.Until now, the reed was pressed directly by its table 28, against the flat portion 20a of the original table. Because of the curved shape of the portion 20b, the front parts of the spout 10 and the reed 12 are spaced from one another and form an opening 48 opening into the chamber 26 and allowing the clarinet player to produce a sound by beating the reed, by blowing air into it. Relative to the reed, the interlayer 14, affixed to the surface 20 and partially covering the surface 20b, forms a new table, here called virtual, having another curvature and / or another length than the curved portion 20b, function of the shape of the tab 14.
La qualité des sons émis dépend de nombreux paramètres, notamment du corps de l'instrument, mais aussi de l'anche 12 et de la manière dont celle-ci vibre sur le bec 10. Or, cette partie de l'instrument est très sensible à des différences infimes de sa structure ainsi qu'aux conditions environnantes, thermiques, hygrométriques et barométriques. Chaque fois qu'un clarinettiste se produit, il doit choisir une anche adaptée à l'œuvre à exécuter, à la tonalité de l'instrument utilisé et à l'environnement acoustique. Pour augmenter la probabilité de disposer d'une anche optimale, le clarinettiste doit en faire « mûrir » un grand nombre, ce qui est coûteux et fastidieux. De plus, la période de fonctionnement optimale de chaque anche est assez brève.The quality of the sounds emitted depends on many parameters, in particular the body of the instrument, but also the reed 12 and the way in which it vibrates on the mouthpiece 10. However, this part of the instrument is very sensitive to minute differences in its structure as well as to the surrounding, thermal, hygrometric and barometric conditions. Each time a clarinetist performs, he must choose a reed suited to the work to be performed, the tone of the instrument used and the acoustic environment. To increase the probability of having an optimal reed, the clarinet player has to “ripen” a large number of them, which is costly and tedious. In addition, the optimal operating period of each reed is quite short.
L'intercalaire 14 permet d'apporter une solution simple, économique et originale au problème évoqué ci-dessus, notamment parce qu'il s'adapte à tout type de bec, sans nécessiter de modification préalable. Une telle solution permet, en outre, à un enseignant de diriger son élève vers des techniques d'embouchure et de soutien plus adaptées, en développant sa flexibilité et sa sensibilité aux variations de la sonorité.The insert 14 makes it possible to provide a simple, economical and original solution to the problem mentioned above, in particular because it adapts to any type of spout, without requiring any prior modification. Such a solution also allows a teacher to direct his pupil towards more suitable mouthing and support techniques, by developing his flexibility and his sensitivity to variations in sound.
Comme cela sera précisé plus loin, la présence de cet intercalaire 14 modifie les conditions de liaison de l'anche 12 au bec 10, et ainsi, la qualité du son, fonction de la forme, de la position et du matériau constituant l'intercalaire 14. Plus précisément, il a été constaté que, pour une anche donnée, la qualité des sons générés dépend, entre autre, de :As will be specified below, the presence of this interlayer 14 modifies the conditions of connection of the reed 12 to the mouthpiece 10, and thus, the quality of the sound, depending on the shape, the position and the material constituting the interlayer. 14. More specifically, it has been observed that, for a given reed, the quality of the sounds generated depends, among other things, on:
- la dimension de l'ouverture comprise entre le bec et l'extrémité de l'anche,- the size of the opening between the spout and the end of the reed,
- la longueur, la courbure et l'asymétrie latérale de la portion incurvée de la table, - les conditions d'interface entre l'anche, et le bec (en_particulier l'élasticité, l'inertie ainsi que l'état de surface), et- the length, curvature and lateral asymmetry of the curved portion of the table, - the interface conditions between the reed, and the mouthpiece (in particular elasticity, inertia as well as the surface condition), and
- l'inclinaison de l'anche en référence à la voûte de la chambre.- the inclination of the reed in reference to the vault of the room.
Tous ces paramètres peuvent être ajustés par un choix adéquat de l'intercalaire, plus particulièrement de sa forme, de son état de surface, du matériau le constituant, et de son emplacement sur le bec 10. Son déplacement peut être important, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2, où l'intercalaire 14 a été représenté en position médiane, en trait plein, et en position reculée, en pointillés, le déplacement étant indiqué par une double flèche.All these parameters can be adjusted by an adequate choice of the interlayer, more particularly of its shape, of its surface condition, of the material constituting it, and of its location on the spout 10. Its displacement can be significant, as can be see it in Figure 2, where the insert 14 has been shown in the middle position, in solid lines, and in the retracted position, in dotted lines, the movement being indicated by a double arrow.
Les figures 3 et 4 représentent une gamme d'intercalaires, permettant d'assurer de tels ajustements, respectivement vus de dessus et de côté. Sur ces figures, les références n'ont été mises que sur une partie d'entre eux, afin d'éviter de surcharger le dessin. Ils présentent, vus de dessus, une forme générale rectangulaire. Ils pourraient tout aussi bien être de forme trapézoïdale, de manière à épouser au mieux la forme de la surface 20.Figures 3 and 4 show a range of dividers, allowing such adjustments, respectively seen from above and from the side. In these figures, the references have only been placed on part of them, in order to avoid overloading the drawing. When viewed from above, they have a generally rectangular shape. They could equally well be of trapezoidal shape, so as to best match the shape of the surface 20.
L'intercalaire 14 représenté en a est de forme rectangulaire, découpé dans un film d'épaisseur constante. Il est destiné à être interposé entre la portion plane 20a du bec et la table 28 de l'anche 12. Le matériau choisi définira les qualités d'interface, alors que l'épaisseur assurera l'ajustement de l'ouverture 48. Cet intercalaire peut aussi comporter un chanfrein, comme représenté sur la figure 4, vu de côté, en h ou en . Dans ce cas, il pourra légèrement déborder sur la portion incurvée 20b, suffisamment peu toutefois pour ne pas trop obstruer la chambre 26. Les intercalaires représentés en b, ç, d, e, et f permettent un fort engagement sur la portion incurvée 20b, grâce à la découpe 46 dont ils sont munis, définie par les doigts 42 et 44. Cette découpe 46 peut avoir plusieurs formes. Ainsi, elle est en demi-ellipse en b et trapézoïdale en ç. En d, on retrouve la forme trapézoïdale, complétée par une structure triangulaire. Les intercalaires représentés en e et f ne comportent que deux doigts 42 et 44 très courts, de sorte que la découpe 46 est petite.The interlayer 14 shown in a is rectangular in shape, cut from a film of constant thickness. It is intended to be interposed between the flat portion 20a of the spout and the table 28 of the reed 12. The material chosen will define the interface qualities, while the thickness will ensure the adjustment of the opening 48. This insert may also include a chamfer, as shown in FIG. 4, seen from the side, in h or in. In this case, it may slightly overflow onto the curved portion 20b, however little enough not to obstruct the chamber 26 too much. The spacers shown in b, ç, d, e, and f allow a strong engagement on the curved portion 20b, thanks to the cutout 46 with which they are provided, defined by the fingers 42 and 44. This cutout 46 can have several forms. Thus, it is in half-ellipse in b and trapezoidal in ç. In d, we find the trapezoidal shape, completed by a triangular structure. The dividers shown in e and f have only two fingers 42 and 44 very short, so that the cutout 46 is small.
L'intercalaire 14, représenté en perspective en g sur la figure 4, a une forme très simple avec des parties arrière 34 et médiane 38 d'épaisseur constante, alors que la partie avant 36 forme le chanfrein 40. Il peut être réalisé par superposition de feuilles minces, de quelques μm à quelques centièmes de millimètres d'épaisseur, par exemple en plastique thermo-adhésif, les feuilles étant fixées les unes aux autres par chauffage. Remarquons que la partie arrière de l'intercalaire peut être réalisée à l'aide de feuilles plus épaisses que les autres parties, comme celle-ci supporte le talon de l'anche dont l'oscillation lors de la production sonore est négligeable. L'intercalaire a avantageusement une épaisseur comprise entre 0,01 et 1mm.The interlayer 14, shown in perspective in g in FIG. 4, has a very simple shape with rear 34 and middle 38 parts of constant thickness, while the front part 36 forms the chamfer 40. It can be produced by superposition thin sheets, from a few μm to a few hundredths of a millimeter thick, for example made of thermo-adhesive plastic, the sheets being fixed to each other by heating. Note that the rear part of the interlayer can be made using thicker sheets than the other parts, as this one supports the heel of the reed whose oscillation during sound production is negligible. The interlayer advantageously has a thickness of between 0.01 and 1 mm.
Le mode de réalisation illustré en h est similaire à g. dans sa structure, le chanfrein 40 étant toutefois régulier et sans escalier. Une telle structure peut être réalisée au moyen d'une feuille en alliage d'aluminium, dont les bords seraient aplatis dans un laminoir. En i, l'angle du chanfrein 40 est plus grand qu'en h. La pratique montre que cet angle est avantageusement inférieur à 3°, typiquement de 0,1 à 0,3°.The embodiment illustrated in h is similar to g. in its structure, the chamfer 40 however being regular and without stairs. Such a structure can be produced by means of an aluminum alloy sheet, the edges of which would be flattened in a rolling mill. In i, the angle of the chamfer 40 is greater than in h. Practice shows that this angle is advantageously less than 3 °, typically 0.1 to 0.3 °.
Les modes de réalisation représentés en j, k et I sont munis d'une partie avant 36 bombée. La partie arrière 34 est inclinée vers sa partie libre en j, va en décroissant vers la partie médiane 38 en k, alors qu'en I, l'intercalaire représenté ne comporte pas de partie arrière. Ces dernières structures permettent, par le bombé de la partie avant 36, une réduction de la longueur de la portion incurvée de la table virtuelle du bec. Les conditions d'appui de l'anche 12 sur la portion 20a de la table du bec, et donc de l'ouverture 48, peuvent être modifiées en fonction de la structure de la partie arrière 34.The embodiments shown in j, k and I are provided with a curved front portion 36. The rear part 34 is inclined towards its free part in j, decreasing towards the middle part 38 in k, while in I, the interlayer shown does not have a rear part. These latter structures allow, by the bulging of the front part 36, a reduction in the length of the curved portion of the virtual table of the spout. The support conditions of the reed 12 on the portion 20a of the table of the spout, and therefore of the opening 48, can be modified as a function of the structure of the rear part 34.
L'intercalaire présenté en m comporte une partie arrière 34 épaisse et décroissant vers la partie médiane 38, modifiant ainsi considérablement les conditions d'appui de l'anche 12 sur la portion 20a de la table du bec 10. Sa partie avant 36, formant le chanfrein 40, présente une forme concave, qui ne modifie que faiblement la forme de la portion 20b dans sa partie avant, alors qu'elle modifie fortement sa partie voisine de la portion 20a. De la sorte, la longueur de la table virtuelle est augmentée.The interlayer presented in m has a thick rear part 34 which decreases towards the middle part 38, thus considerably modifying the support conditions of the reed 12 on the portion 20a of the table of the spout 10. Its front part 36, forming the chamfer 40, has a concave shape, which does not modifies only slightly the shape of the portion 20b in its front part, whereas it strongly modifies its part close to the portion 20a. In this way, the length of the virtual table is increased.
Il apparaît ainsi que, par l'adjonction d'un intercalaire entre l'anche et le bec d'un instrument à anche simple battante, il est possible de maîtriser de manière beaucoup plus efficace l'interaction entre l'anche et le bec, et ainsi tirer le meilleur profit des anches disponibles.It thus appears that, by the addition of a spacer between the reed and the mouthpiece of an instrument with a single swing reed, it is possible to control the interaction between the reed and the mouthpiece much more effectively, and thus make the most of the reeds available.
On peut aussi définir mathématiquement la forme des intercalaires, en modélisant le profil d'une majorité de tables originelles de becs que l'on trouve dans le commerce. Celles-ci ont, en effet, une forme qui correspond avec une précision de plus ou moins deux centièmes de millimètres à une fonction continue fr définie par morceaux :We can also mathematically define the shape of the spacers, by modeling the profile of a majority of original tables of spouts found in trade. These have, in fact, a shape which corresponds with a precision of plus or minus two hundredths of a millimeter to a continuous function f r defined by pieces:
où p. a etp 6 sont deux polynômes du quatrième degré : where p. a and p 6 are two fourth degree polynomials:
pr a : x \→ ar 0 + ar .x + ar 2x2 - a, ^ + arAx4 pr b : x ι→ br 0 + br x + br 2x2 + b 3x3 + br 4x4 p ra : x \ → a r 0 + a r .x + a r 2 x 2 - a, ^ + a rA x 4 p rb : x ι → b r 0 + b r x + b r 2 x 2 + b 3 x 3 + b r 4 x 4
les coefficients ar,o> a r ari> et ©tant des constantes réelles.the coefficients a r , o> a r a ri> and © being real constants.
Comme fr est continue, nous avons : ρr<β(kr) = pr b(kr) L'axe longitudinal Ox se définit comme étant la droite d'intersection entre le plan de la table d'une anche 12 assujettie à la table originelle et le plan de symétrie du bec. L'origine du système d'axes se trouve sur l'axe Ox à l'extrémité effilée de l'anche. Cette dernière est centrée latéralement et disposée de telle sorte que la pointe du bec ait également pour abscisse 0. L'axe latéral Oy perpendiculaire à l'axe Ox, est dans le plan de la table de l'anche, alors que l'axe Oz est perpendiculaire à ce dernier plan (Figure 5). fr(x) définit l'ordonnée en z d'un point d'abscisse x de la table originelle d.u bec.As f r is continuous, we have: ρ r <β (k r ) = p rb (k r ) The longitudinal axis Ox is defined as being the line of intersection between the plane of the table of a reed 12 subject at the original table and the plane of symmetry of the beak. The origin of the axis system is on the Ox axis at the tapered end of the reed. The latter is centered laterally and arranged so that the tip of the beak also has the abscissa 0. The lateral axis Oy perpendicular to the axis Ox, is in the plane of the reed table, while the axis Oz is perpendicular to this latter plane (Figure 5). f r (x) defines the ordinate in z of a point of abscissa x of the original table of the beak.
La constante kr constitue la limite entre la portion incurvée 20b et la portion sensiblement plane 20a d'une table référencée par cette fonction. Si cette dernière portion était parfaitement plane, nous aurions donc br.o ° • En réalité, elle est généralement très légèrement concave.The constant k r constitutes the limit between the curved portion 20b and the substantially planar portion 20a of a table referenced by this function. If this last portion was perfectly flat, then we would have br.o ° • In reality, it is generally very slightly concave.
De manière similaire à ff , nous définirons une fonction fv correspondant à une table virtuelle d'un bec auquel on a apposé un intercalaire :In a similar way to f f , we will define a function f v corresponding to a virtual table of a spout to which a interlayer has been affixed:
r. : *-→H [Pv,*(I!) s siin"o≤nK r. : * - → H [P v, * ( I !) S s i in "o ≤ n K
où pvo etpv6 sont deux polynômes du quatrième degré: pva : x i→ av 0 + av lx + av 2x2 + av 3xy + avAx4 where p vo and p v6 are two polynomials of the fourth degree: p va : xi → a v 0 + a vl x + a v 2 x 2 + a v 3 x y + a vA x 4
Pv.i : x >→ ^v,o + K,x + .2χ2 + >χ3 + AX* les coefficients av 0, av , av 2. av 3,av 4,bvfi>bv l,bv 2,bv 3,bv 4 et kv étant des constantes réelles.Pv.i : x > → ^ v, o + K, x + .2 χ2 +> χ3 + A X * the coefficients a v 0 , a v , a v 2 . a v 3 , a v 4 , b vfi> b vl , b v 2 , b v 3 , b v 4 and k v being real constants.
Comme fv est continue, nous avons : pv,a(kv) = pvj,(kv)Since f v is continuous, we have: p v, a (k v ) = p vj , (k v )
L'axe Ox' se définit comme étant la droite d'intersection entre le plan de la table 28 d'une anche assujettie à la table virtuelle et le plan de symétrie du bec. L'origine de ce nouveau système d'axes se trouve sur l'axe Ox', à l'extrémité effilée de l'anche. Cette dernière est centrée latéralement et disposée de telle sorte que la pointe du bec ait également pour abscisse 0. L'axe Oy', perpendiculaire à l'axe Ox', est dans le plan de la table de l'anche, alors que l'axe Oz' est perpendiculaire à ce dernier plan. fy(x') définit l'ordonnée z d'un point d'abscisse x' de la table virtuelle du bec. Les deux systèmes d'axes définis sont donc légèrement décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre. L'angle des deux axes étant très petit , nous considérerons qu'un point d'abscisse a la même abscisse par rapport aux deux axes. Remarquons, d'autre part, que l'anche en vibration peut se mouvoir au-delà de sa position de repos ; pVι(l(χ) peut donc présenter un maximum pour une abscisse x, légèrement inférieure à kv de manière à gouverner l'anche également dans cette partie de son oscillation, comme on peut le constater sur la figure 6.The axis Ox 'is defined as being the line of intersection between the plane of the table 28 of a reed subject to the virtual table and the plane of symmetry of the spout. The origin of this new axis system is on the Ox 'axis, at the tapered end of the reed. The latter is centered laterally and arranged so that the tip of the beak also has the abscissa 0. The axis Oy ', perpendicular to the axis Ox', is in the plane of the reed table, while the 'Oz axis' is perpendicular to this last plane. f y (x ') defines the ordinate z of a point of abscissa x' of the virtual table of the beak. The two defined axis systems are therefore slightly offset from each other. The angle of the two axes being very small, we will consider that a point of abscissa has the same abscissa compared to the two axes. Note, on the other hand, that the vibrating reed can move beyond its rest position; p Vι (l (χ) can therefore have a maximum for an abscissa x, slightly less than k v so as to govern the reed also in this part of its oscillation, as can be seen in FIG. 6.
Les intercalaires permettent d'obtenir virtuellement, à partir d'une table originelle donnée, une grande variété de formes de table en donnant des valeurs adéquates aux coefficients αv 0, αVιl , av 2, αv 3, av , bv 0, bv l , bv 2, bv 3, bv et kv .The dividers make it possible to obtain virtually, from a given original table, a large variety of table shapes by giving adequate values to the coefficients α v 0 , α Vιl , a v 2 , α v 3 , a v , b v 0 , b vl , b v 2 , b v 3 , b v and k v .
Dans la pratique, les corrections utiles étant modestes et la différence angulaire de l'anche en référence à la voûte du bec induite par la présence de l'intercalaire étant faible, on peut déduire directement l'épaisseur de l'intercalaire en soustrayant une fonction de l'autre puis en ajoutant une fonction affine d (droite) : d : Ï H d0 + dtxIn practice, the useful corrections being modest and the angular difference of the reed in reference to the arch of the beak induced by the presence of the interlayer being small, we can directly deduce the thickness of the interlayer by subtracting a function on the other then by adding an affine function d (right): d: Ï H d 0 + d t x
choisie de telle manière que la fonction s représentant son épaisseur s = fv- fr+ d soit toujours positive sur toute la longueur de la table et qu'elle tende vers zéro à la pointe du bec (plus ou moins une tolérance de l'ordre du centième de millimètre). Ces opérations sont illustrées graphiquement à la figure 6. Plus précisément, les fonctions f. , f„ , d et s ainsi que les abscisses des constantes kret kv sont représentées. On remarquera que la droite d coïncide avec l'axe Ox' lorsqu'on superpose l'intercalaire représenté par s sur la table originelle du bec représentée par fr . On peut constater que la table virtuelle fv par rapport à une anche posée sur l'axe Ox est bien équivalente à la table originelle plus l'intercalaire (f. + s) lorsqu'on pose une anche sur l'axe Ox' (en tenant dûment compte du fait que l'échelle de l'axe Oz est fortement agrandie, en l'occurrence de l'ordre de trente fois).chosen in such a way that the function s representing its thickness s = f v - f r + d is always positive over the entire length of the table and that it tends towards zero at the tip of the spout (more or less a tolerance of l 'order of a hundredth of a millimeter). These operations are illustrated graphically in FIG. 6. More specifically, the functions f. , f „, d and s as well as the abscissas of the constants k r and k v are represented. It will be noted that the line d coincides with the axis Ox 'when the interlayer represented by s is superimposed on the original table of the spout represented by f r . We can see that the virtual table f v with respect to a reed placed on the Ox axis is indeed equivalent to the original table plus the interlayer (f. + S) when we place a reed on the Ox 'axis ( taking due account of the fact that the scale of the Oz axis is greatly enlarged, in this case of the order of thirty times).
Résumons ce qui précède en tenant compte des propriétés mathématiques des polynômes : habituellement, l'épaisseur longitudinale de l'intercalaire suit sensiblement une fonction continue- définie par morceaux, au moyen de trois polynômes du quatrième degré, délimités par les constantes kr et kv , ainsi que par l'épaisseur minimale et la longueur maximale que l'on souhaite lui donner. A l'extérieur de ces deux dernières bornes, l'épaisseur de l'intercalaire est nulle. Généralement, l'épaisseur est latéralement constante, à moins que l'on désire lui conférer une asymétrie latérale.Let us summarize the above taking into account the mathematical properties of polynomials: usually, the longitudinal thickness of the interlayer follows substantially a continuous function - defined by pieces, by means of three fourth-degree polynomials, delimited by the constants k r and k v , as well as by the minimum thickness and the maximum length that one wishes to give it. Outside these last two limits, the thickness of the interlayer is zero. Generally, the thickness is laterally constant, unless it is desired to give it lateral asymmetry.
On relèvera que tous les modes de réalisations illustrés à la figure 4 répondent à la définition du paragraphe précédent, y compris l'intercalaire présenté en g pour autant que les feuilles qui le constituent soient suffisamment minces.It will be noted that all of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4 meet the definition of the preceding paragraph, including the interlayer presented in g provided that the sheets which constitute it are sufficiently thin.
Pour mémoire, mentionnons que la prédiction du comportement d'une table de bec de fonction f donnée est difficile, tant du point de vue technique que musical. Elle devient un peu plus commode lorsqu'on effectue au préalable une transformation mathématique permettant de calculer la distance g(x) parcourue par l'extrémité amincie d'une anche entre sa position de repos et celle qu'elle aurait en épousant parfaitement la courbure de la table jusqu'à un point d'abscisse x . La table de l'anche se prolonge ensuite selon la tangente à ce point, de manière parfaitement rectiligne jusqu'à l'abscisse 0.As a reminder, it should be noted that predicting the behavior of a spout table with a given function f is difficult, both from a technical and musical point of view. It becomes a little more convenient when you carry out a mathematical transformation beforehand to calculate the distance g (x) traveled by the thinned end of a reed between its rest position and that which it would have by perfectly matching the curvature. from the table to a point of abscissa x. The reed table then extends along the tangent at this point, in a perfectly straight line up to abscissa 0.
Ceci se traduit mathématiquement par l'équation différentielle suivante:This translates mathematically into the following differential equation:
x) s. z x) s . z
X où f'est la dérivée première de la fonction f. En admettant que la fonction g est un polynôme du quatrième degré, g : x i→ c0 + c.x + c2x2 + C3JC3 + c4x4 l'équation différentielle peut être résolue; on obtient : π» = c0 - c, ln( ) - c2 2 — c3x3 --c4x4 - fixX where f is the first derivative of the function f. Assuming that the function g is a polynomial of the fourth degree, g: xi → c 0 + cx + c 2 x 2 + C 3 JC 3 + c 4 x 4 the differential equation can be solved; we obtain: π ”= c 0 - c, ln () - c 2 2 - c 3 x 3 --c 4 x 4 - fix
où la constante d'intégration h vaut : where the integration constant h is:
χ0 étant un zéro réel de la fonction g de manière à ce queχ 0 being a real zero of the function g so that
g(x0) = f(xo) = 0.g (x 0 ) = f (x o ) = 0.
Le volume d'air v déplacé par l'anche entre la position g(0) et la position g( ) de son extrémité amincie peut se calculer par la fonction :The volume of air v displaced by the reed between position g (0) and position g () of its thinned end can be calculated by the function:
1 2 1 j 3 4 2 s v : x h→ — c.x + -c,x +-c,x +— cΛx 4 ' 3 8 3 51 2 1 j 3 4 2 s v: xh → - cx + -c, x + -c, x + - c Λ x 4 '3 8 3 5
Des essais empiriques nous ont montré qu'il est possible de négliger le coefficient c, , ce qui implique alors que f est un polynôme du quatrième degré et que g'(0) = 0.Empirical tests have shown us that it is possible to neglect the coefficient c,, which then implies that f is a polynomial of the fourth degree and that g '(0) = 0.
A l'aide des équations ci-dessus et de la forme de l'anche, un ingénieur des matériaux peut estimer les contraintes que subit l'anche lors de la production sonore. Il est donc possible de créer une gamme d'intercalaires permettant de gérer à volonté l'intensité et l'emplacement des contraintes que l'on veut faire subir à l'anche de manière à optimiser sa longévité. Empiriquement, nous avons constaté que celle-ci peut être sérieusement prolongée en commençant par exploiter le potentiel élastique d'une anche neuve là où elle est très épaisse, à l'aide d'une table de bec réunissant les caractéristiques suivantes : faible ouverture, grande longueur et faible courbure. Au fur et à mesure de l'assouplissement de l'anche, il est possible de solliciter plus fortement les zones où l'anche est plus mince en augmentant l'ouverture et la courbure tout en diminuant la longueur. A l'aide d'un bec traditionnel sans utiliser d'intercalaire, l'instrumentiste serait obligé de comprimer l'anche à l'aide des lèvres et d'exploiter de ce fait une zone de l'anche moins épaisse. Une fois cette zone affaiblie, il n'est plus possible de tirer parti des zones plus épaisses avec un résultat musicalement satisfaisant, ce qui diminue notablement la longévité de l'anche. Pour utiliser l'intercalaire et afin de faciliter sa mise en place tout en permettant son déplacement, sa face destinée à être mise en contact avec la table du bec 10 est avantageusement revêtue d'une couche de colle de type repositionnable telle que celles commercialisées par la maison 3M® (USA). Cette couche de matériau relativement mou modifie les conditions d'interface entre l'anche 12 et le bec 10, c'est pourquoi il peut être avantageux qu'elle ne soit appliquée que sur une faible portion de la longueur de l'intercalaire, choisie en fonction du but recherché. Dans tous les cas, il est préférable qu'elle ne couvre pas totalement la surface de l'intercalaire, afin de faciliter son décollement.Using the above equations and the shape of the reed, a materials engineer can estimate the stresses experienced by the reed during sound production. It is therefore possible to create a range of spacers allowing to manage at will the intensity and the location of the stresses that one wants to subject to the reed so as to optimize its longevity. Empirically, we have found that it can be seriously prolonged by first exploiting the elastic potential of a new reed where it is very thick, using a spout table with the following characteristics: small opening, great length and low curvature. As the reed is softened, it is possible to apply greater pressure to the areas where the reed is thinner by increasing the opening and the curvature while decreasing the length. Using a traditional spout without using a spacer, the instrumentalist would be forced to compress the reed using the lips and thereby exploit a thinner area of the reed. Once this zone is weakened, it is no longer possible to take advantage of the thicker zones with a musically satisfactory result, which notably reduces the longevity of the reed. To use the interlayer and in order to facilitate its positioning while allowing its displacement, its face intended to be brought into contact with the table of the spout 10 is advantageously coated with a layer of adhesive of repositionable type such as those sold by 3M ® (USA). This layer of relatively soft material modifies the interface conditions between the reed 12 and the spout 10, this is why it may be advantageous for it to be applied only over a small portion of the length of the interlayer, chosen depending on the goal. In all cases, it is preferable that it does not completely cover the surface of the interlayer, in order to facilitate its detachment.
Il est évident que les modes de réalisation donnés ici ne représentent qu'un exemple des solutions possibles. D'autres matériaux pourraient ainsi être mis en œuvre, choisis pour leur rigidité, leur élasticité ou leur aptitude à amortir une vibration, ainsi que pour leur facilité de mise en œuvre. II est également possible de prévoir d'autres formes d'intercalaires, tant au niveau de sa partie avant 36, de sa partie arrière 34 que de sa partie médiane 38. Il est ainsi possible d'avoir une épaisseur variant latéralement, de telle sorte que l'intercalaire soit plus épais sur les bords, ou au contraire plus mince, ou encore présentant une dissymétrie latérale, de manière à ce que les courbures de la table virtuelle ne soient pas les mêmes de part et d'autre de la chambre 26. Une telle disposition permet de corriger l'effet de dissymétrie de la bouche du clarinettiste, ainsi que celle de l'anche, et un contrôle plus progressif de la puissance sonore.It is obvious that the embodiments given here represent only one example of the possible solutions. Other materials could thus be used, chosen for their rigidity, their elasticity or their ability to absorb vibration, as well as for their ease of use. It is also possible to provide other forms of spacers, both at its front part 36, its rear part 34 and its median part 38. It is thus possible to have a thickness varying laterally, so that the interlayer is thicker on the edges, or on the contrary thinner, or else having a lateral asymmetry, so that the curvatures of the virtual table are not the same on both sides of the chamber 26 Such an arrangement makes it possible to correct the dissymmetry effect of the clarinetist's mouth, as well as that of the reed, and a more progressive control of the sound power.
Afin d'améliorer leur assujettissement au bec 10, il est aussi possible de réaliser des intercalaires munis de moyens de positionnement latéral, réalisés par un pliage de sa partie avant 36, s'engageant dans la chambre 26 et/ou épousant la forme de l'extérieur du bec 10.In order to improve their subjection to the spout 10, it is also possible to produce spacers provided with lateral positioning means, produced by folding its front part 36, engaging in the chamber 26 and / or conforming to the shape of the outside the spout 10.
La solution décrite en référence à un embouchoir pour clarinette est, bien sûr, également applicable aux autres instruments à anche simple battante, notamment au saxophone. Les dimensions des intercalaires seront alors adaptées à celle de l'instrument.The solution described with reference to a mouthpiece for clarinet is, of course, also applicable to other instruments with a single swing reed, especially on the saxophone. The dimensions of the spacers will then be adapted to that of the instrument.
Il est aussi possible de placer plusieurs intercalaires, superposés ou juxtaposés, pour obtenir l'effet souhaité. Généralement, l'intercalaire 14 est apposé sur la table du bec 10. Il peut toutefois aussi être imaginable de l'appliquer sur la table 28 de l'anche 12.It is also possible to place several dividers, superimposed or juxtaposed, to obtain the desired effect. Generally, the interlayer 14 is affixed to the table of the spout 10. It may however also be imaginable to apply it to the table 28 of the reed 12.
Afin de faciliter le réglage de la position de l'intercalaire, il est avantageux de le munir d'un index ou d'une graduation référençant sa position longitudinale que l'instrumentiste devra faire coïncider avec une marque sur le bec, comme par exemple, le premier anneau de centrage de la ligature. In order to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the interlayer, it is advantageous to provide it with an index or a graduation referencing its longitudinal position which the instrumentalist must make coincide with a mark on the spout, such as for example, the first centering ring of the ligature.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Embouchoir pour instrument à anche, comportant :1. Mouthpiece for reed instrument, comprising:
- un bec (10) muni - d'une chambre (26), comprenant une voûte (26a), une paroi opposée à la voûte et deux parois latérales (26b), et d'une perce (27), destinées à permettre l'écoulement de l'air et la circulation des ondes sonores vers le tube de l'instrument, et- a spout (10) provided with - a chamber (26), comprising a vault (26a), a wall opposite the vault and two side walls (26b), and a bore (27), intended to allow the air flow and circulation of sound waves to the instrument tube, and
- d'une première table, originelle, comprenant une portion incurvée (20b), disposée latéralement de part et d'autre de la chambre (26) et formant l'extrémité desdites parois (26b), et une portion sensiblement plane (20a) disposée au-dessus de la chambre (26) et de la perce (27), dans le prolongement de la portion incurvée (20b), - une anche (12) comportant :- a first table, original, comprising a curved portion (20b), arranged laterally on either side of the chamber (26) and forming the end of said walls (26b), and a substantially flat portion (20a) disposed above the chamber (26) and the bore (27), in the extension of the curved portion (20b), - a reed (12) comprising:
- un talon (30), destiné à être fixé au bec,- a heel (30), intended to be fixed to the spout,
- un biseau (32) destiné à vibrer, et- a bevel (32) intended to vibrate, and
- une deuxième table (28), s'étendant sur toute sa longueur et formant l'une des faces du talon (30) et du biseau (32), agencée pour prendre appui, par la partie de sa table (28) associée au talon (30) contre la portion plane (20a) de la première table, et- A second table (28), extending over its entire length and forming one of the faces of the heel (30) and the bevel (32), arranged to bear, by the part of its table (28) associated with the heel (30) against the flat portion (20a) of the first table, and
- une ligature, pour assurer l'assemblage de l'anche (12) sur le bec (10), dans lequel le bec (10) et l'anche (12) définissent entre eux une ouverture (48) destinée à laisser pénétrer l'air, pour engendrer des vibrations sonores, et qui s'écoule ensuite dans la chambre (26) et la perce (27) selon une direction générale dite longitudinale, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, en outre, présent lors de la production sonore, un intercalaire (14) amovible se présentant sous la forme d'un patch, enserré entre les tables du bec (20) et de l'anche (28), et agencé de manière à définir, avec la première table; une troisième table, virtuelle, fonction des formes de la première table (20) et de l'intercalaire (14), et de la position dudit intercalaire (14) sur la première table (20). - A ligature, to ensure the assembly of the reed (12) on the spout (10), in which the spout (10) and the reed (12) define between them an opening (48) intended to allow the l air, to generate sound vibrations, and which then flows into the chamber (26) and pierces it (27) in a general direction known as longitudinal, characterized in that it comprises, moreover, present during production sound, a removable insert (14) in the form of a patch, sandwiched between the tables of the spout (20) and the reed (28), and arranged so as to define, with the first table; a third table, virtual, depending on the shapes of the first table (20) and of the interlayer (14), and of the position of said interlayer (14) on the first table (20).
2. Embouchoir selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit intercalaire (14) couvre une partie de ladite portion incurvée (20b).2. Mouthpiece according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert (14) covers part of said curved portion (20b).
3. Intercalaire (14), destiné à être enserré entre l'anche (12) et le bec (10) d'un embouchoir selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il présente un chanfrein (40) à l'une au moins de ses extrémités destinée à être disposée en regard du biseau (32) de l'anche (12).3. spacer (14), intended to be clamped between the reed (12) and the spout (10) of a mouthpiece according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it has a chamfer (40) at least at one of its ends intended to be disposed opposite the bevel (32) of the reed (12).
4. Intercalaire selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que son épaisseur est variable selon la cote longitudinale, suivant sensiblement une fonction continue définie par morceaux, lesdits morceaux au nombre de trois étant chacun formés d'un polynôme du quatrième degré, dont l'un, présente sur une longueur de plus de 2 millimètres, au moins deux coefficients non nuls.4. A spacer according to claim 3, characterized in that its thickness is variable along the longitudinal dimension, substantially following a continuous function defined by pieces, said pieces of which there are three each being formed by a polynomial of the fourth degree, the one, present over a length of more than 2 millimeters, at least two non-zero coefficients.
5. Intercalaire selon l'une des revendications 3 et 4, caractérisé en ce que l'épaisseur de l'extrémité dudit chanfrein est inférieure à 0.09 millimètre.5. A spacer according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the thickness of the end of said chamfer is less than 0.09 millimeter.
6. Intercalaire selon l'une des revendications 3 à 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit film est formé d'une superposition de feuilles minces fixées les unes aux autres, le nombre de feuilles superposées allant décroissant pour former ledit chanfrein (40). 6. An interlayer according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said film is formed of a superposition of thin sheets fixed to each other, the number of superimposed sheets decreasing to form said chamfer (40).
7. Intercalaire selon l'une des revendications 3 à 6, caractérisé en ce que l'angle au sommet dudit chanfrein (40) est inférieur à 3°.7. A spacer according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the angle at the top of said chamfer (40) is less than 3 °.
8. Intercalaire selon l'une des revendications 3 à 7, caractérisé en ce que son extrémité (36) comportant ledit chanfrein (40) est munie d'une découpe (46) pratiquée dans toute son épaisseur et disposée latéralement dans sa partie médiane. 8. A spacer according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that its end (36) comprising said chamfer (40) is provided with a cutout (46) formed throughout its thickness and disposed laterally in its middle part.
9. Intercalaire selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ladite découpe (46), destinée à mieux dégager l'accès à la chambre (26), est définie par deux doigts (42, 44) disposés de manière à prendre appui sur ladite portion incurvée (20b). 9. A spacer according to claim 8, characterized in that said cutout (46), intended to better clear access to the chamber (26), is defined by two fingers (42, 44) arranged so as to bear on said curved portion (20b).
10. Intercalaire selon l'une des revendications 3 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il est formé d'un matériau susceptible d'être travaillé par déformation plastique.10. An interlayer according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that it is formed of a material capable of being worked by plastic deformation.
11. Intercalaire selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau est un alliage d'aluminium. 11. A spacer according to claim 10, characterized in that said material is an aluminum alloy.
12. Intercalaire selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau est une matière plastique.12. A spacer according to claim 10, characterized in that said material is a plastic.
13. Intercalaire selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que ladite matière est de type thermoformable.13. The interlayer according to claim 12, characterized in that said material is of the thermoformable type.
14. Intercalaire selon l'une des revendications 3 à 13, caractérisé en ce qu'une partie au moins de sa surface destinée à être en contact avec l'anche (12) et/ou le bec (10) est munie d'une couche adhésive de type repositionnable. 14. A spacer according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that at least part of its surface intended to be in contact with the reed (12) and / or the spout (10) is provided with a repositionable type adhesive layer.
EP02782629A 2001-12-31 2002-12-23 Lip element for instrument with flapping reed Withdrawn EP1461803A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02782629A EP1461803A1 (en) 2001-12-31 2002-12-23 Lip element for instrument with flapping reed

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01811275A EP1324310A1 (en) 2001-12-31 2001-12-31 Mouthpiece for a musical instrument with a reed
EP01811275 2001-12-31
EP02782629A EP1461803A1 (en) 2001-12-31 2002-12-23 Lip element for instrument with flapping reed
PCT/CH2002/000720 WO2003056543A1 (en) 2001-12-31 2002-12-23 Lip element for instrument with flapping reed

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1461803A1 true EP1461803A1 (en) 2004-09-29

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EP01811275A Withdrawn EP1324310A1 (en) 2001-12-31 2001-12-31 Mouthpiece for a musical instrument with a reed
EP02782629A Withdrawn EP1461803A1 (en) 2001-12-31 2002-12-23 Lip element for instrument with flapping reed

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EP (2) EP1324310A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2005513578A (en)
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WO (1) WO2003056543A1 (en)

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US7384323B2 (en) * 2003-12-31 2008-06-10 Sceery Edward J Sound producing device
JP2006113141A (en) * 2004-10-12 2006-04-27 Toshio Shinohara Air flow adjusting tool
US8283541B2 (en) * 2008-03-03 2012-10-09 Philip Lee Rovner Ligature for woodwind instruments
US8586845B2 (en) 2008-03-03 2013-11-19 Philip Lee Rovner Reed warp mouthpiece system
US7626105B2 (en) * 2008-03-03 2009-12-01 Philip Lee Rovner High-performance mouthpiece for woodwind instruments
AT507515B1 (en) * 2008-10-31 2010-08-15 Nick Neue Intelligente Compute MOUTHPIECE FOR PIPE BLADE INSTRUMENTS
DE102008056585A1 (en) * 2008-11-10 2010-05-12 Harry Hartmann Sound-generating reed for wind instruments, particularly for saxophones, clarinets or oboes and bassoon, is fastened to wind instrument by mouthpiece in detached manner, where sound-generating reed is vibrated by musician
US8410344B2 (en) 2010-12-17 2013-04-02 Philip Lee Rovner Mouthpiece for woodwind instruments with venturi aperture
KR101151231B1 (en) * 2011-03-10 2012-06-14 구경환 Reed for a saxophone
US8841529B2 (en) 2012-11-21 2014-09-23 Philip Lee Rovner Clarinet mouthpiece and barrel system
KR200473389Y1 (en) * 2013-06-11 2014-07-02 권석순 Saxophone reed
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KR101722684B1 (en) * 2016-10-06 2017-04-05 김두한 mouthpiece reed for wind instruments
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US20050087057A1 (en) 2005-04-28
US6921853B2 (en) 2005-07-26
JP2005513578A (en) 2005-05-12
AU2002347127A1 (en) 2003-07-15
WO2003056543A1 (en) 2003-07-10
EP1324310A1 (en) 2003-07-02

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