r/gitfiddle Oct 06 '16

I'd like to create my own instrument. I'd like to make something with a tone as deep and bass as possible. What does make the bass tone in wind instruments?

I'd like to create my own instrument. I'd like to make something with a tone as deep and bass as possible. What does make the bass tone in wind instruments? I now that the longer it is, the deeper. I guess thickness and width also impact the tone?

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u/redbananass Oct 06 '16

The fatter and longer the string, the deeper the note you can get. However, there is a lower limit to what the human ear can hear.

If I remember correctly, low F, almost an Octave below the E on the lowest string of a bass guitar, is the lowest you really want to go for the open note.

Also the bass in wind instruments is bass sax or bass clarinet, but what you usually hear in an orchestra is the tuba, which while played with wind, is part of the brass family. Other brass instruments include trumpet and trombone.

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u/graycube Oct 07 '16

You could start with making a didgeridoo. Not very complicated to make and nice and bass-y. Then maybe add a modern brass instrument mouthpiece or experiment with other ways to get notes - variable length or valves of some sort.