Quality Musical Instrument Repair

Intonation Deficiencies of Wind Instruments by Donald Stauffer is available at Amazon.com

As the title implies, this book covers the general intonation tendencies of modern horns and explains why deficiencies exist. The explanations are given in layman's terms without complicated mathematical formulas but with logical explanations a musician can relate to. However, a good bit of music theory background is very helpful....especially a thorough knowledge of the overtone series.

Donald Stauffer first builds a base by explaining the different methods of tuning (just intonation, pythagorean tuning) and why equal temperament has been adopted as the standard.

He then gets into the meat of the matter and explains in detail why building wind instruments is a series of compromises. The reasons behind certain brass peculiarities are revealed. For instance:

1. Why are certain notes always flat or sharp on a trumpet
2. Why does the French horn require a more accurate embouchure set than all the other brass instruments
3. What effect on tuning do different sized and shaped mouthpieces have?
4. How and why the compensating fourth valve of a baritone/euphonium works

On the woodwind side of things, he explains the problems shared by all woodwinds and then concentrates on each individually. Such topics include:

1. How the size and placement of the tone hole affect tuning.
2. How the wall thickness and chimney heights affect tuning.
3. How an enlargement or constriction in the bore affects tuning.
4. Placement of tone holes with regards to nodal and anti-nodal points.
5. The inadequacies of a single register hole.
6. Modifying tone holes to effect tuning changes
7. How the mouthpiece lay plays a part in tuning

The last third of the book is spent putting all this information into practical use by applying it to performers, band directors, conductors, and ensemble playing.

In my opinion this book should be required reading in all college music curricula.

My only gripe is that saxophones are barely even mentioned in the book!!! :-(