Pitch Center of Instruments

In the same way that players and mouthpieces have pitch centers, so do instruments. In order to isolate and distinguish the pitch center of the instrument from the inconsistent pitch center of conventional mouthpieces, we will limit the discussion of the pitch center of instruments to instruments that are being used only with Monette constant-pitch-center mouthpieces. This means that the inherent variations in conventional mouthpiece pitch center can be eliminated as an issue, allowing the instrument’s pitch center to be more objectively determined.

On quality instruments, the pitch center is usually close enough to optimum to be acceptable. Other instruments may have a pitch center that is either quite “high” or quite “low,” depending on how the instrument was designed and built. When the pitch center of an instrument is low, the sound of the instrument will be dark and dull, and the pitch will drop as you play from soft to loud if you do not adjust in your body to compensate. When the pitch center of an instrument is high, the sound of the instrument will be bright and thin, and the pitch will go up as you play from soft to loud, if you do not compensate. When using a Monette mouthpiece made for the given key of instrument being played, whatever pitch deflection is noticed in the instrument will at least be consistent on the open instrument through the register.

We believe that finding an instrument with a pitch center that is as close to optimum as possible is usually the most important consideration in selecting a store-bought instrument, simply because of the wide variation in pitch center found in mass-produced instruments.

Pitch center is something that must be play-tested on each individual instrument. The more inconsistent the pitch center of the instrument, the harder the instrument will be to play, and the less consistent a player will sound and feel in performance.

It is also invariably the case that the pitch center of an instrument will change from the open horn to the valve combinations. This is the result of instruments being made without an awareness of the common problems of inconsistency in pitch center, or when there is no knowledge of what to change or adjust in the design or assembly of the instrument to correct the problems.

The Difference between Pitch and Pitch Center in Instruments

Many times a player is convinced that the actual physical length of a certain instrument, or a certain valve slide, is either too long or too short. Often, in fact, it is the pitch center of the instrument, valve, or valve slide that is too low or too high.

Changing the length of the instrument or valve slide will change the pitch heard when playing, but the physical work performed on the instrument (cutting tubing, resoldering and aligning the slide, etc.) will invariably change the pitch center as well, sometimes improving it, sometimes making matters even worse! Changing the length of the instrument or slide may or may not correct the pitch center problem that caused the player to perform the alteration in the first place.

Monette instruments are always individually play-tested and adjusted for true, optimum pitch center, both in the “open” instrument and throughout the valve combinations.

Demonstration: How to Check Pitch Center in an Instrument

One can check any instrument quickly for pitch center, quality, and consistency. Play an open G in the staff very softly. Stop, and then play the same note very loudly. If the pitch, timbre and resistance stay about the same from soft to loud, you have a good start at finding an instrument with consistent, optimum pitch center, at least in the “open” horn. If the pitch goes down, the pitch center of the instrument is low, and the timbre will become dull and “flat”as you play louder. If the pitch goes up, the pitch center is high, and the timbre will get brighter and sound “sharp” as you play louder. (Please note that many players who are capable of playing in tune with themselves will automatically adjust without being aware of it as they play from soft to loud. The faster you change dynamic levels, the more you will probably be aware of inconsistencies in the pitch center in an instrument, because playing faster gives you less time to consciously or subconsciously adjust.)

Next, try playing the same G in the staff from soft to loud to remind yourself of the pitch center shift, and then immediately put the second valve down and observe the difference between this and the open horn. You will usually notice that the pitch, timbre, and resistance will change relative to the open instrument.

Then, play the same G in the staff, and then immediately put the first valve down and observe the difference between this and the open instrument.

Finally, start with the open G in the staff for reference, and then test the third valve in the same manner as the first two.

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