Tonal considerations in the selection of wall materials for open labial organ pipes

Research into the tonal influence of the materials in which organ pipes are fabricated, far from clarifying the question, has contributed to the confusion. The results of experiments appear at variance with the practices of organ builders and the conclusions of different workers are often uncorroborative. Due to this, in literature aimed at musicians, the question of the tonal implications of materials is dealt with superficially and often reflects the prejudices of manufacture and players. This project aims to relate empirical understanding and analytical study, to demonstrate the tonal implications of Pipe-Metal - alloys of tin and lead - on organ pipe tone, and to investigate the possibilities of fabricating organ pipes in alternative materials. The work includes a survey of relevant literature about other wind instruments as well as the organ, from which aspects of the controversy which require further experimental work are identified. It also shows that the experimental approach should involve the analysis of onset transient and that physical analysis should be related to the auditory capacity of humans. A method of analysis, detail of the equipment designed and the criteria for relating analysis and physiology are presented in the text. [Continues.]