Bb saxophone

multiphonic F#4, G#5, D6 & G6

multiphonics     Multiphonic 1 Multiphonic 2 Multiphonic 3 Multiphonic 4 Multiphonic 5 Multiphonic 6 Multiphonic 7 Multiphonic 8

Impedance

Fingering a key depressed a key not depressed a hole covered a hole uncovered a part of the mechanism that is not normally touched Details in fingering legend. Acoustic schematic a closed tone hole an open tone hole Non-specialist introduction to acoustic impedance Non-specialist introduction to saxophone acoustics Notes are the written pitch. Frequencies are the sounding frequency, for Bb saxophone. Unless otherwise stated, the impedance spectrum is for a Bb saxophone.

Waves travelling down the bore are partially reflected at the first two open holes, which are respectively responsible for the first two notes in the multiphonic. Reflection at the next open hole would normally be expected to give a note of C#6, but in the cases of the higher notes the complicated cross fingering, and the influence of what are effectively register holes complicate the tuning.

Sound

Sound spectrum of a Bb saxophone played using fingering for the multiphonic F#4, G#5, D6 and G6.
For more explanation, see Introduction to saxophone acoustics

Sound Clip

You can hear the multiphonic F#4, G#5, D6 and G6 played.