Scaling of Flute-Like Instruments: An Analysis from the Point Of View of the Hydrodynamic Instability of the Jet

The scaling of a family of five baroque recorders is studied considering two aspects: the compass of each instrument and the control parameters. The observations are interpreted in terms of the homogeneity of the timbre. The control parameters are measured on an experienced player performing a simple scale task on each of the instruments, and are described in the frame of the hydrodynamic jet behaviour.

On the family studied, the geometrical parameters appear to be adjusted so that the control parameters are similar on all the instruments. Low-pitched instruments present an enrichment of their spectra in high frequencies.