What Is Acoustic Length in Musical Instruments?

[beaverflutes]

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, or even the correct website but you all seem to know what you're talking about! I make native american style flutes, and have recently become interested in the physics of sound and soundwaves, etc.

I've done well in my research, but have come across some information that contradicts each other. I just need a small clarification.

What exactly is the "Acoustic Length"?

 

[sigertdejean]

What exactly is the "Acoustic Length"?

When it comes to the question: "how long is a pipe really?", soundwaves experience things differently from humans. Acoustic length is the length of a column of air (or, ofcourse, any other medium able to propagate sound) as seen from the perspective of the pressurewave traveling through it.

If you haven't already, you might want to look into End correction of a pipe and Tone-hole lattice.

Hoping I'm helping, not just sucking eggs... :shy: