Classification Methodology
Sounding length
The length between the end of the reed receiver, mouthpiece receiver or crook to the end of the bell.
For woodwind instruments, this does not include crooks or staples. For brasswind instruments, this measurement was taken with all tuning slides pushed in, giving the shortest length possible. Where a choice of crooks was possible, the crook used when measuring is noted.
Bore
The bore of wind instruments of any substantial cylindrical section was measured, where possible. For many of the woodwind instruments, additional measurements were made of each section.
Depth of reed, mouthpiece or crook receiver
In woodwind and brasswind instruments, the depth of receiver was measured. This measurement was taken with callipers and is accurate to plus or minus 0.5mm.
Diameter of reed, mouthpiece or crook receiver
In woodwind and brasswind instruments, the diameter of receiver was measured. This measurement was taken with callipers and is accurate to plus or minus 0.5mm.
Technical description
A description of the instrument, including specification of the materials used, number of sections and other general details is given.
Key work and finger holes
Where instruments are designed so that the player’s fingers operate keys to allow the sounding of a discrete pitch or set of pitches (as on woodwind instruments), a table is presented.
This table shows the notes obtained by actuating the mechanism allocated to each finger or the mechanism name (eg ‘Patent C sharp’).
The thumb keys on bassoons are listed clockwise, starting from twelve o’clock in the normal inspection position.
Key head type
On wind instruments, the type of key head is described and noted in the technical description. See Woodwind Terminology for a description of the common flap designs found on instruments in the collection.
Key mount type
The method of key mounting and the spring types of wind instruments is indicated in the technical description.
Valve type
On brasswind instruments, the type of valve used is indicated.