conical bore

wind instrument

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

A conical bore is a key feature in many wind instruments. This shape, which tapers from wider at one end to narrower at the other, influences the instrument's sound and the overtones it can produce. Unlike instruments with bores that flare faster than a cone, conical bores can generate resonances that are harmonics of the fundamental frequencies, contributing to pleasant musical tones.1

Examples of instruments that utilize conical bores include the cornet and the shawm. The addition of a bell to the end of a conical bore helps to reduce impedance mismatch, improving sound radiation. This bore configuration has been a significant factor in the development of Western musical instruments over centuries.12

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sound
Bore configuration and harmonicity
Cylindrical and conical bores can produce resonances that are harmonics of the fundamental frequencies, but bores that flare faster than a cone create nonharmonic overtones and thus produce raucous tones rather than good musical sounds. A fact discovered by early musical instrument builders, this is the reason…
Read More
Cylindrical and conical bores can produce resonances that are harmonics of the fundamental frequencies, but bores that flare faster than a cone create nonharmonic overtones and thus produce raucous tones rather than good musical sounds. A fact discovered by early musical instrument builders, this is the reason…
Read More