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BIRT Glossary of Terms
RTC BIRT Glossary of Terms 2011-2012
227
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Professional
09/09/2011

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Term
action
Definition
Term used to describe the playing characteristics of keys and usually preceded by an adjective: sluggish ___, weak ___, etc.
Term
adjustment
Definition
Bring to playing condition. Often used interchangeably with regulation.
Term
adjustment corks
Definition
Small corks used on keys to regulate key opening and eliminate lost motion and noise.
Term
adjustment screws
Definition
Screw most commonly found on flutes and oboes usually designed to adjust the key to key combination.  Some call this "timing".
Term
age crack
Definition
A crack or tear resulting from repeated stress (work hardening) in non-ferrous metals such as brass and nickel-silver. These stresses are generally incurred during the manufacturing process and the cracks may take years to show.
Term
align
Definition
Bring into precise adjustment or to correct relative position. A term used in repair of trombone slides, woodwind key mechanisms and valve adjustments.
Term
annealing
Definition
Heat-treating process used to soften (make malleable) non-ferrous metals such as brass and nickel-silver. Involves heating the metal to dull red for thirty seconds or more and air-cooling to achieve "dead" or maximum softness.
Term
arbor (mouthpiece)
Definition
Tapered steel tool used to mount brass instrument mouthpieces for shank and dent removal.
Term
arm
Definition
Extension of key that engages another key in operation. Also refers to part of key connecting pad cup to the hinge rod or tube.
Term
articulation
Definition
An interlocking mechanism to facilitate closing or opening of distant tone holes. Four base mechanical principles are involved: rotary, hinge, rocker and radial.
Term
artist
Definition
A term used by many to designate the highest level of manufacture. Often refers to the flute family.
Term
aux (auxilliary)
Definition
A key that can be activated by either left or right hand. (Same as Bis Key)
Term
backbore
Definition
The tapered interior portion of a brasswind mouthpiece contained within the shank, following the cup and throat.
Term
balluster
Definition
Upper-most section of a piston valve casing, common on top-sprung valve casings.
Term
barrel (flute)
Definition
The receiver for the head joint of the flute. (Also called the "box" on a flute by the Boston flute makers).
Term
barrel (spring)
Definition
Upper section of top-sprung type piston where valve guide and valve spring are located.
Term
bearing
Definition
The portion of the rotary valve assembly (both removable and fixed) that provides the bearing surface on which the rotor turns.
Term
bell
Definition
Generally refers to the flared portion at the end of an instrument, often in the shape of a French curve.
Term
bell rim
Definition
That portion of the bell that is rolled and occasionally contains a wire reinforcement of brass instrument bells, including saxophones.
Term
bell ring
Definition
Metal retaining ring providing reinforcement to the thin bell flares on wood instruments. Includes ivory or plastic ring on the bassoon.
Term
bell stem
Definition
Straight or tapered portion of a bell preceding the throat and following the bow.
Term
bell tail
Definition
On trumpets and cornets, that portion which precedes the bell bow and is soldered to the casing.
Term
bell throat
Definition
Portion of the bell between the flare and stem where great expansion occurs into the french-curved flare. Often where the manufacturer's logo and model number are engraved or stamped.
Term
bell wire
Definition
A brass or copper-plated steel wire placed inside rolled bell rims for support and dampening.
Term
binding
Definition
A term used to describe faulty key action.
Term
binding wire
Definition
An annealed iron wire used to hold parts in place when soldering or brazing.
Term
bis key
Definition
A key that can be activated by either left or right hand. Same as Auxiliary key. (Generally referred to as the Bb key on the saxophone).
Term
bite
Definition
On a brasswind mouthpiece, the area where the rim and cup (bowl) meet.
Term
bocal
Definition
That section of the bassoon or English horn on which the reed is placed. It is referred to as "crook" in Great Britain and "Es" in Germany.
Term
bocal button or bocal pip
Definition
The raised vent on the bocal of the bassoon providing ease of attack for certain overblown pitches.
Term
body
Definition
The actual instrument minus the keys and accessories.
Term
boot
Definition
The bottom double bored joint of the bassoon.
Term
boot cap
Definition
The protective cap that covers the end of the boot "U" tube of the bassoon.
Term
bore
Definition

The internal dimension of all wind instruments that determine the pitch and quality of sound.

Brasswinds: Term used for the inner diameter of cylindrical tubing.

Term
bow (brasswinds/saxophones)
Definition
The curved portion of a bell on brasswinds and saxophones that precedes the bell stem.
Term
bow cap
Definition
A protective reinforcement covering the curved vulnerable parts of brass, and metal sections of woodwinds.
Term
brace
Definition
A connecting support on brass instruments providing rigidity and alignment. An added reinforcement used to eliminate weakness and to maintain correct alignment mostly on bows and crooks of larger woodwinds.
Term
branch
Definition
Refers to the large, individual sections of tubing on the low brass instruments between the bell bow and the valve casing.
Term
brazing
Definition
To solder with any alloy relatively infusible. Generally refers to brass or nickel-silver materials. (temp: >800 degrees)
Term
bridge (brass)
Definition
Part of a brasswind water key that is soldered to the instrument part, holding the water key and its pin.  (Many people refer to this as the "saddle".)
Term
bridge key
Definition
Key mechanism that joins the upper and lower section of woodwind instruments facilitating necessary fingering combinations.
Term
bumper
Definition

1. Material used for regulating and silencing the upward motion of large key cups on the saxophone.

2. The rubber nipple used on the trombone handslide crook guard mold.

3. The material (felt or cork) used to eliminate noise in trombone handslide cork barrels.

Term
burnish
Definition

Old meaning; To bring a precious metal to a high finish without buffing.  Archaic, a lost art. //

New Meaning: To remove minor scratches and dents from metal parts.

Term
button (finger)
Definition
Refers to the top-most portion of a piston valve assembly where the fingers touch.
Term
cap
Definition

1. Tenon ___: Reinforcing metal ring on the end of tenons of woodwind instruments.  

2. Mouthpiece ___: Protective covering for mouthpieces on woodwind instruments.  

3. Valve ___: (upper and lower) Covering on either end of the brass instrument valve casings.

Term
casing
Definition
The part of the brass instrument which houses the piston or rotary valve.
Term
chamber
Definition
Internal dimensions of a woodwind mouthpiece.
Term
chimney
Definition

1. The raised part of a tone hole on metal woodwinds that is drawn or soldered to the body providing a seat for the pads.

2. The raised part of a tone hole on wood or plastic woodwinds to provide the same function for the ring key and the finger.

Term
clutch key
Definition
Key mechanism that joins the upper and lower section of woodwind instruments facilitating necessary fingering combinations.  (Also "bridge key".)
Term
color buff
Definition
Also termed "rouge buff" where brass and other metals are buffed to jewelry (mirror) finish.
Term
compass
Definition
The pitch range of a given instrument.
Term
conical
Definition

1. Bore configuration which resembles a cone. Can also refer to the family of brasswinds, including the cornet, French horn, euphonium and tuba.

2.  The raised part of a tone hole on wood or plastic woodwinds to provide the same function for the ring key and finger.

Term
cork barrels
Definition
The two tubes located at the top of the inner handslide on a trombone, containing cork or felt (bumper material) inside to the reduce noise and regulate the slide lock.
Term
counter spring
Definition
An articulated key where the pad cup is on an opening spring and the lever is on a closing spring.
Term
crook
Definition
A cylindrical or conical U-shaped tube used on brasswind tuning slide assemblies.
Term
crown
Definition
The top most part of the upper joint of the oboe or english horn holding the reed housing. Also the threaded top part of the flute head joint.
Term
crown assembly
Definition
That part of the flute and piccolo head joint which controls the adjustment of the closed end. It is made up of four parts: The screw, the cork, the nut and the crown.
Term
crows foot
Definition
The arm and plate that extends from the low F/C key of the clarinet, allowing it to be closed together with the low F#/C# key and the low E/B key.
Term
cup
Definition
The bowl portion of a brasswind mouthpiece.
Term
cut buff
Definition
Term used to describe the use of tripoli buffing compound to remove solder tinning, pits and scratches from metals as a preparation for rouge (color) buffing. Often leaves a butler finish. Also called "Hardbuffing."
Term
draw knob
Definition
Small knob soldered on a slide crook to facilitate removal of slide. Also called "Pull Knob."
Term
emboucher hole
Definition
The opening in the lip plate of the flute and piccolo that creates the wind way for the production of sound
Term
emboucher plate
Definition
The part of the flute head joint on which the lip rests. (Sometimes called "lip plate").
Term
end band
Definition
A non-pressed band that is driven over a pre-cut area on the upper joint of the clarinet.
Term
end correction
Definition
The acoustical term describing the correction of the instrument bore by modifying the bell part of the total length.
Term
end play
Definition

Woodwinds:  Un-wanted shift of keys on hinge tubes and hinge rods.

Brasswinds: Vertical play between shoulder bearings on a rotary valve.

Term
end plug
Definition
Protective insert in saxophone neck socket and octave key on the bassoon.
Term
enharmonic
Definition
Musical tones that are actually one and the same degree of the scale but are named differently i.e. G# and A-flat, etc. When referring to the names of the keys on musical instruments, there is no set rule and either "spelling" is correct.
Term
feeler gauge
Definition
A thin, narrow piece of material attached to a holder to check the closure of bladder pads. Thin plastic, fish skin and mylar recording tape are most often used.
Term
ferrule
Definition
A connection ring or decorative band used on metal tubing to provide reinforcement or a stop.
Term
finger button
Definition
The part of the piston valve that the finger touches when operating the valves, generally containing mother-of-pearl touch pieces.
Term
finger hook/ring
Definition
Provides stability for right or left hand or tuning adjustments.
Term
finger plate
Definition
The small concave discs used to create the correct six finger position on smaller or larger woodwind instruments. Allows a player to assume the same hand position, e.g. on the concert flute and bass flute.
Term
fingering
Definition
A term used to describe the placement of the fingers to produce a given note.
Term
fish skin
Definition
The thin covering over the felt of some woodwind pads; usually a double layer.  (Also known as goldbeaters skin or bladder skin.)
Term
fixture
Definition
A stand with clamps to hold key parts aligned and rigid while soldering or brazing.
Term
flange
Definition
The flared bottom of a post that provides a greater surface area to anchor, whether it is brazed or soldered, to a metal tube or screwed into a wood or plastic body.
Term
flat
Definition
A term used to describe the relative pitch of a given musical note. (lower)
Term
flat spring
Definition
Used on most side keys that function as a rocker or hinge. Provides greater security for closed keys. Exception: The flute B key and Bb lever (which are open instead of closed).
Term
float
Definition
A technique used to bring about the correct seating of a pad. The pad in this case does not rest on the bottom of the cup, but rests on a bed of warmed French cement.
Term
flush band
Definition
A seamless ring of nickel silver or sterling silver that is shrunk into a pre-cut groove on the body of woodwind instruments to seal cracks.
Term
foot
Definition
That portion of a woodwind key that strikes the body of the instrument when the key is released. (Also Kicker, Tail).
Term
foot cork
Definition
The small cork (or felt) that is applied to the underside of the key foot, functioning both as a silencer and regulator.
Term
foot joint
Definition
The lowest of the three sections of the flute.
Term
french
Definition
A term designating the open hole pad cups on the concert flute, e.g. "The French Flute."
Term
french cement
Definition
Often called cream cement. A yellowish white brittle resin with a low melting point, remaining plastic until completely cool. Used for floating bladder pads.
Term
fulcrum
Definition
The wedge or support that is created on a key that opposes the finger pressure. It relates to the postion of the flat spring and the pivot point of the key. The contact point of the spring beyond the pivot is determined by the desired touch and response, e.g. the register key spring on the soprano clarinet.
Term
garnet
Definition
A lapping compound common in the industry made from natural stone. Softer than brass, it breaks down quickly and is non-embedding.
Term
goldbeaters skin
Definition

The thin covering over the felt of some woodwind pads; usually a double layer. Also known as fish skin or bladder skin (but is neither of these).

It is actually the processed outer layer of bovine caecum (large intestine).

Term
gooseneck
Definition

1. A saxophone neck. //

2. Trombone: On the bell section, the angled tapered connecting tube that rests on the players shoulder.

Term
grommet
Definition

1. A reinforcement. A ring or device to hold something in place. // 

2. A term used to describe something that does not have a definitive name e.g. a flute ______.

Term
guard
Definition
A protective covering used over pad cups on large woodwinds.
Term
guard mold
Definition
Reinforcing metal covering used on large surface areas on brasswinds, often with a guard wire.
Term
guard wire
Definition
A reinforcing metal strip to help protect exposed curves on metal parts of large brasswinds and woodwinds, often placed over a guard mold.
Term
hard buffing
Definition
Term used to describe the use of tripoli buffing compound to remove solder tinning, pits and scratches from metals as a preparation for rouge (color) buffing. Often leaves a butler finish. Also called "Cut Buffing."
Term
hard rubber
Definition
A firm and relatively stable vulcanized rubber, obtained by heating crude rubber with a large amount of sulfur, usually from 30% to 50%. Was used for the synthetic manufacture of clarinets prior to the introduction of plastics. It is desired for the repair of plastic instruments, but is becoming increasingly scarce. The process is used for the manufacture of all better woodwind mouthpieces.
Term
hard solder
Definition
A corruption of the term brazing. The term is used interchangeably in the music industry but usually implies the use of silver solder.
Term
head joint
Definition
The upper portion of the three sections of the flute.
Term
hinge
Definition
A term used to describe either rotary or rocker motion of a key around a stationary bearing.
Term
hinge rod
Definition
A solid rod supported on either end only by pivot screws. (Also "solid hinge").
Term
hinge screw
Definition
A long internal shaft that holds multiple keys. (Also "long screw").
Term
hinge tube
Definition
A hollow rod through which the long screw provides a continuous bearing surface for the key.
Term
hone (honing)
Definition
The machine and process used to true pistons and casings to a specified diameter using precision stones. Precedes lapping process for pistons and casings.
Term
honest end
Definition
The finished end of a hinge rod or tube that provides the correct placement of keys on a new instruments in the manufacturing process.
Term
I.D. (inside diameter)
Definition
An abbreviation designating the measurement of the inside part of a tube.
Term
install
Definition
The act of attaching a key on the instrument. (Also Mount)
Term
iron
Definition
The tool and process used to remove minor dents and inconsistencies from bell flare using a bell iron and burnisher.
Term
joint
Definition
The main body parts of woodwind instruments that are assembled to the whole. Small parts as mouthpiece, barrel and bell are referred to by name.
Term
joint assembly
Definition
The actual instrument minus the keys and accessories. (Also Body)
Term
joint slide
Definition
The male extension of a joint or body that fits into the socket to form the complete instrument. (Also Tenon)
Term
key
Definition
Movable part of musical instruments serving as an extension of the finger and connected to a pad cup.  A key will always have a pad.
Term
key cluster
Definition
A term used to describe a group of keys that are operated by one digit.
Term
key cup
Definition
Generally understood to be that part of a key that holds the pad on any woodwind instrument. (Also Pad Cup.)
Term
key guard
Definition
A protective covering used over pad cups on large woodwinds. (Also Guard.)
Term
key guide
Definition
A small yoke or retainer to stabilize long rods on woodwind instruments.
Term
key roller
Definition
A small roller designed for ease of movement from one key to another.
Term
key way
Definition
The slot which tracks the valve guide on the bottom sprung piston valves.
Term
kicker
Definition
That portion of a woodwind key that strikes the body of the instrument when the key is released. (Also Foot, Tail)
Term
knock pins
Definition
The short tapered pins that provide the function for the flute double hinge mechanism.
Term
knuckle
Definition
The tubing used specifically to connect valve casings together as well as to the valve slide tubing.
Term
lacquer
Definition
Transparent coating used as a finish for brasswinds. Can be epoxy, cellulose, ceramic, acrylic (rare) or water-based (rare).  Sometimes has tint for color.
Term
L.H.
Definition
(left hand); A designation for the keys or fingerings controlled by the left hand.
Term
lateral motion
Definition
Wear in a key that allows unwanted shifting around the bearing point. (Sometimes called side play).
Term
lever
Definition
A key without a pad cup.
Term
ligature
Definition
A single reed clamp.
Term
long screw
Definition
A long internal shaft that holds multiple keys. (Also Hinge Screw.)
Term
lost motion
Definition
Wanted or unwanted "play" between key combinations.
Term
lug
Definition

1. The small tab that is brazed to the bottom of a flute key that allows the corresponding adjustment screw to regulate the closing of two pad cups. //  

2. Trombone: Small brass tab that is soft soldered to trombone handslides allowing the handslide assembly to lock closed.

Term
mandrel
Definition
A forming tool made of steel, used to remove dents and imperfections from metal body tubes and slides.
Term
marshmallow
Definition
The condition of a bladder pad when installed incorrectly. The appearance will be a large swelling of the pad inside the seat area.
Term
molding
Definition
See "guard mold".  Reinforcing metal covering used on large surface areas on brasswinds, often with a guard wire.
Term
monel
Definition
The piston valve material, common on trumpets and cornets, made primarily of nickel and copper. Attractive to manufacturers and players because it resists corrosion and does not show its wear.
Term
mount
Definition
The act of attaching a key on the instrument. (Also Install)
Term
mouthpipe
Definition
Removable curved section of the saxophone and lower clarinets on which the mouthpiece rests.
Term
mouthpipe/leadpipe (brass)
Definition
Tapered section of tubing which precedes the valve section of a brasswind. Sometimes called "leaderpipe."
Term
needle springs
Definition
Traditional round woodwind spring. Blued steel with a needle point.
Term
nest
Definition
The pocket or supports that hold an instrument in its case.
Term
nipple
Definition
Part of a waterkey assembly which chimneys the hole drilled into the given part.
Term
nomenclature
Definition
The process of giving names to things or functions. Used here to describe musical instrument parts.
Term
octave key
Definition
Mechanism used to obtain the first overtone series of conical bore instruments. (saxophone, oboe, bassoon)
Term
octave tube
Definition
Small piece of tubing extending into the body of the instrument to prevent capillary action.
Term
O.D. (outside diameter)
Definition
An abbreviation designating the measurement of the outside of a tube.
Term
pad
Definition
Many of the several materials used, both natural and synthetic, to form the seal over a tone hold.
Term
pad cup
Definition
Generally understood to be that part of a key that holds the pad on any woodwind instrument.
Term
pad slick
Definition
A small flat tool used to level and remove wrinkles from a bladder pad.
Term
pad spud
Definition
The threaded nut soldered on the inside of pad cups on flutes.
Term
pearls
Definition
The touch pieces used on saxophones and brasswind finger buttons made from the shell of mollusks. Plastic is now a commonly used material.
Term
peen
Definition

1. To draw, bend or flatten by hammering with the ____.  //  

2. A hemispherical, round edged hammer.

Term
pickle
Definition
A term used to describe the removal of oxides and scale from metal surfaces.  The removal of superficial oxide films are an important part of metal finishing procedures.
Term
pillar
Definition
The small objects on the bodies of woodwinds that support the key mechanism. (Also Post)
Term
pilot pivot screw
Definition
The same as the point screw with no taper. Used on student line instruments where ease of assembly is desired. Same as "pin pivot screw".
Term
pin
Definition
The short tapered pins that provide the function for the flute double hinge mechanism.  Same as "knock pins".
Term
pin pivot screw
Definition
The same as the point screw with no taper. Used on student line instruments where ease of assembly is desired. Same as "pilot pivot screw".
Term
pinning wire
Definition
Threaded wire used for crack repair of woodwind instruments.
Term
piston
Definition
The valve cylinder designed to route the air column in the valve section of brass instruments. (Also Pump, Valve)
Term
pitch
Definition
Tar/wax substance used as reinforcement in bending cylindrical and conical tubing.
Term
pivot screw
Definition
A short pointed screw used to hold the hinge rod. May also be applied to a hinge screw providing a dual purpose. A screw utilized in the mechanisms of woodwinds to provide the bearing surface on which a solid hinge tube may rotate. The forms may vary but the purpose is the same.
Term
plastics
Definition
Resins formed by chemical condensation or polymerization. They are commonly known by their trade names; i.e. ABS, PVC, delrin...
Term
plateau
Definition
A term used to describe the covered key system for the finger placement on woodwinds.
Term
plating
Definition
Thin film of metal (nickel, chrome, silver, gold, copper) that is applied electrochemically to a given part to act as a protective finish or bearing surface.
Term
play
Definition
A term used to describe unwanted movement of the key mechanism.
Term
point screw
Definition
A short pointed screw used to hold the hinge rod. May also be applied to a hinge screw providing a dual purpose. A screw utilized in the mechanisms of woodwinds to provide the bearing surface on which a solid hinge tube may rotate. The forms may vary but the purpose is the same.  Same as "pivot screw".
Term
port
Definition
The tubing in a piston that alters the direction of the air column.
Term
post
Definition
The small pillars on the bodies of woodwinds that support the key mechanism. (also pillar)
Term
post bushing
Definition
A small threaded oversized tube used to repair the stripped threads in the bodies of woodwinds.
Term
post lock
Definition
Any one of several methods used to prevent posts from turning out.
Term
pull ring
Definition
The ring soldered on the knuckle of french horn and tuba tuning slides to aid in accessing and removal.
Term
pump
Definition
The valve cylinder designed to route the air column in the valve section of brass instruments. (Also Piston/Valve.) Archaic term.
Term
radial
Definition
A displacement from the center.
Term
register key
Definition
A key on clarinets which when depressed, will cause the fundamental pitch to overblow a perfect 12th (an octave plus a perfect 5th).
Term
rib
Definition
A thin metal reinforcement to which posts are brazed.  This rib with posts is soldered to thin walled instruments or connected to wood bodied instruments by anchoring with screws.
Term
R. H.
Definition
Abbreviation used for "right hand".
Term
rim
Definition
The curved portion of a brasswind mouthpiece which rests against the player's lips.
Term
rotary valve
Definition
A valve that is designed to operate in a rotating motion as opposed to a reciprocal motion.
Term
round spring
Definition
Any of the materials that make up the round spring; e.g. blued steel, phosphor bronze, stainless, piano wire, gold.
Term
saddle patch
Definition
The type of patch which is silver soldered into a bell.
Term
schema
Definition
An archaic term used to describe a plan, design or diagram.  Often used in modern context to define the system of tone hole placement on woodwind instruments.
Term
screw pin
Definition
A small threaded screw used on the key mechanisms of oboes and English horns serving the same function as the tapered pin. May also be used as an alternative for the flute.  Pearl flutes use these (tiny x-head screw, Allied sells the wrench).
Term
seat
Definition

1. That part of the tone hole, which is touched by the pad.

2. That part of the pad that touches the tone hole.

3. The impression on the pad created by the tone hole.

Term
set screw
Definition
A small screw that is inserted into the side of a post which locks a pivot screw in position.
Term
shaft
Definition
A steel rod (internal) used on flutes providing the necessary and independent action of the left and right hand key sections and the trill keys. (The hinge rod in the pin section).
Term
shank
Definition
The tapered exterior portion of a brasswind mouthpiece which fits into the mouthpiece receiver. It contains the interior backbore of the mouthpiece.
Term
sharp
Definition
A term used to describe the relative pitch of a given note. (higher)
Term
shellac
Definition
A resinous substance secreted by an insect widely cultivated in Northern India. This resin is melted, purified and then solidified in thin layers. It may be purchased in stick form or flake, which distinguishes it from the pine resin substitute.
Term
shim
Definition

Flute: A thin paper, metal or plastic washer used to compensate for slight variations in pads and pad cups. Generally used to set the proper angle of the flute pad to the tone hole. //

Brasswind: A thin brass washer used to compensate for end play in rotary valves.

Term
shoulder bearing
Definition
That part of a rotary valve which acts as the bearing surface for its spinning action.
Term
side screw
Definition
The short threaded hinge screw that is applied to the rocker and hinge action keys on all woodwinds.  (More of a factory term, we don't use this much).
Term
slide
Definition
A term used to designate any movable internal or external tubing combination. Usually a tuning device.
Term
sliver key
Definition
A term used to describe the inline Eb/Bb L.H. and the forked B/F# R.H. of the soprano clarinet.
Term
slop
Definition
Key wear or unwanted lost motion.
Term
socket
Definition
The female receiver for all corresponding parts that are joined to form the complete instrument.
Term
solder
Definition
Any of the metallic alloys used when melted to join metallic surfaces. Two types generally in use melt readily (350-500 degrees F) are soft; others fusing at a red heat (>800 degrees F) are hard.  Hence, anything which unites or cements.
Term
spat
Definition
An abbreviation of spatula, often used by manufacturers.
Term
spatula
Definition
Part of a key or lever engaged by the fingertip or any other portion of the hand. Also called "touch piece".
Term
speaker tube
Definition
This term is usually used in conjunction with clarinet register vents.
Term
spring barrel
Definition
Top portion of a top-sprung piston that accommodates the valve spring and guide.
Term
spring cradle
Definition
A small notched piece of metal attached to key hinge rod or tubing that provides a place for the spring to ride.
Term
spud
Definition
The small threaded nut that is attached to the inside of the pad cup of flute and occasionally contra clarinets.
Term
stack
Definition
A term used mostly for saxophone to represent the keys operated by the first three fingers of each hand.
Term
stem
Definition
Part of a piston valve that connects the finger button to the piston.
Term
stocking
Definition
The thicker portion of hand slide tubes that provides the bearing surface for inner slides and structural reinforcement on outer slides.
Term
stop arm
Definition
- The extended foot, friction fit on a rotary valve, which regulates the rotors motion.
Term
stop plate
Definition

1. Flat "C" shaped plate attached to rotary valve casing. 

2. A flat, shaped plate attached to flute keys which makes contact with the bottom of a regulation screw. 

3. The plate containing bumper material to regulate a rotary valve.

Term
strap ring
Definition
A small ring on musical instruments to which the neck strap is attached for holding the instrument.
Term
swedging
Definition
A corruption of the word swage. The process by which un-wanted play can be removed from hinge rods and tubes using special pliers or collets.
Term
table
Definition
A key cluster enabling a single digit to produce multiple key combinations.
Term
tail
Definition
That portion of a woodwind key that strikes the body of the instrument when the key is released. (Also Foot, Kicker)
Term
tapered  pins
Definition
See "knock pins".  The short tapered pins that provide the function for the flute double hinge mechanism.
Term
telescoping
Definition

The process by which un-wanted play can be removed from hinge rods and tubes using special pliers or collets. (Also Swedging.) //

Brasswinds: Refers to mated inner and outer slide tubing with tolerances less than .010".

Term
tenon
Definition
The male extension of a joint or body that fits into the socket to form the complete instrument. Also called "joint slide".
Term
tension rods
Definition
The threaded rods on percussion instruments that are used for adjusting the tension of the drum head.
Term
throat
Definition

1. The expanding area of a brass bell just preceding the bells flare. //

2. Cylindrical portion of a brasswind mouthpiece which connects the cup to the backbore.

Term
throat tones
Definition
The pitches that make up the upward scale extension in the fundamental register of the clarinet, beginning at F# chromatically to Bb.
Term
thumb rest
Definition
An angular metal support of the woodwind family that provides both the R.H. position and the necessary holding position.
Term
tinning
Definition
The flush, thin layer of soft solder bonded to a metal surface. Its purpose is generally to aid in soldering of plated and nickel-silver parts by blocking oxide formation.
Term
tone hole
Definition
A term used to describe the vents on all woodwind instruments.
Term
touch piece
Definition
Part of a key or lever engaged by the fingertip or any other portion of the hand. Also called "spatula".
Term
tuning slide
Definition
The movable slide assemblies on brass instruments.
Term
vacuum
Definition
A process used to determine the amount of seal of both body and pads on a given woodwind instrument. A negative pressure test can quickly give an appraisal of the instrument in terms of playability.  MAG machine is much more accurate.
Term
valve
Definition
A term used to describe the complete valve unit in brass instruments.
Term
valve guide
Definition
A device used to lock the piston valve into position.
Term
vent
Definition
An aperture in the tube of the woodwind instrument used for tuning a note. (Also known as "tone holes".)
Term
venting
Definition
The procedure for opening or closing the amount of key movement to provide the proper characteristic tone for the closed or open keys.  (Setting proper key heights on woodwinds).
Term
venturi
Definition

1. The single tube mouth pipe/receiver combination in a trombone hand slide. //

2. Two opposing tapers in a single tube or part.

Term
voicing
Definition
The tuning process used to correct each note, or its relative harmonic, to correspond to the tonal spectrum desired in the instrument.
Term
water key
Definition
Refers to complete assembly that enables easy evacuation of accumulated moisture from musical instruments.
Term
wing joint
Definition
An irregularly shaped joint of the bassoon housing a receiver that connects to the bocal.  Also known as "tenor joint".
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