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MARIMBAS

Overtone Scale

This category of instrument is referred to as the Overtone or Harmonic Scale.  The basis for this scale is the fundamental (lowest starting pitch) multiplied by its harmonic position out to 16 places.  For example, if the fundamental frequency is 100Hz and is multiplied by its 2nd harmonic (100 x 2) then the resulting frequency would be 200Hz.  Repeat the process by its 3rd, 4th, 5th etc. the harmonic pitches could conceivably go on out to infinity.  This means, as the pitches go higher the distance between them gets closer and closer.  

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In the music scale below the starting pitch is bass or cello C (65.4Hz) and its harmonics only go out 16 places.

OvertoneSeries-MusicStaff-web.jpg

Note:  The "C" unisons are represented by the red circles around pitches 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 and the marker dots in the middle of the bar.

Specifications

Model C216-OT

5-Octave

No. of Notes: 16

Range: Bass C (C2) to High C (C6)

Bars: African Padauk

Resonator/Stand: Poplar

Finish: Semi-gloss clear coat, waterbase

Dimensions: 46 L x 20" D x 34" H

Weight: 55lbs.

Mallet Set included

$1,500 (Plus packaging and shipping)

Overtone Scale - Chris Banta
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Scale Technical Definition: Overtone Scale

Overtone Scale is based on the pitch of bass (Cello) C

No. of Notes = 16

Octave range = 5

1       65.4Hz (Bass C - C2)     1st Harmonic (Fundamental)

2     130.8Hz (Tenor C - C3)   2nd Harmonic

3     196.23Hz

4     261.63Hz (Middle C - C4) 4th Harmonic

5     327.05Hz

6     392.46Hz

7     457.87Hz

8     523.25Hz (Treble C - C5) 8th Harmonic

9     588.69Hz

10   654.10Hz

11   719.51Hz

12   784.92Hz

13   850.33Hz

14   915.74Hz

15   981.15Hz

16 1046.50Hz (High C - C6) 16th Harmonic

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Overtone Scale - Improv - Chris Banta
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Overtone Overture - Chuck Jonkey
00:00 / 00:00
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