The above website shows how the Fibonacci Sequence is used in nature. The tuba-like shapes and a quote in there of the sequence being "a way for information to flow in a very efficient manner" made me wonder if this could be applied to the design of the tuba.
Re: Fibonacci Sequence in Tuba Design
Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 9:50 am
by iiipopes
It wouldn't be the doubling ratio. It would be the wrap. The physical form. Since the Fibonacci sequence involves both even and odd integers, but not sequentially, whereas the Pythagorean partials series involve simple fractions that are at variance to the equally tempered scale of logarithmic progressions, and how we have to try to shoehorn these competing systems into one instrument, to wrap a tuba or sousaphone in this manner, with a view to "fixing" the inherent variances between the two, would be a most interesting exercise.
Re: Fibonacci Sequence in Tuba Design
Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 9:53 am
by sweaty
Would it be possible to reduce the rate of taper by a certain proportion and still retain properties of the Fibonacci sequence?
Re: Fibonacci Sequence in Tuba Design
Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 1:38 pm
by UDELBR
goodgigs wrote:
I don't have a link as yet but there have bin several trombonists who have recorded on
sweaty wrote:Would it be possible to reduce the rate of taper by a certain proportion and still retain properties of the Fibonacci sequence?
Well according to the article, it’s all about mathematical doubling, so NO you couldn't.
You could however build a huge synthetic conch shell, and play that.
I don't have a link as yet but there have bin several trombonists who have recorded on
The most ancient of "brass" instruments with favorable results. Try it.
It's not about mathematical doubling. That's only the second step in the sequence. It's about adding prior integer values to a geometric effect, much like the logarithmic flare of a bell.
Re: Fibonacci Sequence in Tuba Design
Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 2:55 pm
by Lingon
Well, not about Fibonacci but as some amusement with doubling and tripling (is that the word?).
Re: Fibonacci Sequence in Tuba Design
Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 9:43 pm
by DonShirer
Some spirals in nature are indeed Fibonacci-like, but nowhere near all of them. The author of that article was really straining to ascribe a Fibonacci form to some of his examples.
And even though it makes for interesting arithmetic and graphic representations, there seems to be no reason to suspect that the sequence would be of use in tuba design.
