Hey Musicians, does high altitude affect the performance of wind instruments like harmonicas, oboes, clarinets, etc.?
(I’ve done some searching and don’t see any mention of this effect but I am sure I noticed it. I even posted on a harmonica forum website but got no response.)
I was at a National Park at an altitude of about 7500 ft where the air pressure is about 35% to 40% that of sea level. I began to play my harmonica for fun and to encourage my grandchild to dance around a little.
I noticed the reeds seemed “leaky.” More air seemed to blow by and pass around the reeds without making the usual sound. I needed a greater volume of air to make sound. Of course, the air is less dense and likely has lower viscosity so it makes sense that things would be different but I don’t see any mention of this.
Has anyone here ever noticed this effect with other reeded wind instruments?
Are there special high altitude tunings for performances at high altitudes?
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