Droplet hoarseness

In the case of magnetic resonance flutes (e.g. the recorder ), droplet hoarseness is a disturbance of the sound generation caused by the precipitation of condensation in the wind tunnel .

The moisture from the air you breathe condenses on the cooler walls in the wind tunnel of the instrument and forms droplets that deflect the airflow and lead to turbulence . As a result, the air no longer flows in a laminar manner from the wind tunnel against the labial edge . The sound becomes weak and begins to rustle, the instrument tends to overblow . In the extreme, there is no sound at all.

Similar symptoms can also be seen in the case of block hoarseness.

Methods of avoidance

• Pre-warm the flute head by hand or in your pocket
• Treatment with wetting agents to reduce surface tension