A musical tone consists of a fundamental tone with a certain frequency of vibration, accompanied by a series of harmonics each of which is a multiplication of the fundamental frequency. The amount of energy each harmonic carries distinguishes one instrument from the other. In music frequency referred to as pitch and the character of sound which depends on the proportion of harmonics is called the timbre. For example what makes Yesudas sound different from P Jayachandran is this differing harmonics in the voice or the timbre, though while singing a song, their fundamental frequency is all the same. This is defined by the build of the vocal chords which are different for both individuals. Sound is personal and hence people like some sound better than the other..!
Frequency range is specified for musical instruments as also to amplifiers, speakers, cassettes etc. This means the dynamicity of the device under description. Please see the table and figure below which gives the frequency range of certain western instruments which would give you an idea while selecting your hifi equipment. It would guide you on whether you should invest in a subwoofer or not since you have an instrument of liking such as the bass violin, piano or bass saxophone which plays well around 50Hz. If an amplifier has faithful amplification within the audio range then it makes sense to have a speaker systems that can play all those. While looking for specification of speakers and amps please ensure that at least the audible range is covered well. But in case specifications are well covering these and more.. then it is definitely a plus. Reason - especially for amplifiers the flat response is covered only for the mid region normally. Beginning and end are tapered. So if the range above and below are covered would mean that the audible range is uniformly amplified. In the case of speakers the harmonics are also amplified well which normally above the audible range. So if your speakers specification is 20-45000 Hz - then one could believe that the manufacturer has given extra care to ensure faith-full amplification in the flat response range to even cover the high harmonics.
Lowest fundamental frequencies of a number of musical instruments.
Instrument
HZ
Instrument
HZ
Organ
Piano
Contrabassoon
Harp
Reed Organ
Double Bass
Tuba
ChimesBass
Saxophone
