Relationship between Sound Quality and Lip Muscle Density in French Horn Players

Much has been discussed among wind players about whether a sound whose timbre is considered good / valid is related to the degree of muscle strengthening of the lips. Assuming that the best sound is related to an increased number of lip muscle fibers, this study directly addresses this claim, for two tests were performed, one medical and one acoustic, both complementary. It was sampled from 16 horn students from Valencia; the acoustic test consisted of 3 recording sounds corresponding to harmonics # 2 (B b2), No. 4 and 8 , with two intensities: p and f , resulting in a total of 90 comparative sound samples. The results were subtle but concrete: All sound samples tested offered a surround sound with a similar profile. Comparing two sound samples (one considered lower-quality sound and the other as higher sound quality), it was observed that there are a higher amount of harmonics in those sounds that are considered of quality. With regard to the evaluation of ultrasound, the total volume of the upper lip 40-50% is occupied muscle. In conclusion, having more muscle fiber can help improve the sound of the horn player, but that is in combination with all other multiple technical factors.