Phosphor Bronze - Musical Instruments

Musical Instruments

Phosphor bronze is used in some metal wind instruments (e.g., the A992 alto saxophone manufactured by Yanagisawa). A saxophone made from phosphor bronze is heavier than one made from brass, due to its higher copper content, which gives greater mass. Phosphor bronze saxophones have distinctive, reddish-orange hues, which look different to the yellow-gold color of standard lacquered brass. In addition to being more robust, phosphor bronze gives musical instruments tonal qualities which are slightly different to those made from the usual brass alloys. For example, although their designs are identical in every way apart from the metal used, the Yanagisawa A992 and T992 (phosphor bronze) alto and tenor saxophones sound noticeably "darker" than the A991 and T991 (brass) versions. However, other variables may affect an instrument's tone colors (e.g., mouthpiece design and physical characteristics of the player).

Additionally, phosphor bronze is sometimes used in brass instruments (e.g., Flugelhorns), plus percussion instruments such as cymbals and snare drums. Some acoustic instrument strings for acoustic guitars, mandolins and violins are wrapped with this metal. Some harmonica reeds are made of phosphor bronze, such as those by the Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation.