SOUNDS GOOD!

Naturally, the air we breathe is the most important gas for wind instruments, because without it no sound would be generated. But gases from Messer also play their part in making the musical experience possible: welding gases are used to join the individual metal parts together – as many as 650 in the case of a saxophone. The noble gas argon is used as a shielding gas to ensure that no oxidation occurs on the high-quality metal during the welding process. Liquid nitrogen also has a role when it comes to producing a harmonious sound. This involves carefully cooling brass instruments to minus 180 degrees centigrade in a bath of liquid nitrogen. Many musicians say that this treatment gives the instruments a softer tone and fuller low notes. Higher notes are also easier to reach, with the cold bath procedure relegating “problematic notes” to the past.