Editing Q factor (section)

== Acoustical systems ==
The {{mvar|Q}} of a musical instrument is critical; an excessively high {{mvar|Q}} in a [[resonator]] will not evenly amplify the multiple frequencies an instrument produces. For this reason, string instruments often have bodies with complex shapes, so that they produce a wide range of frequencies fairly evenly.

The {{mvar|Q}} of a [[brass instrument]] or [[wind instrument]] needs to be high enough to pick one frequency out of the broader-spectrum buzzing of the lips or reed.
By contrast, a [[vuvuzela]] is made of flexible plastic, and therefore has a very low {{mvar|Q}} for a brass instrument, giving it a muddy, breathy tone. Instruments made of stiffer plastic, brass, or wood have higher {{mvar|Q}} values. An excessively high {{mvar|Q}} can make it harder to hit a note. {{mvar|Q}} in an instrument may vary across frequencies, but this may not be desirable.

[[Helmholtz resonator]]s have a very high {{mvar|Q}}, as they are designed for picking out a very narrow range of frequencies.