My Definition of the difference between "tone" and "timbre"

[ihatewalgreens]

one is the characteristic "equalization" of a sound..ie it is "boomy" (lots of bass) or thin (lots of treble)

the other is the complexity of the sound..ie distortion on an electric guitar, vibrato from a saxophone.

which is which? no idea.

Comments

[kevinwilt]

I would say that timbre is the naturally occuring color and sound of an instrument. The characteristic sound of that instrument. The tone is the overall richness in sound that a specific performer is able to produce. It is how well a person is able to exploit the timbre.

[bkplaysthebells]

timbre.. is the tone quality.. right?

[bermudaseven]

random:
the mb site plays the opener for the opener and the closer