Timbre

Refers to the tonal quality or tone color of a sound that arises from its spectral characteristics (frequencies and strengths of the overtones in the sound). Timbre allows us to distinguish the sounds of different musical instruments, voices, and other objects. For example, the timbre of an oboe is distinctly different from that of a violin. Performers can change the timbre of their instrument with various playing techniques as well as effects units and equalization.