[mdwhatcott]

Yeah, this advice doesn't hold up--even the OP mentions learning the clarinet, which is a B-flat instrument. I also play the clarinet and developed the same ability to detect each note by its timbre. I also think there is a kinesthetic element to each note--the way the instrument vibrates, the back-pressure or resistance you feel while playing, that becomes associated with the timbre the longer you play.

[linux_is_nice]

As a clarinet player myself, I think it's an instrument that's pretty unique in just how different the timbres of each note are, like Bb or an open G.

[mrob]

Recorders also have big variation in timbre (and volume) with different notes.

[dhruvrajvanshi]

> I also think there is a kinesthetic element to each note--the way the instrument vibrates

Interesting point. I had a similar thought about singing.

In theory, a good enough singer would be able to use their vocal chords as a reference. Unless their vocal range is changing on a regular basis, if they remember the highest piched note they can sing, they could refer to that as an anchor.