Klarinet Archive - Posting 000031.txt from 1995/03

From: Thomas Labadorf <Labadorf@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: eb sop. clar.
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 23:33:15 -0500

Shelly L. Loudermilk says:
-----
I have just started working with this wonderful instrument
and boy I must say that my lip sure does hurt after playing it for a few
hours. I play the Eb in a local wind ensemble and haven't yet come close to
mastering the beautiful instrument. If you or anyone else has suggestions on
how to keep
it in tune or any helpful hints it would be greatly appreciated.

Shelly,

You have your work cut out for you with the eb clar. If all things were
equal to the Bb (and we know they're not), It would still be an increased
challenge to say the least. Because the tesatura is higher, and eb clar.
usually doubles piccolo or high flute (in band music at least), intonation
becomes more critical. Beats and difference tones would be enough to drive
any conductor crazy which reflects poorly on you no matter how good you are.

What kind of mouthpiece are you playing? The stock buffet mouthpiece (if
that's what you're playing) is terrible. Hard to find a reed to make it
work. The facing is too open, and you end up using excessive lower lip
pressure to support the pitch. Hence, a hurt lip. I suggest you prepare a
set of reeds with various strengths and try out many different mouthpieces.
Fred Wiener in New York has a good variety, and they are not very expensive
compared to Bb clar mouthpieces. Most expensive is about $85.

Good luck!

Tom Labadorf