Klarinet Archive - Posting 000459.txt from 1995/06

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: squeaks
Date: Wed, 21 Jun 1995 00:02:39 -0400

Linda,
With my students, I've found that squeaks can happen for many
reasons. There are different kinds and If I hear one I can generally tall
what's causing it. Occasionally one finds a reed which is either not
correctly cut or has uneven cane which absorbs water at different rates.
These reeds 'chirp', as opposed to squeaking. Generally they chirp on low
notes and long fingered ones (such as long B. C, etc.) Don't forget, this
happens only rarely, so if you squeak alot on many reeds, it is probably
just your lack of control either at the embouchure or with fingers which
are not quite covering the holes. Granted, your mouthpiece may be lousy,
causing it to be a very bad fit with reeds, but this is exceedingly rare.
Don't let this prevent you from enjoying playing! One way or another,
you'll stop squeaking.

Fred Jacobowitz
On Tue, 20 Jun 1995, Linda Shockey wrote:

> 1. what is it about a reed that makes it squeak-prone? does it do it
> because only part of it is vibrating? if so, how does this happen? i
> know how to GET squeaks, i just don't know why the reed behaves that way.
>
> 2. my tutor says that you can learn to control squeaks. is this true?
> if so, is it possible to describe the technique used for control? can you
> tell if one is coming? if so, what do you stop doing or start doing to
> prevent it?
>
> thanks!
>