Klarinet Archive - Posting 000493.txt from 1995/06

From: "Lorne G. Buick" <lgbuick@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: squeaks
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 1995 03:01:24 -0400

>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.

There have been several interesting/ useful responses to this question- I'd
just like to add one that comes from my own experience. Someone mentioned
that reeds that are out of balance (thicker on one side) may tend to
squeak. Years ago when I played Olivieri reeds I found I had to do a fair
bit of balancing on each reed to get the best performance, but many ended
up squeak-prone. I figured out after much experimentation that it was
because both sides were too thin in relation to the middle, but I had never
considered thinning the heart of the reed. Taking a little off the middle
turned out to be the solution.

I should add that most other brands (Rico, Vandoren, Mitchell Lurie etc.)
have a much flatter profile to start with, so this would probably not
apply.

Another problem I had years ago was a warped mouthpiece. The rails had
warped so that the reed didn't sit securely on the mouthpiece, and this
caused chirps when tonguing, especially on low notes and on middle B and C.
You can check this quite easily by putting a drop or two of water on the
mouthpiece table and pressing it against a piece of glass while looking at
it from the other side (through the glass). (I eventually got the
mouthpiece repaired, but it was never the same afterwards.)
>
>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?
>
Hmmm... I don't think you can do anything at the moment a squeak is
happening- you can prevent them in the longer term by not biting and by
making sure your embouchure is not changing or moving aroung when tonguing.
(at least these things should help). A couple of people have mentioned jaw
position- the lower jaw should be forward/ should be back/ should be lower/
should be higher... I think the main point here is to find the right
position of the lower lip on the reed. If you take too much of the reed in
your mouth you will get nothing but squeaks and squawks. Depending on your
individual physiognomy (sorry, I'm an inveterate and unregenerate
logophile) you may find it necessary to move your jaw in almost any
direction. Generally speaking I think the most natural position is
preferable.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LGB Lorne G Buick Draft III Music
lgbuick@-----.ca Wind Music
Arranging, Copying, Publishing
Have basset horn, will travel

   
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