Klarinet Archive - Posting 000237.txt from 1996/06

From: Daron Bradford <jdbradfo@-----.EDU>
Subj: undertones in the high register
Date: Sat, 15 Jun 1996 14:27:58 -0400

-- [ From: Daron Bradford * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

Timothy,

I have found that on most clarinets the register key opens too far. Making
the pad open less (preferrably by bending the bottom portion of the key so
that it is lower under the thumb) has the effect of making the register vent
smaller. The vent is too small for the lower notes of the clarion register
and too big for the upper. It really only needs to open a very small amount
-- just be careful it doesn't affect the throat B-flat adversely. This has
helped all of my students that have had the undertone problem. It doesn't
take the undertones away, just reduces the tendency. Each note in that
register really needs its own register vent - larger for the lower notes, to
very small for the higher, but of course that's a practical impossibility.
The current size and placement of the register vent represents each maker's
compromise, and is most appropriate for the middle notes of the register.

You can experiment with the size of the register vent opening: try playing
the B (in the staff) using the side (throat) B-flat key instead of the
register key. It will almost always sound better in tone quality and clarity
and pitch. The E - B twelth is much better in tune. That key may also work
for C, but probably not any higher. This really can't be used practically,
since it is so awkward to get the right hand up to that key, but it does
demonstrate a point. Then for the higher notes, mostly A to C, take an old
reed and wedge it under the bottom portion of the register key. Start with
just the tip under the key and play those notes in the way that usually
gives you the undertone. Gradually push the reed in farther and see if the
undertone reduces or goes away. Make sure you also check the throat B-flat.
(It seemed to me that if the bottom of that register needs a larger register
vent, then closing it down (making it smaller) to help the upper notes would
make the bottom notes worse, but that doesn't seem to happen to any
noticeable degree. See what you think.)

I'm certainly not an expert on all of this, but some study of the theory and
experimentation have convinced me that it is worth trying. I hope this helps
you, along with the other good comments I have seen on this subject.

Daron Bradford (BYU)

P.S.: Leaks, particularly in the higher keys, could have the cumulative
effect of making the register vent larger. Many keys could be used for a
register vent. Who has not experienced squeaking because some key was
inadvertantly hit, producing a note in the altissimo register?