Klarinet Archive - Posting 000653.txt from 1996/08

From: Dick Walters <waltersd@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Altissima Register
Date: Sat, 24 Aug 1996 12:24:40 -0400

David,

I'm currently using the Hite mouthpiece & std Buffet barrel, but also
used the Vandorin B45 with and without the Moennig barrel. Suspect it's
me more than the setup, but I'll try your tips (haven't been doing
this).

Thanks,

Dick

David Blumberg wrote:
>
> Dick,
> Make sure that your reed is hard enough to get the high notes first of all.
> What mouthpiece-reed combo are you using? Keep your throat open and relaxed
> when you blow the high tones. Aim the air up towards the top of the
> mouthpiece, and speed up the air. Take more mouthpiece if you tend to play
> towards the tip. The legendary Joe Allard told me to "hear the note that you
> are going to play in your head before you play it".
> Good luck,
> David C. Blumberg- Phila.,Pa -Univ of Penn
> Reedman@-----.com
>
> ----------
> From: Klarinet - Clarinettist's Network on behalf of Dick Walters
> Sent: Friday, August 23, 1996 11:48 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list KLARINET
> Subject: Altissima Register
>
> Anybody got any suggestions about how to develop the ability to reliably
> play notes in the altissima register. Seems like my attempts above high
> D# are a matter of Russian roulette. Thought long tones would help, but
> there must be a technique of getting the clarinet to speak these tones
> without squawking sometimes that has escaped me all these years. I'd
> like to at least reliably hit a high F or G without embarrassing myself.
> I'm sure it's not the horn, so I must be a very slow learner, or not
> know the "key" to unlocking this mystery.
>
> Dick
>
> Also, how do you recognise a Buffet R-13 from an R-12, or whatever model
> preceeded it? My Buffet is s/n 57786, which I think makes it a 50's
> horn. Don't think it's an R-13, but never been sure. It has German
> Silver keys, not plated.
>
> Thanks for any info or suggestions on these from you experts out there
> in e-mail land.