Klarinet Archive - Posting 000392.txt from 1996/12

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Lazy Middle C#
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 12:12:52 -0500

Take a quick look at your finger prints (the pads of your finger) after you
try to play the C#. There should be an indentation in the finger pads that
will only last 5 or so seconds- so look quickly. The indentation should be a
complete circle on each finger that covers an open hole. If there is a partial
finger circle- your leaking the finger covering. This happens to lesser
experienced players where they move their fingers to play the C# without
realizing that they are partially uncovering a hole that is still supposed to
be covered. I would pay attention in particular to the L.H. 3rd finger (the
middle C finger)- also don't bump the middle C# key with your L.H.
David C. Blumberg
Redman@-----.com

----------
From: Klarinet - Clarinettist's Network on behalf of Steve Prescott
Sent: Friday, December 13, 1996 12:51 PM
Subject: Re: Lazy Middle C#

Someone wrote: (I'm getting confused as to who wrote what)

>I'm new to this list (just joined yesterday). I would have waited to
>post, but you seem like a nice bunch, so I'll just plunge in.
>
>I have a problem with middle C#, and I don't know if it's me or my
>instrument. (I'm not a very good clarinetist, and I'm using a
>new-to-me clarinet, so I'm stuck as to what the problem is.) If the
>C# starts a musical phrase or if C# is preceded by a note quite a bit
>higher or lower than it, then I'm fine. But if the C# is in the
>middle of a passage and preceded by a note only a little higher or
>lower, then I get nothing but air when I try to play the C#. I don't
>have this problem with any other note. Suggestions? Thanks!
>

I thought this was Bill's question, anyway, it sounds like your clarinet
might be leaking. Could be the F#/C# or possibly the Ab/Eb or any other
combination of keys. Have a qualified tech. look at it.

Steve

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu