Klarinet Archive - Posting 000183.txt from 1997/09

From: "L. BORCHERT" <lborcher@-----.Edu>
Subj: Re: Chromatic Tuner & Intonation
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 1997 22:47:03 -0400

Robert,
My personal choice is still the Korg AT-12. I like being able to
see the needle rather than an LED indicator. It is a little larger so
it's not as convenient to carry around and that may be an important
factor in your selection. There seem to be new machines out all the time,
so search various sources and comparison shop as well.
Having the possibility of the machine producing different pitches
is also an important part of the process. It may be an "artificial,
electronic sound" but we still make music with people who make sounds and
not just a needle or LED indicator.

Exercises:

1. With the needle indicator, map out the general pitch tendencies of your
instrument. It goes faster if you have someone helping you to write the
number of cents flat or sharp. I like to take a couple of readings over
two days and then average the results. Use the full range of the
instrument and keep the chart handy for future reference. This is really
only the first step although many people stop here.

2. Since we usually perform with other players, it should be part of
your practice to work on matching pitches. This is where the tone
generator feature is important. First work on unisons, then octaves,
4ths, 5ths, 3rds (both major and minor), 6ths (also both), seconds, and
finally sevenths. Even dissonant intervals need to be played in tune.
Again, it is helpful to map out what you need to do to the notes to play
them in tune (eliminate beats).

3. Next, work to get away from the tuner. Close your eyes and play,
then check. Work with other sources, like a piano or another
instrumentalist. What you are really working on is: 1) knowing your own
instrument and (2) developing your listening skills.

Happy clarinet-a-net-a-netting (or duo-duo-duo det) as the song goes.

Laroy

Dr. Laroy Borchert
Professor of Clarinet
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003

On Tue, 2 Sep 1997, ROBERT SALTIEL wrote:

> Hello Laroy,
>
> It was nice to see you took notice of my posting :-) Thanks for the
> response! No, I did not get any other responses. I will probably choose
> between the two pocket models I mentioned, the Korg AT-1 or the Seiko ST-1000.
> I am not sure, but I am guessing that even though the Yamaha's ability to set
> for Bb might be convenient, it would just be a frill, so to speak. If you
> have any opinions about choice of model, please share your wisdom -- would be
> most appreciated.
>
> Indeed, I would like to get hold of some good exercises for use with a
> tuner. If they are in hardcopy, I will be more than happy to cover any copying
> and postage cost. Or if they are as files, can they be sent in plain-text
> format (uuencoded, mime, or straight text ok). I do not use a computer platform
> that would support PDF or other specialized word-processor or notation formats.
> However, if the nature of your exercises is such that it cannot be sent as
> plain text, or if there are accompanying gifs or other graphics, I will find a
> way (probably using a friend's computer) to make printouts so that they can be
> put to use!
>
> Thank you for your offer to share your exercises. Cheerfully accepted and
> most appreciated!
>
> Regards,
>
> Robert
>
> robert.saltiel@-----.com
>