Klarinet Archive - Posting 000721.txt from 1997/09

From: Barb073@-----.com
Subj: Re: Question
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 11:01:39 -0400

Better look out there, friend, at least a few people who play that "skinny
clarinet with the fancy straw on the end" are lurking on this list, too!
But, I do play and teach the "normal" clarinet, also.

Now, let me get my tongue out of my cheek and attempt to answer your
question...

The reason the oboe (there, I said it!) gives the "A" to the ensemble is that
it is the one non-percussion instrument that cannot adjust its pitch by
pulling out or pushing in something. The only way to change the instrument's
overall pitch level is to use a different reed or adjust the reed by
scraping, clipping, or filing. Pulling out the reed to make it flatter
creates a serious bore distortion that plays havoc with internal intonation.
Cutting off the end of the cork to make it sharper doesn't work, either, for
the same reason. Most decent oboists take much time to ensure that the reeds
they play on are adjusted for their instruments before they walk into a
rehearsal or concert.

(You think a clarinetist has reed problems? Trust me, they're NOTHING
compared to what an oboist or bassoonist has to deal with!)

Barb Levy - oboe, English horn, clarinet, alto & tenor saxophone, flute,
piccolo