Klarinet Archive - Posting 000458.txt from 1997/10

From: Janet McNaught <mcnaught@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Intonation (I think)
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 1997 15:07:19 -0400

At 04:01 PM 10/11/97 -0700, you wrote:
>
>
>
>Gary VanCott=NHIN
>10/11/97 04:01 PM
>The problem with the middle line B is that the register key on the clarinet
>is in the wrong place for this note. Try playing a B with the instrument
>resting on your knee and then reach with your right thumb and press the
>third trill key instead of the register key. A much better sounding note
>will result. Professional bass clarinets (and some of the other larger
>clarinets) have an articulated mechanism that opens alternate register keys
>that improve the sound of the lower notes in the clarion register (and the
>throat Bb, too).
>
>I think that it is too bad that this option isn't offered on soprano
>clarinets. It would, however, make the mechanism more complicated and
>harder to keep in adjustment.
>
>Gary Van Cott
>Las Vegas, NV
>
>
Thanks for the info. I tried it and find the difference interesting. Of
course difficult to do in rapid passages.

I am also quite interested in the acoustics of the clarinet - why it should
be that certain notes have such different sounds. I am going to look for a
copy of "Clarinet Acoustics". Any other recommendations? I would like to
find out more about the structure of overtones etc.

Janet.