Klarinet Archive - Posting 000492.txt from 1998/02

From: avrahm galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: ITS A FACT (2)
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 15:55:28 -0500

IT'S A FACT (2)
These "facts" are taken from the CLARINET, a symphony quarterly that
appeared in the early 50s and are the opinions of various prominent
players, teachers and repairmen.
**************
Much of the trouble with fuzzy Bb's (third line) is due to damaged
speaker vents and to vents cluttered with sediment and dirt.
Repairmen say that about half the instruments they work on have speaker
keys that have been seriously damaged by constant knocking of weights
attached to cleaning cloths.
When cleaning the upper joint, hold it on its side or upside down so
that the weight can pass through without hitting the speaker tube
projecting inside the bore.
**************
Two can play softer than one! The next time the conductor wants a part
played too soft for comfort and yet wants it distinctly heard, ask your
partner to play it with you. The volume will be less but the body of the
tone will be more substantial.
**************
Slurring from high D downwards is always difficult.
When slurring from high D to a note in the middle register, the first
Left hand finger can cover the hole immediately after the tone on D has
started, thus smoothing the way for the slur to follow.
**************
Most of the difficulties in slurring from high D to C immediately below
is caused by lifting the fingers of the Left hand too late.
A little practice in lifting these fingers earlier should clear up the
difficulty.
**************
It is not necessary to remove the screws and rods from the keys for
oiling (the keys)
Place a spot of oil upon the small crease between the key and the post-
it will work its way down to the rod.
One rod that should be oiled often (and that may have to be removed for
the operation) is the Eb-Bb Left hand key.
Perspiration from the finger which passes directly over the key, works
its way down to the rod causing it to rust.
Use oil that is made especially for instrument keys, but if none is
handy, watch oil will do.
The average household oil is not suitable.
*****************

Avrahm Galper
THE UPBEAT BAERMANN MELODIC SCALES
http://www.sneezy.org/avrahm_galper/index.html