Klarinet Archive - Posting 001174.txt from 1998/04

From: "Emerald1" <emerald1@-----.net>
Subj: Fw: Blowing resistance on upper-register Alto Clarinet
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998 15:22:00 -0400

-----Original Message-----
From: Emerald1 <emerald1@-----.net>
Date: Monday, April 20, 1998 7:03 PM
Subject: Blowing resistance on upper-register Alto Clarinet

>Hi,
> I have a Selmer (Paris) Alto Clarinet, big bore (.668 as opposes to
>.626), range to low E, full plateau keys,and a serial number Q 949 (circa
>1956-57). The horn used to play great; but, as of late, it is difficult to
>make it speak in the upper register. There is a lot of blowing resistance,
>and the sound in the upper register is slightly "duck-like" (or Oboe like,
>whichever you prefer! j/k):-) The lower register is great, the best sound
>I've ever heard out of an alto. There are no cracks, new corks, and the
>pads seem to be in decent condition. The seating of the pads is also
>perfect. I'm using a mint Selmer C** with matching lig. and either
Vandoren
>#2.5 or Prestini #3. (Both setups react almost identically...) I really
>have no clue what is wrong; can anybody help me!!!
>Tristan Carpenter
>P.S.- Someone awhile ago asked me to list what I play; I've starred those
on
>which I have the most proficiency... (****=excellent while *= fairly
decent;
>all else are just kinda toys...)
>Ab,Eb, Bb****, Alto***, Bass**, & BBb Contrabass*** Clarinest
>Bb Soprano****, Bb Tenor**, Eb Baritone**, and BBb Bass**** Saxes
>Oboe* and Bassoon
>Trumpet and Bass Trombone
>My Vocal Cords*
>