Klarinet Archive - Posting 000201.txt from 1998/07

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Blow v. Suck (Spit)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 14:45:47 -0400

On Wed, 8 Jul 1998 CmdrHerel@-----.com wrote:

> I like to suck it out mostly so that I'm not blowing the water into the
> spring mechanisms behind the pads. Over time this would help to rust
> those springs faster than necessary.

I've been on a campaign for many years to get my oboe students to adopt a
certain method of getting water out of tone holes, and it works very well
for clarinet as well. If there is water in, for example, the C#/G# pad,
and if time allows, disassemble the clarinet, cover the opening at the
lower end of the upper body joint with the index finger of the right hand,
and cover all the open tone holes including the thumb hole with the
appropriate finger of the left hand. Then, put the lips at the top
opening of the joint, and instead of blowing to increase the air pressure
inside, rather draw as much air as possible out of the instrument,
creating a vacuum inside. Then, quickly open the C#/G# key with the
little finger of the left hand. This causes air to rush into the tone
hole, pulling water back inside the bore. Then swab the joint. If
necessary, repeat the steps.

In many cases, when playing in an ensemble or performing a recital, there
isn't time for this procedure. However, when time permits, it can be
quite effective. Has anyone else ever tried this?

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************

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