Klarinet Archive - Posting 000848.txt from 1998/12

From: EbKlarinet@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: Bb Sounds different
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1998 01:22:39 -0500

Hello, y'all!

I have another answer for Steen about why the Bb sounds so airy (waited in
vain for someone else to mention this). The size of the tone hole for the
register key/speaker key is much smaller than any other note on the clarinet.
Since all that air gets forced out a *tiny* hole, it makes a fuzzy, buzzing
noise. That's why, when you use the alternate Bb fingering, A key plus 2nd RH
trill key, it sounds much better.

So why don't they just make the hole bigger? Because that is the one hole on
the clarinet that serves a dual purpose---it's there for the Bb, but it also
has to be the vent hole (vent hole--redundant, yes? <g>) for the upper
register. For it to be able to work as a vent, it has to be
small---otherwise, your clarion register won't work--the notes will come out
like they do in the lower register.

Hope this helps answer your question. Elise Curran

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