Klarinet Archive - Posting 001095.txt from 1998/12

From: David Bourque <tso@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] getting rid of unwanted partials in contra
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 12:34:37 -0500

>Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 05:47:45 +0800
From: "Sean Tan" <schizo@-----.sg>
Subject: getting rid of unwanted partials in contra

>hi,
>I got a question regarding the Contra-alto clarinet/contrabass

>How do you get rid of those unwanted Partials that is generated with certain
>notes.( or is that what you call it?) for example, when I play the chalameau
>C#, I notice that there is an G#(throat) in the background. could it be due
>to the vibration and inherent property of the instrument?
>is there a way to minimise it such that a "purer" note can be obtained?

If I understand what you are saying, you are getting a harmonic sounding a
fifth above the note you are playing, i.e., 3 finger C# produces a strong
throat G# harmonic.

This is curious, for sure. On bass clarinet, I find it desirable to
"voice" or bring out the harmonics that naturally occur, that is the 12 and
then the 6th above that. On low notes in the chalumeau, say low E , I can
clearly hear the 12th B and the next harmonic, the G#. I try to bring out
the G# as the 12 is strong anyway.

You are getting the 12th, but an octave too low. Sure you're not playing
the flute?

Might be some kind of "feedback loop" with the reed/mouthpiece combination.
Do you take a lot of wood off the back of the vamp of the reed? I do this
on contra and it improves response and gets rid of unwanted harmonics
A.K.A. squeaks.

Amazing how such a big instrument can make such high sounds with relative
ease, and always at unwanted times.

=============================================
David Bourque
Bass Clarinet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
mailto:dave@-----.com
=============================================

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