Klarinet Archive - Posting 000016.txt from 1999/01

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Chirping Reeds
Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1999 23:14:35 -0500

At 09:06 PM 1/1/99 -0600, Roger Garrett wrote:
>On Fri, 1 Jan 1999, Mark A. Bradley wrote:
>> I had found what seemed to be one of my best reeds but when articulating
>> sometimes in the lower chalumeau especially when coming from a throat
>> tone, it has a short "chirp" sound before the note speaks. This is
>> heard even more when playing in middle clarion register especially when
>> coming up from a throat tone.
>>
>> What's going on here? I don't think it is me because other reeds play
>> fine without this happening. For the same reason I don't think it is my
>> mouthpiece. How is this caused, and what can I do to fix it?
>
>This is a VERY common problem. In fact - it is so common, that most of my
>students go through this (I did) - but rest assured, the remedy is easy.
>
>Chirping usually happens because of too much pressure against the heart of
>the reed. The problem can be compounded by too little mouthpiece and a
>fast air stream. Sometimes a reed is warped or the mouthpiece is the
>problem - but you have already identified it as YOU.
>
>Revisit long tones and embouchure exercises. Add interval work at FF with
>hard tonguing to identify if the embouchure is correct.
>
>Don't forget to engage the upper lip and work for a "round" approach -
>equalizing pressure on the reed.
>
While all of this may be excellent advice, I doubt that it applies to a
player who is having a problem ONLY with ONE specific reed. The reed is
clearly the major factor in this case. Either it is a correctable balance
problem, warpage, or a reed overdue for the "wall-smash."

>There is always the saxophone if that doesn't work! LOL.
>
If only it were so easy! The only way I know of to avoid reed troubles is
to switch to flute, brass, or percussion. Rather too drastic for most of
us, I believe! :-)

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org