Klarinet Archive - Posting 001015.txt from 1999/02

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] B natural
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 10:27:52 -0500

Laura24019@-----.com wrote:

> I have the same sort of problem with my B flat, on the staff. It sounds
> rather airy and out of tune, but the clarinet is only a couple of months old.
> Could it be the same sort of problems that everyone is giving tips to solving?
> And thanks to those who responded to my multiphonic question.
>
> Laura
>

The problem with Bb is a totally different problem. The common or regularly used
Bb fingering utilizes the Bb/register key to ascend that last half step above the
throat tones G, G# and A. The size and placement are far from ideal. This vent is
too small and too high to give a good Bb tone quality. The reason for this is
that the Bb/register key is also functioning as a register vent for all higher
notes.

The true Bb venting is found as the Bb trill key (the third key up on the right
side of the upper joint group of four. If you open this key with the A key
instead of opening the Bb/register key you will notice a Bb that has a very nice
tone. Unfortunately, this key is not always easy to get to or to get away from
when crossing back and forth over the register break. Reserve it for times when
the right hand doesn't have anything to do right before or right after playing
this Bb.

You can also improve, somewhat, the tone of the "regular" Bb by using a resonance
fingering. Try closing the second and third finger holes of the top joint when
playing this Bb. Also, to this addition, try adding different possible
combinations of fingers in the right hand---maybe the first and third plus the
low F or low E. Experiment until you find a combination that gives the best
possible tone and tuning. There will definitely be some fingering that will give
you much better tone than just leaving all of the lower part of the clarinet
open.

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