Klarinet Archive - Posting 000613.txt from 1999/03

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] The Dreaded *SQUEAK*
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 03:02:06 -0500

On Tue, 9 Mar 1999, Michael J. Lu wrote:

> However, in the middle of the piece of which I was playing tonight, a
> dreaded pair of *squeaks* hit me. I'm not sure how they erupted, but I'm
> curious to know. To my knowledge, all fingers had properly covered up the
> holes, and my grip on the mouthpiece was firm. So how does it appear, and
> what are some tips to prevent it from happening with less frequency
> (although it doesn't happen to me much as it is).

I think we need to remember just what the "dreaded squeak" is--it's nothing
more than playing the wrong note. With a "squeak" you are playing a higher
partial for the fingering you're using then the one that you expected.

There are only 2 possible reasons for playing the wrong note; either you are
venting the air column incorrectly (i.e., fingering) or your
reed/mouthpiece/embouchure is producing the wrong partial.

As suggested in another post, it's possible that you are "venting" the
instrument to get the higher partial. It could be inadvertently touching a
side key; it could also be a leaky pad. Both affect the air column, which
would cause the "problem."

Not all of this is bad--you may want to remember these "mistakes." To play
a double high A, you can finger a high E, neglect to open the
right-hand-pinky Eb key but instead open the C#. Viola!--double high A.
Of many mistakes are alternate fingerings made.

The reed/mouthpiece/embouchure is a bit more difficult. I have taught
students to make "bugle calls" of the various partials while fingering a
high E, to get the feel of the different partials. You'll be able to see
how excess biting--especially when tired--can pop a high one out.

Another, less problematic reason might be your equipment. If the tip of the
reed does not fully seal on the tip rail of the mouthpiece, there can be a
secondary vibration of the bit not sealing--and you squeak. Lots of things
can cause this: a split reed, a chip in the tip (or the beak of the
mouthpiece) and even just a weak spot in the tip of the cane.

Some equipment is more forgiving than others. I used a Dan Johnston for
years with an extremely wide tip rail--I don't remember chirping, even once,
no matter how ugly the reed. Thin tip rails (like the razors produced by
Vandoren) are far less forgiving.

A tip on tips--If your reed is split, give it the wall test. Once a
squeaker, always a squeaker, as they don't heal.

May your reeds not chirp,

kjf

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