Klarinet Archive - Posting 000557.txt from 1999/05

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Tone
Date: Thu, 13 May 1999 17:17:05 -0400

John,
No, it **ISN'T** every clarinetist's goal to get a "dark" tone. We
strive for a full, even, clear sound. Frankly, to me "dark"= DULL (in my
own not-so-humble opinon).
That said, if you are looking for the so-called "dark" sound, you
are essentially trying to bring out more of the lower frequencies and to
inhibit the upper overtones. Mostly, you do this with your equipment. For
starters, you get a mouthpiece which is "dark". Some of those that seem to
be generally regarded as such are those made by Pine, Johnston, and Greg
Smith, although there are others and, frankly, "darkness" is really a
subjective thing.
As for reeds, some seem to play "darker than others. For example,
the Vandoren V-12 seems to produce a thicker, less bright sound than the
regular kind. Olivieri's used to give me that kind of "non-bright" sound
also. On the other hand, Rico Royals are buzz saws. Go and order a boat
load of reeds.
Ligatures are helpfull in reducing upper frequencies. In general,
the less the reed vibrates, the more the uppers are controlled. The Rovner
Ligature and other thick, solid band ligatures seem to do this the best.
And, if you are playing an older Leblanc or Selmer, your sound
will definitely be lighter and brighter than the newer models or most
Buffets. The Buffet Prestige, for example, is generally a "darker" horn
than the Selmer line.
AND NOW LET THE FLAMES BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Wed, 12 May 1999 JohnnyWalt@-----.com wrote:

> Having been out of an intense practice regimen for a while, I am
> inquiring on the best possible practice steps to achieve a truly dark and
> rich tone (isn't that every clarinetist's goal?) At this point in my
> playing, I don't have a lot of centrality or purity in my tone; it sounds
> overly-bright or "high strung," for lack of a better word. What are some
> techniques that all of you have found to be successful in achieving the
> focused and pure sound that I am looking for? The more details the better -
> i.e. reeds, embouchre, ligature, amount of practice, technique books -
> whatever you want to comment on! Thanks!
>
> Matt Walter
> Oak Forest, IL
>
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