Klarinet Archive - Posting 000631.txt from 1999/05

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re: Blow Out
Date: Fri, 14 May 1999 18:41:38 -0400

Here is what David Hite says about Blow out. He gave me permission to post it.

David Hite <david@-----.com>
Subject: RE: Dave - clarinet blow out
Date: Fri, 14 May 1999 10:49:13 -0400
Encoding: 87 TEXT

Blow out. Various "principal clarinetists, and oboists" over the years
have referred to the "high pitched" wooden woodwinds as becoming
"blown-out". I personally have experienced it also. I don't believe it has
anything to do with "measurements".
It seems that after 8 to 10 years, the instrument no longer produces a
"weighty tone" or maintains the "resistance" that is necessary in ideal
orchestral or solo performance.
On the other end, it takes some 6 to 8 months to get a good new instrument
to "settle in" to an "middle period" of performance.
Certainly, this is highly "subjective" on the part of various players.
Lesser skilled players are likely not to experience this problem.
Certainly, it would be a mystery to those who are busy trying to establish
a "cause and effect" relationship to this phenomena by measurements.
Sometimes, a few extra years of "life" can be infused into an instrument
by changing the barrel. Older instruments will go sharper as they lose
their resistance so it can be helped by going from the standard 66mm barrel
to a 67 to maintain good pitch. A "fresh" barrel will bring some life back
to the instrument.
Some principal players, realizing this problem will own two or even three
sets of clarinets, and will alternate instruments to avoid this problem.
Playing one instrument only every day, will accelerate the decline.
Mouthpieces also wear over a period of time. I don't find that they "warp"
as many fear that they might do. However, the facing will wear at the
back end of the curve. Not the tip. I have seen mouthpieces that have
been in regular daily service in standard orchestral schedules that started
out being a 34 length, and after ten or more years, they will elongate to
a 36 or even more. When one becomes accustomed to this change gradually
over the years, the longer facing becomes "comfortable", and for many a
preferred facing in later years. The longer facing is more flexible, and
is easier on the aging embouchure. Of course, appropriate adjustments to
the balance of the reed must be made to accommodate this facing.
So, what is a "blown out clarinet or oboe" (bassoons don't suffer from
this in the same way!)?? Part time, or "some of the time" clarinetists
will possibly not be sensitive to it or aware of it. Indeed, amateur
clarinetists will use an instrument for 25 to 30 years and be happy as they
can be. But in an orchestral setting, when working with a section of top
players, flutes with "virile" sounds, oboes and bassoons "singing away",
when the sound of your instrument begins to "thin out", you know it is
time to do something about it. This a "generally experienced" factor,
not an individual opinion.
Dave, you can use this, signed by me, on the Clarinet L if you are
disposed to do so.
David Hite
David Hite, Inc.

David Blumberg
playit@-----.com
http://www.mytempo.com
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