Klarinet Archive - Posting 000242.txt from 2002/08

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet rolling.
Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2002 23:54:44 -0400

In a message dated Sun, 25 Aug 2002 10:26:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, britt@-----.org writes:

<< Yes it does want to roll and yes the reed and register are in line. One thing that I didn't mention is that my left upper incisor is chipped and therefore somewhat shorter than my right. It doesn't feel like it's causing the problem but I wouldn't swear to it.>>

To hold the clarinet successfully, the instrument must be staeady when held with thumb and embouchure only. I can remember, years ago, my teacher used to test this by trying to wiggle my clarinet while I played it.

This is NOT to say that you should bite to hold the instrument steady. The embouchure must be focused and hold the mouthpiece firmly, and the thumb must feel like it is pressing upward, pushing the clarinet into your mouth, so to speak.

If you have uneven upper teeth, this can cause problems as you might be using a much smaller "fulcrum" to balance the mouthpiece.

I would suggest teo possible courses of action: 1.) Use a thick mouthpiece patch, which might take up some of the uneveness of your teeth, and help you hold it more securely; or 2.) Visit your dentist and seek his/her help.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
Clarinet repairs and restorations
Mouthpieces too!

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