Klarinet Archive - Posting 000375.txt from 2002/09

From: Nick Simicich <njs@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Reeds and Notes
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 21:41:49 -0400

On Thu, 19 Sep 2002, William Wright wrote:

> ....and while we're talking, Nick, here's a simple test:

> Close your eyes and play low E as a long tone. Ask a friend to press
> the register key for you at some unexpected moment (while you continue
> to play the low E and while you keep your eyes closed all the time).

That one was on a web site, and I tried it when I first experiened this
problem. Worked fine although response was slow. It did not have to be a
surprise, I could do it myself and it worked. Please remember the
symptom: I could always play down to the note as well from 2-4 notes above
it. What I could not do was to start at that note from a no-sound
condition.

> With your eyes closed, you won't know when the register key is going to
> open, and you won't be tempted to bite the reed or change your grip on
> the instrument or change your breath or anything else.
>
> What happens when your friend presses the register key?

The point was not that I could or could not play the note. I could play
the note by sliding down to it. Since I cleaned the register hole, I can
play it with a regular 2 1/2 Rico, no plastic, which give me that light
tan sound I like more. :-)

I have reread the above and I think I am coming off irritated, and that is
not how I feel. I appreciate the folks who have tried to help, I know I
should have taken lessons, and the Artley, no matter how popular they were
with my friends who took band in the late 60's, was likely a mistake.
That fork under the right little finger is badly out of adjustment, I play
low E or the B I could not play without a plastic reed with two little
fingers, and I actually kind of like it like that, I wonder if someone's
music teacher did not bend it that way, to force those notes to be played
that way, and the two lower right index finger trills interfere with each
other if you push them wrong, one of them will have to be formed about a
mm over, and there was this dirt in the register hole. :-)

I have enjoyed reading this list, but if there was klarinet-beginners, I
would have asked there.

But I have gotten many hours of enjoyment out of this clarinet, it amuses
me and my birds. And it plays better than any other clarinet I own.

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