Klarinet Archive - Posting 000218.txt from 2003/05

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Eb and related Bb squeaking problems (was Re: [kl]
Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 15:55:46 -0400

At 10:21 AM 5/9/2003 -0400, Kenneth Wolman wrote:
New problem now that the frozen barrel issue is behind
me. Squeaking. Transition up to the second register B and C from the
lower register and I'm encountering resistance that I can overcome only by
adjusting how I hold the instrument in my mouth. Then the duck-calls
erupt. I'm playing with some possibilities. The Noblet, first, is not the
Centered Tone. Duh. It seems to happen irrespective the reed--and I go
from a Daniel 1.5 to a Grand Concert 3. It seems also to happen on
specific mouthpieces, namely the fabled Selmer HS* and the Pyne-Clarion
medium...though it's far more pronounced on the HS*. Eyeballed the
instrument--all the pads seem okay and key action is okay too. There's no
problem with notes if I go way high and come down--it's starting there that
is the biggest aggravation.

Something is clearly not seating well, either due to mechanical reasons or
operator error, most likely the former. Check the adjustment of the bridge
mechanism between the two main joints. If it is too tight, the seal on the
pad on the right hand ring keys might be borderline unless well squeezed
(more likely when coming down from above). This problem is insidious
since, when each individual joint is checked for leaks, it won't show
up! If this is the problem, just bend the part on the upper joint a
touch. Be careful, though. Go too far and develop slack in the bridge and
the "1 and 1" Eb/Bb won't play properly.

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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