Klarinet Archive - Posting 000104.txt from 2003/08

From: EClarinet@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpiece selection - from a B45 to ??/tuning
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 10:31:57 -0400

In a message dated 8/6/03 3:16:46 AM EST, Jeremy writes:

<< But with the B45,
in order to get the third space C in tune, the throat tones are 15-20
cents flat, and the second ledger line C isn't much better. >>

I would like to suggest that the real problem here is perhaps the way you are
tuning your clarinet. If you are tuning third space C, which is a naturally
sharp note, and doing all your pulling at the barrel to make this note in
tune, the throat tones will always be flat. Pulling at the barrel affects the
throat tones more than any other notes, because they're closer to that part of
the clarinet. The same goes for your seond leger line C.

Tom Ridenour, in a Leblanc Bell article, suggests pulling at the mpc and/or
barrel. I do this, and don't get flat throat tones. Sometimes you can pull
just the mpc, and it will do a great job of overall tuning for you. Get out
your tuner and try it. The way Tom recommends is to tune open G with the
mpc/barrel, then check your octave higher G, and pull the middle joint for this note,
if necessary. Then check low C to make sure you didn't pull out the middle
joint too much. You can then compare your third space C to this C, and it will
usually still be sharp, but not as much.

btw, after I demonstrate this to band directors, I can almost always get them
to let the clarinet section tune on an open G rather than C. If you do have
to tune to C, play your lower octave....it is a better overall tuning
indicator.

Elise Curran
Orlando

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