Klarinet Archive - Posting 000013.txt from 2003/10

From: Ray Montoro <rmontoro@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Altissimo Range
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 10:31:05 -0400

As recently as a year ago, notes in the altissimo above D were unstable
and difficult for me. Since I could play them easier on my combat Vito
V40 than on my R13, I took the R13 to Tom Ridenour and asked him to fix
it so it would play in the altissimo for me (grin).

He found no problems with the horn. He immediately focussed on my
tongue position, which directly affects the speed of the airstream. He
had me practice saying the word "key" or hissing like a cat while
noticing the position of my tongue. It should be high in the back of
the mouth, touching the back teeth, and curving up toward the palate
between the upper back teeth. This makes a small venturi which speeds
up the flow of air into the mouthpiece.

I also started to use his ATG reed finishing system. One test (in his
system) calls for slurring from C4 up to G5 up to E5 (5?) up to A6 (6?)
with no change to embouchure or air pressure. Just finger the notes.
Getting the E and the A were very difficult. I persisted with the ATG
system, and with better tongue position and better adjusted reeds, the
notes became easier.

I was playing a Gigliotti P mouthpiece, which I liked for
responsiveness and tuning but felt was too shrill and metallic above
the middle clarion. Mr. Ridenour refaced a 40-year-old Selmer HS* for
me. I got thick side and tip rails, to suppress some of the high
partials above the middle clarion. (To make my sound d*rker, you know?)
Now the altisssimo (at least up to A) is as easy and sure as any other
note! I don't need to bite or to change air pressure. Maybe all I need
to do is to increase embouchure pressure a little bit by pushing up
with my right thumb.

The change (for me) in less than a year is dramatic. I hope you will
check on your tongue position (air speed), reed quality, and mouthpiece.

Best regards,
Ray

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