Klarinet Archive - Posting 000495.txt from 2003/12

From: Gordon Ross <clarinet@-----.me.uk>
Subj: RE: [kl] Beginners Problems..
Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 13:42:23 -0500

At 18:24 24/12/2003, you wrote:
>Gordon,
>
>All the advice you've gotten seems worthwhile, but I'm a little puzzled
>about what exactly "undesirable harmonics" means - the cat reference
>notwithstanding (I've never tried to strangle one :-) ). Is it just
>garden-variety squeaking (one unintended very high and out-of-tune pitch) or
>an unfocused correct pitch mixed with other frequencies (like a
>multiphonic)?

Sorry - it's a definate squeal

[snip]

>The easiest way to eliminate or confirm the clarinet itself as the source of
>the problem is for you to play on a clarinet that is known to work properly
>(your teacher's, if he/she is willing). Try your mouthpiece and reed on
>his/her instrument. If that doesn't solve the problem, it eliminates your
>instrument as a cause. If it's not the instrument, I'd start with a
>point-by-point check of your basic embouchure approach. If that seems OK,
>experiment with reed strengths, probably a 1/2 strength higher at a time
>until you either lose the problem or can't get a clear sound anywhere on the
>clarinet.

I am sure it's more a problem with my technique, than with the instrument,
as my teacher can play the instrument fine. :-(

G

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