Klarinet Archive - Posting 000176.txt from 2005/02

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Eefer stuffiness
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 23:45:17 -0500


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Fred Jacobowitz [mailto:fbjacobo@-----.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 10:13 PM
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Subject: [kl] Eefer stuffiness
>
> I need the help of some eefer acousticians. I have a Buffet RC eefer
> which is wonderfully in tune, etc. except for the high c# (above the
> staff). This note is unbearably stuffy. In order to get the note, I
> have to blow twice as hard and 'goose it' a la bass clarinet high
> range. There is obviously some acoustical problem with this note. Does
> anyone know whether this is endemic to eefers? Or to Buffets? Or just
> to my horn?
> I have already tried different mouthpieces and reeds with little or
> no
> effect. TIA all.
>
> Fred Jacobowitz
> Kol Haruach Klezmer Band
> Ebony and Ivory Duo
>
>

Fred,

Does the D above ring true?

Be sure to remove the register key and use a toothpick to clean the vent
tube of any residue, dirt...etc. Do the same with the tone holes. It's your
clarinet so you know....but be careful when cleaning tone holes. Use only
soft wooden tools and be sure that if you have tape, shoe polish, wax...etc.
in the tone holes for tuning that you don't damage the application.

If you open the vent (little finger g#/d# key) does the note's quality
improve? I know this will sharpen the note considerably....but I just want
to know about the change in quality of the note not withstanding pitch.

Can you produce a good C# using the high C fingering and the bottom two
trill keys alternate? Or....does the overblown f# produce a good sounding
C#.

Just trying to get at what's happening. Most Buffet Eb clarinets are pretty
darn good. I don't know of any that have this particular problem.

If the instrument is tight, no leaks, then I would suspect the length and
diameter of the vent tube. Especially if every other note is ok.

How about the top space E? Is it clear and in tune? What happens when you
half hole off of that E to the C#? Describe how it feels if you can.

Forest Aten

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