Klarinet Archive - Posting 000024.txt from 2007/06

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] C clarinet
Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:30:49 -0400

In a message dated 6/4/2007 9:54:32 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
fbjacobo@-----.net writes:
I'll bet that would
fix a host of tuning problems with any instrument. If I ever lose my
sanity and decide to buy a 'ceefer, I'll be modifying the mouthpiece
too.
All you mouthpiece makers out there: What say you about this?>>

As far as I can determine, all C clarinets currently in production have a
bore size that accepts, or shall I say requires, a normal Bb/A clarinet
mouthpiece, in terms of bore size.

I do know at one time, some C clarinets were made with a smaller bore size,
in a scaled down manner as one would expect when viewing the difference
between an Eb clarinet and a Bb clarinet. I believe Kohlert made such a clarinet
in the previous century.

One might argue that the compromises inherent in a design that allows the
same mouthpiece to be used on the Bb, A, and C clarinets will have too many
problems on any of the instruments. However, that seems to be the decision made,
in aggregate, by the various manufacturers.

One of the big problems with C clarinets is the relative instability of the
throat tones. There is no uniformity here between brands. Many C clarinets
seem to have throat tones that want to go very sharp. Pulling out can "fix"
these notes but make other areas uncomfortably flat.

The Noblets that you mention (at least the ones I have examined) tend to
have flat throat tones.

Various mouthpiece combinations can help, but the solution is going to be
brand specific. There can be no one "C clarinet mouthpiece" that solves all the
problems across all brands/models.

Some of the top level professionals who use C clarinets recommend using the
same mouthpiece as the Bb and A. Fast switches are easier, you do not have to
contend with a dry reed at a crucial moment, and you do not have to have
separate reeds.

However, if the C clarinet you buy cannot be played in tune with your Bb/A
mouthpiece, other solutions might be necessary.

Forest - are you out there? Can you shed some more light on this issue?

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com

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