Klarinet Archive - Posting 000126.txt from 2008/04

From: "K S" <krsmav@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Question about a problem
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:18:42 -0400

Gary -

When I have this problem, it's usually because the reed isn't sealing
at the corner of the mouthpiece tip. Take the mouthpiece off, lick
your palm, seal the bottom of the mouthpiece against it and suck the
air out. If it doesn't hold the vacuum for more at least a second and
a half, there's a leak, and you may well hear a chirp as the reed pops
away from the lay.

On many mouthpieces, the intersection between the rail, tip and baffle
is tiny. Particularly if the tip of the reed is curved down at the
corner, it's easy to leave a small opening.

The easy solution is to put the reed on the mouthpiece slightly
higher, to make sure there's no leak. I check the reed tip and
reshape it if necessary to make it match the corners.

The problem can also be due to swelling on the bottom of the reed.
Check whether there's an impression of the mouthpiece window on the
bottom of the reed. If so (and even if there isn't), flatten the
bottom on 600 sandpaper over a sheet of glass.

Also, because the corner of the mouthpiece is so thin, it's easy to
damage it with even a light bump. Clean the lay and hold it facing up
pointing toward a light or a window so the light reflects off it. If
there's any change in brightness, there's also damage. I had a kid
with a severe chirping problem caused by a dinged tip. It was
immediately cured with a new mouthpiece.

Another cause of chirping is letting the embouchure move along with
the tongue. Have the student play a steady tone and make the tonguing
motion, but just missing the reed. Once he learns to keep everything
motionless except the tip of the tongue, have him gradually move the
tongue toward the reed until it barely brushes the reed tip.

Keep us posted.

Ken Shaw

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