Klarinet Archive - Posting 000131.txt from 2009/03

From: kurtheisig@-----.net
Subj: Re: [kl] Sqeaking
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:59:17 -0400

For a start:

Make sure you wet BOTH ends of the reed.

Use a magnifier to look at the end of the mouthpiece and see if you have any small chips or dents in the tip rail---or side rails. You can also simply try another mouthpiece to see if the same thing happens.

Make a very narrow test strip from a CD cover or cough drop box, or even cigarette paper--non-adhesive kind. Open a key and put the strip under the pad at 6-8 different points. At each one close the key and see if you can pull the paper out. You should get a light tugging feeling. If it just pulls through, you have a leak.

-----Original Message-----
>From: MICHAEL MARMER LINDA MARMER <mlmarmer@-----.net>
>Sent: Mar 27, 2009 9:30 PM
>To: klarinet@-----.org
>Subject: [kl] Sqeaking
>
>Hi,
>
>I am amatuer in the clarinet world, as I have a question about a weird
>sqeak.
>
>I have picked up the clarinet the last several years in attempt to play
>again. I have been going strong since January. I took professional
>lessons as a kid from 1963 to 1973. I have a R-13 from 1970 that is in
>great shape, as I had it in the shop this January, had some pads replaced,
>keys checked out, etc.
>
>I use Mitchell Lurie premium reeds. When I was a kid, I use number 5.
>
>I went from 2, to 3 now 4 this year.
>
>With the 4's, I get this weird squeak, like it is internal, like a mouse,
>very short. The more mouthpiece I put into my mouth, it is better. It is
>mainly in the upper register. I never had this problem before. Do I
>need to bring it back in for a look over? Any suggestions will be greatly
>appreciated.
>
>Mike Marmer
>
>
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>

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