Klarinet Archive - Posting 000100.txt from 2011/11

From: fbjacobo@-----.us
Subj: Re: [kl] Squeaks
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:40:52 -0500

Jennifer,

You don't specify whether what you're talking about is little chirps on
virtually every other note, (and especially on tongued ones) or actual
squeaks of the kind that happen when you overblow a note or your finger
isn't quite on a hole.

If you're describing chirps, then the problem is the reed-mouthpiece
combination, and can only be fixed when one or the other is replaced.
Obviously, the reed is easier and cheaper to replace, so in this case,
throw it out (or use it as kindling - they work really well for that!).

If it is the true squeak, only time and becoming a more capable player
will really fix it. Sometimes, the reed is just a little too hard or too
soft, and doesn't respond like your lip knows it should, so it squeaks
when your lip does the right thing. If it's too soft, throw it away. If
it's too hard, a very advanced player will scrape away wood in various
areas to "adjust it". That's probably not within your abilities, I'm
guessing. And sometimes you just have an ornery, bad piece of cane that
is not salvageable. So either way, replace the reed.

Fred Jacobowitz

Case Closed Musical Instrument Case Repair Service
Kol Haruach Klezmer Band
Ebony and Ivory duo

On Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:04:16 -0800, Jennifer Jones wrote:
> I am battling squeaks. I have figured out that it is a reed that is
> hyper-sensitive to a tight embouchure. I can execute many bits
> without
> squeaks, but that is usually only on the second or third time
> through.
> First time through rarely works properly. I am trying to cultivate a
> lighter embouchure, but given my situation (jack-ess [jill] of all
> trades, mistress of none - not even sure I can say that with all the
> schizo stuff psych people are saying to me). Classmates made
> comments
> about playing with squeaks and such and now I say things like that
> and
> am now having extra trouble with squeaks. Ugh, I fear I have been
> fighting too long. I am still stuck in that rut and am succumbing to
> the psychological defenses people have put up to me.
>
> Probably going to be cut up for tingly production. Put in the depths
> of Sheol for psycholotigal (psychological) sins. Oh misery. Spare
> me.
> Save me. Moan.
>
> How to stop squeaks...
>
> It seemed at the beginning that I was operating better than usual; no
> squeaks, no wrong notes. The luck of the resurrected?
>
>
> It worked best when I confined myself to the first five or so
> exercises
> in Baermann. But I am a over-zealot. I went through all the F major
> exercises in Baermann two, Kroepsch, Rubank and when that got boring
> I
> added Pares.
>
> I tried adding D minor. It was fine at first. Did major first and
> minor second. Did it with C major/A minor and F major/D minor.
> Tried adding G major, didn't work. Felt like I was making fingering
> muscle-memory headway. Stuck with F major for a while. Thought
> about
> the G major stuff again, tried it, didn't go to well, decided to do
> flat keys first.
>
> After sharing the schizo info online, I started mixing the two...
>
>
> Any suggestions? I promise not to zap suggestions down. Don't hurt
> me.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jennifer
> _______________________________________________
> Klarinet mailing list
> Klarinet@-----.com
> To do darn near anything to your subscription, go to:
> http://klarinet-list.serve-music.com

_______________________________________________
Klarinet mailing list
Klarinet@-----.com
To do darn near anything to your subscription, go to:
http://klarinet-list.serve-music.com

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org