 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Joe White
Date: 2003-02-04 19:51
Would somebody kindly list the 2-3 worst out-of-tune notes (hopefully on all clarinets). Also, how can you play those with good intonation? Thank you.
I will make a sheet and save it as an .eps or Sibelius file for those of you who want a copy. Anybody out there that can do sax?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-04 20:47
Clarinets inherently do not play in tune.
However, good clarinetists do.
Your clarinet is only a tool...GBK
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Author: Gregory Smith
Date: 2003-02-04 20:57
On the omnipresent Buffet R13, 3 of the 4 F's (except top space F) are typically flat or sag in pitch although it's improved incrementally over the years with this model.
Adjustments?
Lowest F - not much can be done. I understand that the newer model R13 has a vent for the low F similar to German system vents operated with the RH thumb.
Throat F - add the side Eb/Bb key.
Altissimo regular fingering F - besides making sure the RH pinky Eb key is depressed to vent, add RH. fork key and half hole to bring the pitch back down. Altissimo "long" F is slightly higher than the reg. fingering but tends to sound smallish.
The rest of the adjustments are generally accomplished using particular voicing techniques.
The degree to which one experiences these problems are always somewhat related to the barrel and mouthpiece one is playing.
Much is discussed in the Tom Ridenour book about these and other fingerings - available through Tom at his website or through Gary Van Cott in Las Vegas.
Gregory Smith
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-02-04 20:59
All instruments have to be coaxed into tune. I think dead or wild notes are more of a problem. Intonation is pretty much in the control of the player and as mentioned above good clarinettists play in tune. It is fairly well accepted that low E and F need some correction hence the addition of vent keys on upper end instruments. Crossing from the break to the second register needs an attuned ear.
Dead or wild notes are another issue. High F, third register, is often wild and can be played on a number of fingerings such as L2&3 plus the G# key, or 123/123 plus G# or even as a harmonic on an A fingering. The player has to find what works for them and it is generally the fragility of the note more than the intonation that is of concern. I am happy to answer any similar questions about the saxophone and bassoon.
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Author: Gregory Smith
Date: 2003-02-04 21:00
Yes GBK. The key to good intonation on ANY instrument is constant adjustment. Voicing is a big part of the equation.
Gregory Smith
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-04 21:08
As I have said numerous times, know your particular instrument/barrel/mouthpiece/reed set-up well enough to know how to adjust for tuning.
As Greg Smith outlined above (for the R-13), the prudent use of alternate fingerings and venting techniques, will greatly help to produce the desired results for your equipment.
There is no excuse for playing out of tune. It is the most critical aspect of clarinet playing...GBK
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Author: Suzanne
Date: 2003-02-05 04:56
I agree with all the F's, and think altissimo F# merits a vote as well. (I add the RH fork key but still have to voice it up a bit.)
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Author: jez
Date: 2003-02-05 12:25
No clarinet is made that plays in tune, any more than a violin can be made that does so. Intonation is so dependent on context and, in the case of the clarinet, volume. A variety of fingerings is necessary on most notes to shade up or down, particularly up as it's often possible to flatten slightly with the embouchure.
My suggestion for top F;
TR123c#/g# and the 3rd RH trill key.
jez
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Author: William
Date: 2003-02-05 15:06
GBK wrote: "There is no excuse for playing out of tune."
Galvanized Ear????????????? (sometimes called the Van Gogh syndrome)
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