 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Magsman
Date: 2008-02-11 22:09
I've recently returned to the clarinet after a 35 year layoff and am having a problem I don't remember having when I played the instrument at a fairly advanced level as a teenager. Almost every time I play a B (mid-staff, first note in the second register after the break) on the righthand side (lower right spatula key, I think it's called), I get this horrible honking sound, whereas when I play the same note with the left B/E lever it's clean. The problem is most noticeable when playing an interval up to the B (not a scale up to it), but it's also a problem descending to it, particularly when the immediately preceding note is a C played on the left C/F lever. If the problem is with the pads not fully covering the holes, I would have expected it to occur with the left levers, which have a less direct downward force on the pad to the holes. But that's not the case. Sometimes it doesn't honk but usually it does, and I haven't figured out an adjustment to the embouchure that prevents it. It's happening, moreover, on both my 40 year old Noblet and my brand new Vintage R13. Is it me or is it the clarinets? I took the Buffet in for an adjustment but they said it's in adjustment; on the other hand, I'm no technician and can't verify that. If it's me, can anyone advise me on how to prevent this very disturbing problem from reoccurring?
Thanks in advance.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2008-02-11 22:22
Sounds like equipment failure. If the problem was the opposite (RH B/E is good, LH is bad), I'd recommend a few techniques.
Take it to a different technician. If you're *still* having problems after that, get lessons with a reputable instructor and see what their take on it is.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2008-02-12 00:53
EEBaum's suggestion sounds right.
Sometimes, using the right hand B might pull one of the other right hand 3 fingers off a hole just slightly. Since your problem is intermittent, this could be the problem, too.
Good luck....and glad you're playing.
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-02-12 03:31
I also guess it is what johng describes. I think someone here on the forum recently had the same problem and it turned out to be for this reason. I'm guessing it is the finger near the pinky but could be another.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-02-12 15:59
you have a paddd leakkkk =) easy to fix if you know what your doing.
1) get a lighter
2) depress the B key lightly so that the pads close, but aren't being forced closed (think relaxed)
3) hold the lighter when lit an inch or so below the pad cup (don't burn the wood, try to focus the flame only on that one metal pad cup, but also don't burn the pad)
4) hold it there for about 8 seconds, which should start expanding the glue in the cup, causing your pad to rise, and retest again.
the culprit should be either one of the two pads on the right side. usually
use the suction test to check your work.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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