 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: iboice
Date: 2012-01-29 16:13
I always got this 'metallic sound' (as what my conductor said) when i played this G ![[G5]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/g5.gif) and above. The sound is always very bad. I use the same air flow when i play the lower notes. How can i do to improve the tone? And,sometimes,i cannot reach ![[C6]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/c6.gif) and above. Even there is sound,it doesn't sound right. Please tell me how i can get the sound out and right. Thanks alot! (:
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-01-29 16:33
How long have you been playing for?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: iboice
Date: 2012-01-29 22:03
Since last year February :\ I got this competition piece where there are a lot of notes G and above and I don't want to spoil my section's tone :(
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Author: pewd
Date: 2012-01-29 23:50
Try a different reed strength. Harder?
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-01-30 00:08
> Try a different reed strength. Harder?
Less metallic, maybe. :-)
(Sorry, just couldn't resist)
But Paul is on the same line as I am - vary things. Oil your keywork. Pull out your mouthpiece a fraction of a hair's width. Try a new reed. Try a new mouthpiece. Swallow before going upper clarion. (...)
There are a lot of variables, try to change one at a time, see what gives.
--
Ben
Post Edited (2012-01-30 00:08)
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Author: pewd
Date: 2012-01-30 02:59
Gawd. Ben's Metal reeds... Coming soon to a web site near you.
Folks with GAS will buy anything.
Tell us what type of mouthpiece & reed brand/strength you're using?
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: iboice
Date: 2012-01-31 09:18
I'm using a 2 half Reed and E11 buffet clarinet. As for the mouthpiece. I don't. really know the exact name but it is a buffet mouthpiece. Someone said that 'storing' some air in the mouth will help the tone. Does it work?
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Author: TianL
Date: 2012-01-31 22:22
there are a lot of things that people will say but i think you should just trust your teacher. at this stage of your playing, there are too many things that can vary, too many things you can try and everyone will tell you differently because everyone is different and thus plays differently. two people that are both great players may tell you two opposite things to do. (for instance, paul tells you to try a harder read, my teacher will probably tell you never to do that unless it's absolute necessary).
so just trust your teacher.. he/she hears your sound and sees what you are doing, while all of us here don't and we can only guess.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-02-01 17:43
You know, there are so many different things that could be causing this to happen. Yes, it could be your mouthpiece, Stock Buffet mouthpieces and not considered to be very good. You miight want to try some of the Vandorens if a local store stocks any, there a many to choose from at reasable prices. But, it coud be your choice of reed too of course the brand and the strength. Then it could be you. Not using your air properly, choking or closing your throat, blocking the air with your tongue as you go up high, pinching with your embouchure. So many reasons this could be happening the best thing to do is to take lessons with an experienced teacher to point out what the problems are and guide you. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2012-02-01 20:49
I suspect that a worn-out reed, a reed not positioned optimally on the mouthpiece, and/or not enough air support is at fault here.
The Buffet stock plastic mouthpieces I've tested have had little trouble responding in the high clarion and altissimo registers. I'd suspect the mouthpiece in this case only if it's warped or chipped.
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Author: bethmhil
Date: 2012-02-01 23:02
Metallic sound... How can this be defined? Is it an actual metal-vibrating-on-metal sound, or is it a buzz that is present in the tone... or something else? Have you had anyone else play on your clarinet to see if they get the same sound?
I assume that it is a buzz in the tone... I have heard that defined as "metallic". If that is in fact the case, then it may be possible that you could just be pushing too much into the reed with your bottom jaw. I (and others too, I assume) have issues with particular notes for one reason or another. It is often physiological-- we know that the note is problematic, so we unconsciously do things to make the note worse without meaning to (using less air, biting, pushing too much air, etc.). When you're playing in band and a high G is coming, you freak out and push more into the reed because of tension or stress. I'm not assuming this is the case with you, but it's possible.
It is also possible that, like Paul said, a harder reed could help. A little more resistance could do the trick for you. A buzz in the tone could also come from the tips of the reeds being too thin, a result of worn out reeds or also soft reeds.
BMH
Illinois State University, BME and BM Performance
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2012-02-02 15:44
Another possibility: a weak spring on the r.h. pinky Ab/Eb lever can allow that pad to lift and actually vibrate under blowing pressure. This is a more common problem than you might think. Try having someone hold that pad down while you're playing and see if the buzz disappears. Although, this particular problem usually manifests itself on the more-resistance "lower joint" notes rather than the "upper joint" notes where you say the problem occurs.
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