 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ace
Date: 2002-07-11 18:07
I recently bought a brand new clarinet. However, when I play it it feels like there is something stopping the air flow. I played clarinet for 5 years, and I remeber having this problem many times before. When I play, there is this simple sound of air passing, which is like engulfing the notes (70% that sound 30% notes), even people who hear me played noticed it. There is nothing blocking the air flow and I doubt its the reed. What else could it be?
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-07-11 18:10
Sure sounds like a reed that isn't matched to your embouchure & mouthpiece to me (unless you're leakijng air around the corners of your mouth really bad). Try dropping your reed strength a half.
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Author: Charlie Halter
Date: 2002-07-11 19:14
Mark, I think you hit the nail on the head. The reed /mouth piece thing. I too have had that problem and when it does occurr I replace the reed # first.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-07-14 16:14
"something stopping the air flow"--??? It is most likely a reed-mouthpiece problem (as Mark suggested) but I suspect, rather, that the problem you re experiancing is the reed being too soft and closing too easily--as you apply embouchure pressure (bite)--thus "stopping" the air flow. Many new clarinets (espceially beginning models) are supplied with sample reeds that are very soft (Rico # 1.5 or 2.0, ex) with the theory being that they will play easily for the "first time" player. I recommend trying a reed that is one-half to one whole number stronger and see if your "stuffiness" disappears. VanDoren regulars (blue box) # 2.5 or 3.0 should work. Good luck.
(ps--also be certain that you are completely removing your tongue from the reed as you blow to produce the tone)
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-07-15 14:03
Interesting that both a too hard and a too soft reed can cause this problem...and it makes sense to me, plus it's cheaper to change reeds than mouthpieces
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