 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jason
Date: 2002-08-12 02:19
So here's my problem- occasionally I'll be playing, anything like a scale or a piece of music, and all of a sudden I'll try to play a note, but instead of getting that right note out, I get a high pitched noise. It's not really a squeak that happens with beginners, but rather it sounds as though the note is *trying* to get out, but either my fingers or the pads on my clarinet aren't properly covering up the holes so that the note can come out right. I'm thinking it's my pads, because I've tried experimenting by pressing my fingers down very hard as to ensure that the fingering holes are completely covered; and the high-pitched noise still comes out. Also, my pads seem pretty stiff and hard, and don't look like they sufficiently cover the holes (the pads could be replaced anyway, they're not really white anymore, getting kinda brown...). Additional information that might be of help in diagnosing the problem: I played bass clarinet for a year, so I could be out of practice. I use a Vandoren #4 reed (although it also happened with my Rico Royal 3.5). I also have one of these plastic ligature, Luyben or whatever it's called, although I doubt it's that, because it grips the reed really well. If anyone's got any info that would help, please enlighten me! Thanks for your help, feel free to ask any question if you need more information.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-08-12 04:02
Fast diaginosis...
Swap horns (not mouthpieces of course) with someone else and see if the problem stays with you, or follows your instrument.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-08-12 04:11
Diagnosis 2: While it is making its strange noise get another person to squeeze the pads closed, one by one, from the top of the instrument down.
Diagnosis 3. See a technician, which the clarinet apparently needs!
This can be caused by a semi-functioning spring on the throat A key, or the spring simply needing lubrication..... or dozens of other causes.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2002-08-12 06:31
If the problem lies with the adjustment of the correspondence (Fish tail connector between joints) for diagostic purposes rotate the lower joint slightly until a benefit is felt. Could be only adjustment needed will be more/less cork between plates - suggest letting technician see it anyway
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-08-12 11:34
Pad membrane turns brown (and possibly more brittle) when it absorbs dye that has been used to darken the timber. They often continue functioning well in their brown state for many years.
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Author: Larry Combs
Date: 2002-08-12 15:25
Another possibility is that the table or the facing of your mouthpiece has become warped , causing the reed to "whistle".
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2002-08-12 16:20
**begin newbie swoon**
Cool, Larry Combs! This board really does have some star power draw! Which reminds me, I need to order your Orchestral Excerpts CD.
**end newbie swoon**
I had a small gash form on the pad of my right pinky F/C key, so anything below G/D sounded just like what you describe. My first thought would be the pads. Try another horn with your mouthpiece and see if it continues.
But I defer to the superior knowledge posted by those above.
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Author: Jason
Date: 2002-08-12 18:55
Thanks for all your help! I'll get right down to the problem.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-08-12 21:17
A particularly frequent one of the "dozens of other causes" mentioned by Gordon (NZ): If the adjustment screw on the throat Ab key is screwed in even the slightest bit too far, it may be preventing the Ab key from closing totally. Even the slightest leak at that point is likely to cause a problem just such as the one you describe.
Regards,
John
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