 The Fingering Forum
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Author: EdgeMaster_74
Date: 2003-05-06 18:23
Hello everyone, I am a third year beginner on the clarinet. I own a Selmer Omega Bb and I get an airy sound when playing
the first octave C#, and second octave B. I bought it about three months ago. They tend to have the quality of the second octave Bb (expected). It was a brand new wooden instrument and to date, I know it has no in it. the only thing I noticed is that the two main pieces of the clarinet fit together, but can be moved slightly from side to side (like topping off a gas nozzle but not nearly as bad). Is is this? Did I buy a bad instrument? Are the Selmer Wooden Omega Bb's crappy? Please let me know. I am highly dissapointed with this $1200 instrument that dosen't give me flawless performance ...
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-05-06 19:00
Is this a paris omega or USA omega? It should say on the the body "USA" or "made in France".I have heard the paris omegas are much better instruments. The two main peices shouldn't wobble or move at all. The problem is the cork needs replaced. I don't think this would cause the problematic notes you are experiencing. I would advise you to take it to a good repair man to have the clarinet looked over and explain the problems you are experiencing to them.
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Author: Theboy_2
Date: 2003-05-06 22:36
the C# in first octave is usually airy, i haven't heard one that isn't actually. and second octave Bb, is that the register and A key? if it is, it's called a throat tone, the G(no keys)through Bb(register and A) are ugly notes that sound airy. The joints sometimes do that because the cork isn't very tight. it doesn't matter if you don't get it fixed or not, it doesn't interfere with your tone, unless it is really bad and wobbles while your playing. New instruments are like that, they haven't gone through there runs yet, it may have a few problems at first but you can't make a flawless instrument all the time. your horn isn't bad, it's just new.
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-05-06 23:55
My C# in the first octave isn't airy and it shouldn't be if the pad is fitted right and the key is opening enough. The C# on my school's clarinet isn't airy either. The joint wobble, even if minor, can lead to more problmes. The more it wobbles, after time it will get worse unless a thicker cork is fitted. The G throuhgh Bb isn't necissarily "ugly" but they are problematic notes on the clarinet, that are sometimes hard to tune and airy. With more time and practice, the "throat tones" will get better. I still advise a tech to look over the clarinet. You might be surprised at how much better the clarinet plays once this is done.
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Author: Gnomon
Date: 2003-05-07 07:27
When you buy a new instrument, you will need to bring it back a few times to the shop to get it adjusted. That's part of what you're paying for when you pay $1200 for a new instrument. I had to bring mine back three times for different reasons.
It sounds to me as if the cork might not be quite tight enough, but the technician in the shop will be able to tell you straight away.
I wouldn't worry about the C# sounding airy. Part of the reason for this is because it comes out of the side of the clarinet rather than the top, so you hear it with a different part of your ear. Get somebody else to listen and it will probably sound the same to them as all the other notes.
Bb is notorious for having an airy sound, but the B which is a semitone higher is not so. Are you getting this note with all fingers down and the register key pressed? In that case it should be a good solid note. Does the lowest E sound OK? It uses the same fingering except for the register key, so if you have a problem with your pads, it will be affected too.
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Author: EdgeMaster_74
Date: 2003-05-07 19:10
Well, thank you guys for all your help. I really appreciate your opinions ... I must clear something up though: I have a USA omega. So does this mean that I was cheated? Do the Paris Omegas cost the same as the USA Omegas? I kind of figured that being a beginner, I wanted to get a good quality instrument that would last me a long time without failing so I figured Selmer has a good rep. Does anyone know the price difference between a USA and Paris Omega? Also, does anyone know how I might be able to tune up my new instrument myself because after shelling out that much money, I frankly can't afford to pay $50 here and there to get it checked up. What do the techs normally do when they condition new instruments? Should I just return it and get a Paris later (if it is indeed more money)? That would leave me without a clarinet for a while ...
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-05-07 21:26
I didn't mean for you to the think the USA Omega's aren't decent instrumnets and they aren't cheap by far. I've just heard that the selmer paris omega's are made up to more of a professional level and will indeed cost more. If you are happy with the instrument the keep it and be happy. I don't know about tuning it yourself or adjusting it yourself except that I would advise against it unless you know what you are doing, otherwise it could lead to more damage including costly repairs. Good luck and I hope with some adjustment the clarinet you have turns out to be an excellent one. -Corey
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