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 Sharpening low e, f and f sharp
Author: AR 
Date:   2003-11-12 18:21

Does anybody know if there are clarinet bells to sharpening the low e, f and f sharp? I play the b flat and a clarinet of Festival Buffet Crampon. Are there special bells with for example a correctioning-hole for my instruments? Please help me. Thanks.

AR

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 Re: Sharpening low e, f and f sharp
Author: David Spiegelthal 2017
Date:   2003-11-12 18:48

I recently (accidentally) discovered a slight sharpening effect on those bottom notes on my Boosey & Hawkes 8-10 after I rounded off (radiussed) the bottom inside rim of the bell, which was originally a sharp line. I don't know if such a treatment would be feasible and/or beneficial on a Buffet.

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 Re: Sharpening low e, f and f sharp
Author: chuck 
Date:   2003-11-14 03:07

I recently experienced the reverse of this wherein my low E and F were quite a bit on the high side. Tuning at the bridge and lower joint had little affect. Changed mouthpiece--went from my Borbeck to an M13 Lyre--and have brought both notes down to where they should be. It could be worth a try. Chuck

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 Re: Sharpening low e, f and f sharp
Author: Wes 
Date:   2003-11-14 06:07

It is surprizing that those low notes should be too flat on the Buffet Festival. Many years ago, the Buffets were quite flat on those low notes, but the R13s were better.

It is possible to raise those low register flat notes by undercutting the appropriate tone hole but this doesn't apply to the low E. Some tuners of clarinets have bored holes in the bell to raise the low E. The undercutting of the toneholes raises the lower register note but should not change the upper register note.

One should be very careful about modifying a fine Buffet unless one is experienced in clarinet tuning. A second opinion from a fine player/teacher/tuner seems like a good idea. Good luck!

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 Re: Sharpening low e, f and f sharp
Author: William 
Date:   2003-11-14 14:30

I seem to remember a discussion of a low key mechanizm that can be added to help correct this inheriant clarinet tuning malady. Perhaps someone with more advanced "search" skills than I , could find and repost this.

Also, Tom Ridenour--accoustical designer of the LeBlanc Concert/Opus clainet models, remarked that Selmer had corrected this low E/F flatness on their Signiture" line of clarinet, but that he "didn't know how they did it".

For me, I just lip them up as necessary, except when I am playing my vintage R13 Bb, which is not flat on those notes. My R13 A however, is quite flat "down there". My LeBlancs are both flat, but managable by "lipping".

Clarinets are not built in perfect tune--they are Played in tune.

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 Re: Sharpening low e, f and f sharp
Author: brez 
Date:   2003-11-14 16:00

AR-
Check out Morrie Backun's site, he's listed as a retailer here. I would also contact him, he REALLY knows the clarinet and would very much be able to help you out.
Best of luck!

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 Re: Sharpening low e, f and f sharp
Author: ken 
Date:   2003-11-14 17:14

William wrote: Also, Tom Ridenour--acoustical designer of the LeBlanc Concert/Opus clarinet models, remarked that Selmer had corrected this low E/F flatness on their Signature" line of clarinet, but that he "didn't know how they did it"."

--Yes barely, at least on my Signature (2001), about 2 cents ... give Tom an "A" for effort. And, maybe it's me but I don't understand why any intermediate player or better would experience a flat bottom end unless they had mechanical problems or a dog for a horn. On every pro/premium line B-flat I've ever owned/played (horns circa 1973-2002) on its stock barrel, the low E & F naturals and G flat/F sharp were always fundamentally sharp ... as much as 10-15 cents. Like anyone else, there's not much we can do but struggle along and lip/jaw it down. Another quick fix might be sucking the stomach muscle in and up while lowering the jaw, then forcing air down, channeling it to the very inside of the bore. And at least for me, pulling out at the bell (no more than to the cork line) slightly brings down the low E and break B natural, but that's it. v/r Ken



Post Edited (2003-11-15 16:18)

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