 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 14:53
Here's a thread about Clarinet Myths. This thread isn't for arguing as typically ones belief of a myth won't change no matter what.
Many "myths" are believed and taught by world class teachers and players so it isn't a matter of the uneducated, or amateurs believing in hocus pocus - there are experts who swear by some of these too.
So go for it!!
And remember - no arguing
A myth that was taught to me was that sealing the reed (rubbing it on paper) will brighten up the sound to an unacceptable level so don't do it.
Another one: Sandpaper and reed knives aren't good for tip adjustment, only rush works well.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 15:01
2 more easy ones:
Clarinet's Blow out (or don't)
Mouthpieces blow out from swabbing
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-10-11 17:16
There's no need to adjust reeds, and it does no good anyway. Slap 'em on and throw 'em away if they don't work.
Precious metal plated on the outside of a ligature improves your tone.
Single lip is better than double lip. Double lip is better than single lip.
A certain Leblanc model has a youthful tone.
The American Snorkler metal clarinet I bought at an estate sale is solid silver and a great rarity.
Once I make first chair, everybody will love me, and I'll be able to tell them what to do.
Acker Bilk plays the clarinet.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-11 17:21
You can't find a good Buffet A clarinet ...GBK
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 17:30
Possible myth - throw away a warped reed, it can't be fixed because if it is, it will just warp again.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 17:36
Bass Clarinet reeds are the only good reeds for Bass Clarinet - or Tenor Sax Reeds are better for Bass Clarinet than Bass Clarinet Reeds
in the Instrumentalist Woodwind Anthology there are authors who pan Tenor reeds for Bass Clarinet and others who prefer them.
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Author: Tom J.
Date: 2004-10-11 17:39
If one player can find one good reed in a box of 10, then 10 players can find 10 good reeds in a box of 10.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-11 17:41
The best Vandoren reeds stay in France. The rest of the world gets the remainder ...GBK
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 17:43
It's almost a myth that 10 boxes will yield 10 good reeds 
David Shifrin was Principal Clarinetist of the Honolulu Symphony, the Dallas Symphony and Stokowski's American Symphony Orchestra before the Cleveland Orchestra at 23
TRUE
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-10-11 17:55
Benny Goodman died when he drank a Coke after eating a bag of Pop Rocks.
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-11 17:56
The Walrus was Paul ...GBK
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Author: Brad
Date: 2004-10-11 18:04
Here's one I have hearing since I was 12, I am now 42. Vandoren's aren't what they used to be.
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2004-10-11 18:05
Tom J. -- I like your logic! ![[toast]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley15.gif)
Ralph G -- Will this rumor never die? Pepsi, it was a Pepsi!
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-10-11 18:32
When "on hold" music at the White House telephone system is a recording of the Reger clarinet quintet
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-10-11 19:20
Wooden clarinet will crack in the cold.
Material makes no deference to the tone.
Vaseline will destroy tenon cork almost immediately.
Air column vibrates but not the body of clarinet.
Harder reed makes better sound.
You don't need to oil your (older) wood clarinet.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2004-10-11 19:57
Myth:
All it takes to be a great clarinetist is great equipment!
Corollary 1:
How good you are is directly related to how (good/expensive/elite) your equipment is.
MOO,
Matt
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-11 20:29
The more famous names you happen to drop, the more impressed your fellow bulletin board members will be ...GBK
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 20:51
yeah, I hate that@!!!!!
;)
Post Edited (2004-10-11 23:07)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 20:57
Vytas - Wooden Clarinet which the bore is still warm and the outside is a lot colder than the (expanded) inner bore can crack.
Or if a Wooden Clarinet is really cold and suddenly exposed to warm has the potential to crack also.
Aren't both true?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-10-11 21:21
The better you become the harder the reed you should play.
How's that one?
(feels good to come back!)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2004-10-11 21:28
Discussion (as among the clarinetists on this bboard) produces agreement.
(Good to see you back, sfalexi!)
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-10-11 21:35
Your director always knows what is best for your clarinet, even if said director is a brass player.
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2004-10-11 21:38
I've heard this one for a least 40+ years:
"The music business is dying!"
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-10-11 22:07
John J. ... with performers like you around, that myth will remain just that.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-11 22:27
How about this one:
"When in doubt, play out"
Should be more like "when in doubt, back out"........
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2004-10-11 22:48
Things people say that they really shouldn't have:
"Play with support; use those disphragm muscles!"
"A harder reed would improve your tone"
"You should buy the gold one, that sounded better than the silver one"
"Buffet is better than Leblanc, which is better than Selmer which is better than Yamaha"
"Always swab bell to barrel." OR "Always swab barrel to bell."
"Practice makes perfect"
__________________
Don't hate me because I play Leblanc! ![[down]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley23.gif) Buffet
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2004-10-11 22:52
Post Edited (2008-03-28 23:54)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-10-11 22:55
"Plastic reeds sound just as good as normal ones."
US Army Japan Band
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-10-11 23:00
There's no need to buy an A clarinet, use your B flat and transpose.
Post Edited (2004-10-11 23:02)
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-10-11 23:02
If it's written for C clarinet, it must be played on one.
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Author: William
Date: 2004-10-11 23:34
"The child that blows a horn will never blow a safe"
"If your not sure who is in tune, just play louder" (Dec 30th, 1962--Tennessee Ernie Ford TV Show band trumpet player from Burbank, Calif)
"Saliva only" (now that I am using Legeres, I really no longer care)
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Author: glin
Date: 2004-10-12 00:49
Bass clarinetists are less capable musicians than soprano clarinetists.
Vandoren reeds and mouthpieces are best for Buffet clarinets.
Your embochure should always have a dressy smile.
My clarinet was tuned to A=440 at the factory and I don't need to adjust.
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Author: VermontJM
Date: 2004-10-12 01:04
"My Concert Bb is sharp, so I should pull out the barrel a full centimeter in hopes that this will make make me flatter. Oh wait, now my throat tones are flat- I'll pull out the middle joint, too..."
"Pad savers" are an excellent alternative to swabbing a clarinet and should be jammed into the clarinet and left there until the next time you play. Oh yeah- and leave the reed on the mouthpiece. That's a good one, too.
Those little felt swabs sent in students clarinets are perfectly fine for cleaning an instrument... and getting stuck in the instrument... and driving your band instructor NUTS!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-10-12 01:14
"Boiling a mouthpiece will sterilize it"
Half myth. Yes it'll sterilize it, but you'll also never be able to play it again.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: pzaur
Date: 2004-10-12 01:34
"Mouthpieces of the same model and make are exactly the same."
-pat
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-12 01:55
Well, they are exactly the same!
Cost that is..........
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-12 03:10
"the bill collectors defer payment while auditioning"
That's a good myth
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2004-10-12 03:15
The Buffet R-13 is the ONLY Bb clarinet worth having. And to be REALLY good, you have to use Vandoren reeds and mouthpieces.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-10-12 04:00
A=440
A will continue to =440 throughout the piece
I can play all the notes up to tempo with the proper articulation and dynamics, so there's no reason for me to keep practicing it.
Nothing could possibly go wrong when a clarinetist is playing with one hand and turning a page with the other.
The third clarinet part is boring and unnecessary, and serves as a babysitting spot for players who may some day be good enough to play a part that matters.
Applying lots of cork grease daily will help ensure your clarinet always assembles easily.
A reed is good for as long as it continues to produce sound easily.
Surely I'll use all these ligatures I've bought over the years!
If the tip of a reed is damaged, a reed clipper will make it good as new, with no ill effects whatsoever! In fact, you can add months to the life of your one good reed using only a clipper!
(edit: typo)
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
Post Edited (2004-10-12 04:01)
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Author: Igloo Bob
Date: 2004-10-12 06:29
The Bass Clarinet is easier than the Soprano Clarinet.
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Author: ned
Date: 2004-10-12 07:13
''An amateur practises until it's right...a pro until it's never wrong.''
I'm unsure if this is one is a myth?
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Author: mags
Date: 2004-10-12 08:05
(up) to all of you....
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Author: mags
Date: 2004-10-12 08:07
ok...sorry...don't know what happened....that was supposed to be a thumbs up sign....my computer knowledge is like my clarinet knowledge.......not a lot!
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Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2004-10-12 10:34
I'm really pleased you're back, sfalexi!
Joanna Brown
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-10-12 10:48
John Kelly Wrote:
''An amateur practises until it's right...a pro until it's never wrong.''
I'm unsure if this is one is a myth?
Nope...this is something I come back to again and again. It's so true!
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-10-12 14:02
I need a new mouthpiece.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-12 14:13
"if I just find the right Mouthpiece, I'll play so much better"........
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Author: larryb
Date: 2004-10-12 14:32
I'm really pleased you're back, sfalexi!
is that a myth?
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-12 15:09
"Practice makes perfect"
(only perfect practice makes perfect)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-10-12 18:21
I practice every day
Bob Draznik
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-12 18:33
In 1969, Acker Bilk performed at Woodstock,
and I was there.
...GBK
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Author: FrankM
Date: 2004-10-12 18:41
I might get a paying gig playing the clarinet
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-10-12 18:51
"Wow, I sound like Marcellus."
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: Henry
Date: 2004-10-12 19:39
I do Baermann III every day.
I learned that from our GBK.
Then long tones, all scales, and arpeggios,
interrupted by a short piece of Berlioz.
Such practice can REALLY make you play!
Henry
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-12 19:39
Henry,
I'm glad that I did my good deed,
Which is helping you to succeed.
I am the co-chairman,
Of promoting Baermann.
Success in 6 months - Guaranteed!
...GBK
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-12 19:42
Making All-Regional, All-County, All-State, All-World or All-Universe really matters ...GBK
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-12 19:51
It's important to have a great sound when playing in marching band...GBK
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Author: VermontJM
Date: 2004-10-12 20:12
It's really important to tune before playing in pep band in a cold hockey rink - especially when you are going to be sitting around doing nothing while the puck is in play...
ff means to play as loudly as possible, regardless of how your tone sounds. (Ok, I wasn't TAUGHT this one, but many seem to believe it!)
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Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2004-10-12 20:23
larryb - no, it isn't a myth, although after I'd posted I thought that mine did seem a bit out-of-place there among the others! But I was so pleased to see sfalexi back on the BBoard again that I didn't stop to think which thread it was on!
Joanna Brown
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-12 20:49
"Making All-Regional, All-County, All-State, All-World or All-Universe really matters ...GBK"
But it does matter to College Registrars
And hopefully it matters enough to the players who don't make 1st chair to not try to major in performance - cause over 99% of em will stay unemployed.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2004-10-12 20:55
1. Vandoren has one employee at their factory whose sole job is to put one good reed in every box.... This employee is on vacation 4 months out of the year.
2. Leon Leblanc designed and built a prototype of the triple octocontrabass clarinet.
This triple octocontrabass was melted down during WWII. The metal was used to make the barrel of a howitzer (and the pads were used for ammunition).
This weapon delayed the German invasion of France for 2 days.
Leon Leblanc received a medal for his contribution.
If the instrument had been played, instead of melted down, the vibrations would have delayed the German invasion for 5 days and Leblanc would have received 2 medals.
3. An infallible method of determining whether a clarinet is made of wood or plastic is to fill a bathtub with water and drop the joints in. (The "float" test.)
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: CPW
Date: 2004-10-12 21:53
No one likes von Weber.....too arpegiatted
The Mozart concerto is the one to do first b/c it is easiest
Drucker is retiring this year
Moennig...or is it Moennig...or is it Moenig
Henri and Charles Chedeville both lived in Philadelphia and exported rubber to France where Kaspar worked on them and sent them back to Ann Arbor to be sold in Chicago and later Cicero
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-12 21:56
> "Making All-Regional, All-County, All-State, All-World or All-Universe
> really matters ...GBK"
> But it does matter to College Registrars
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Point taken. However, to what degree may not be as much as we think.
But in the adult world of trying to get (and keep) musical employment, it is absolutely meaningless...GBK
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-10-12 22:07
Clarinets can be heard in a marching band -- easily.
The bell of a bass clarinet is designed to be banged on the floor when other people can't keep the rhythm.
If you're a clarinetist and don't want to take your new R-13/Opus/Signature outdoors to march at the football game, you can switch to bassoon. Borrow the school Heckel. They're cheap, easy to march with and big enough that the wood doesn't get cold.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-12 23:44
yes - Regionals, States, etc are meaningless in the job (real) world
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2004-10-13 00:34
Post Edited (2008-03-28 23:55)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-13 00:42
Bradley - depends on the state and just how good your group is.
Typically the All State events are a lot better than just one school ensemble - and the conductors are as well.
(hopefully that's not a myth)
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Author: Firebird
Date: 2004-10-13 14:27
Here's a few
1. Clarinets ought to be condemned after 7 years of use.
2. Zonda always sound better than Vandoren.
.
3. We should use Zonda reeds because professional players here use them.
4. Buffet clarinets are the best.
5. Sharp is more easily disgused than flat
6. RC Prestige is better than R13 Prestige and Festival
7. 'I don't sell pad sets here'. - Buffet sole agent
8. 'Moennig barrels sound better than Chadash' - Buffet sole agent
9. 'You shouldn't use a Prestige `cause you are not up to it yet'
10. 'No one here uses Leblanc clarinets'
11. You all should buy Vandoren B45. (Hello, I use a RM-15?!)
12. Morgan mouthpcs don't work with Vandoren reeds.
13. Vandoren B45 + Vandoren V12 reeds + Vandoren optimum ligature is the best set up.
Chan
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2004-10-13 14:54
Pro players only play custom made mouthpieces.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2004-10-13 15:00
in a blind test it is easy to hear the difference between a greenline and a wood, a buffet, a leblanc a yamaha or a selmer.
Marcellus' recording of Mozart concerto is the best ever made.
Vibrato should never be used.
Swab barrell to bell (or bell to barrell)
putting the needle in the center of the tuner = you are in tune.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-13 15:58
If you don't use a custom mouthpiece, you probably aren't a very good player.
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2004-10-13 16:01
Alexi, it's great to have you back. I'm glad you couldn't stay away.
Leonard
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Author: sbbishop
Date: 2004-10-13 16:10
David said "If you don't use a custom mouthpiece, you probably aren't a very good player."
I am in real trouble! I use a custom mouthpiece and am a lousy player!!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-13 18:09
Ya mean the MP didn't magically transform you into at least a $300 player?
;)
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Author: sbbishop
Date: 2004-10-13 18:18
Nope!! The MP just proved that the trouble lay elsewhere. That's why my money is on the 'silver-plated key' upgrade now!!
Post Edited (2004-10-13 18:20)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-13 18:35
Yes, because when the keys are very shiny it possibly can dazzle the audience with their brilliance.
Then they will forget how you just played.........
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Author: ClariSax217
Date: 2004-10-13 20:32
"Marching in the rain will not ruin your pads."---My band director, who plays french horn.
"Clarinet is sooo much easier than any brass instrument."---Euphonium player.
"Rico reeds sound better than Vandorens."--- Freshman clarinet player.
*~*Malaya*~*
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-13 21:09
Gordon - ah, the plating of the keys myth
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Author: Camanda
Date: 2004-10-13 22:17
DavidBlumberg wrote: "When in doubt, play out"
My band director says, "When in doubt, lay out!"
Amanda Cournoyer
URI Clarinet Ensemble, Bass Clarinet
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Author: Iacuras
Date: 2004-10-13 23:47
GBK wrote:
"It's important to have a great sound when playing in marching band...GBK"
I don't believe this is a myth. It is important to have a great sound. 60% of your score comes from music.
Steve
"If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."
"If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly."
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Author: Firebird
Date: 2004-10-14 00:41
My director says
'To be a good player, you must learn how to hide behind other players'
Chan
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-14 01:10
Yes, and the inverse being "to be a bad player you must learn how to drown out the other players"
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-10-14 01:36
GBK wrote:
"It's important to have a great sound when playing in marching band...GBK"
> I don't believe this is a myth. It is important to have a great sound.
> 60% of your score comes from music.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I must have forgotten about the lyricism, beauty and subtle nuances of all the clarinets playing ffff from the 50 yard line ...GBK
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Author: Pam H.
Date: 2004-10-14 02:28
Clarinets can play ffff and still be heard above the trumpets playing ffffff at the 50 yard line.
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Author: donald
Date: 2004-10-14 08:46
here's a great myth right from here on this bulletin board
"nothing said by people who have spent their lives learning about the clarinet from world class musicians matters if i haven't heard of it or they don't describe it using scientific reasoning and language"
oh another myth popular here in NZ
"bite harder as you go higher"
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-10-14 10:47
donald wrote:
> "nothing said by people who have spent their lives learning
> about the clarinet from world class musicians matters if i
> haven't heard of it or they don't describe it using scientific
> reasoning and language"
And the converse:
"A great player said it. It must be not be scrutinized."
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-10-14 10:51
Here is a myth: Size matters (of the reed that is).
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-14 11:16
If 2 great players say the complete opposite, than Science can be what can prove one of them wrong.
For most everything there is a scientific explanation - however the proper tools must be used. And sometimes there just aren't the tools to measure in a scientific way the differences (or the tools are very rare).
The human ear and body are quite amazing.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-10-14 14:09
The term 'bite', in the sense of providing SOME support from the lower teeth to the lower lip, is something that accomplished players never do.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-14 14:13
" hey, what Clarinet Mouthpiece plays well? "
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Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2004-10-14 15:23
Let's see, myths?
Triple Tonguing: If the brass players can, you should be able to as well.
Dark is better
If you buy [insert famous name here]'s signature instrument, signature ligerature and their sponsored reed, then you'll sound like them.
Play tested before it is shipped!
Professional student instrument
The Best: When used in conjunction with any product, performance or artist.
Celebrity Endorsments
Best
Rick
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-10-14 15:40
Rick, "Play tested before it is shipped!" Yes, what a joke!
I've tried 7 bass clarinets and I was told all were "play tested". 3 of them were unplayable! The problems was so small they could fix it in 3 minutes.
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2004-10-14 15:43
Practice long tones. ( I wish that were a myth.)
Leonard
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-14 15:55
That play testers can actually play the thing
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-10-14 22:00
Even if it is true that they are "play tested", that is rather different from being "play tested and faults corrected"
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-10-15 07:40
Gordon, there is a difference, but one clarinet I've tried (or actually wanted to try) could not even be assembled.
I guess they do "play test" them. The question is, in what kind of game, and how long does it take them to realize it doesn't bounce back up when they try to dribble it.
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Author: donald
Date: 2004-10-15 09:06
gee Gordon, if one has been taught a clarinet embochure where the jaw is actually pulled downward (the "flat chin" that Jack Brymer taught, for example) then the teeth are not "biting" at the reed at all.
The pressure on the reed is actually being exerted by the leverage of the clarinet- and determined by the angle that you hold the instrument, not how much you "bite" the mouthpiece.
This is the style of embochure that is taught/used by most Bonade/Hasty students, and many others i have met/heard from England, France, Italy and Germany. It's a subtle difference, i know, but this embochure is a structure that you place the mouthpice in, rather than the concept of "holding the mouthpiece in your mouth and biting" that the "point and blow" brigade like to propogate.
And besides, here in the clarinet desert of NZ there are still a zillion moronic teachers who tell their students "to get the high notes, bite harder"
there really are a lot more helpful things that they could say instead.
donad
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-15 12:40
I tell em "just wear tight pants" to get the high notes
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-10-15 13:42
"Gee" Donald, perhaps this has become a semantic issue on exactly what we refer to as 'biting'. I think of it as meaning a degree of pressure exerted by the lower teeth on the lower lip. If this pressure is excessive, OR if the player is a beginner and the lip is not used to it, it may hurt the lower lip a little, or even do slight, temporary, superficial damage, largely dependent on the shape of the lower teeth, just how straight they are, their angle, how sharp they are, and just how young and/or sensitive the lip tissues are.
It would be a lot more sensible to discuss this issue rationally and analytically than to resort to derogatory remarks, calling people moronic, making gross generalisation, being condescending to some very fine clarinet teachers, and citing what your favourite 'big names' do without actually ANALYSING the relevance of this to the discussion.
It seems that you do not call this "biting" unless you, in your infinite but subjective wisdom, declare the pressure to be slightly more than what you think it should be, with no way really of measuring it.
"if one has been taught a clarinet embouchure where the jaw is actually pulled downward...."
Are you saying that NO part of the lip is ABOVE the lower teeth? If ANY part of the lower lip is over the top of the lower teeth, then this part of the lip is supported by the teeth, and the degree of support is determined by exactly how much the lower jaw is closed.
If "the pressure on the reed is actually being exerted by the leverage of the clarinet- and determined by the angle that you hold the instrument...", then the leverage is AGAINST something which has some rigidity. That is, leverage against the part of the lip that is supported in front of (or above, or an angle between, depending on the player) the lower teeth. Once again, we have pressure exerted by the teeth on the lip. For an unconditioned lip this can STILL be painful or superficially and temporarily damaging.
As with ANY tissue of the body, if it regularly gets a slight hiding, it toughens up and then does not notice the hiding any more. Hence, experienced players exert pressure on their lip from their teeth and do not notice it, whereas beginners and out-of-practice players DO notice it.
This is an issue of rather straight forward mechanics - forces, area, moments.
I very much doubt that any player plays without the lower lip in some sort of firm contact with the lower teeth (or in the case of a toothless person, the lower gums.) You might get away with it for the sloppier embouchure of a saxophone, but for high notes on the clarinet - I don't think so. I would like to know what others think.
Try playing with ZERO contact between lower lip and lower teeth. Is it possible to play well? May I re-word that......
Put a thickish layer of very soft chewing gum or equivalent over and in front of your lower teeth. Now play the entire range on clarinet. Is not that chewing gum squashed thinner in SOME region where it was just a little crushed between the lip and the teeth? If so, then this proves that there is pressure from the lower teeth against the lip.
So may I simply suggest that until the term "biting" be VERY clearly defined by EVERY person who uses it, that it not be used in a completely derogatory and condemnatory manner. It confused me a great deal as a beginner, as I am sure it confuses many others who are the sort who are perhaps more conscious of exactly what their body parts are doing, and who have at least a basic intuitive concept of basic mechanics.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2004-10-15 13:44
'music teacher approved' r.e. that junk sold on ebay
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Author: Igloo Bob
Date: 2004-10-15 22:50
Gordon wrote:
Quote:
It confused me a great deal as a beginner, as I am sure it confuses many others who are the sort who are perhaps more conscious of exactly what their body parts are doing, and who have at least a basic intuitive concept of basic mechanics.
Yeah, me too. In middle school, I went anywhere from "well, my teeth aren't biting into the cane, so I must not be biting..." to "My teeth, they're touching my gums! I'm a failure!" Actually, I've noticed non-Clarinet-playing band directors talk about biting more than Clarinet players. I was once told in 8th grade that if I was squeaking, I was biting.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-15 23:40
Of course there is lower lip pressing into the teeth. But excessive pressure is not desirable - that's called "biting".
no myth there.
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Author: Firebird
Date: 2004-10-16 00:52
What about
'You think high to pitch high and to tune sharp and vice versa.'
From my band director once again.
Haha.
Chan
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Author: Phat Cat
Date: 2004-10-16 02:51
Here are a few of my favorite items of pseudo-scientific dogma repeatedly asserted as obvious truth by "experts" but not backed by any controlled studies.
(1) The material of a clarinet body makes an audible difference in the tone produced, other than though its contribution to deviations in bore/tone-hole geometry and bore smoothness.
(2) The vibration of an undamaged clarinet body makes an audible difference in the tone
(3) The composition (including plating material) of the keys makes an audible difference
(4) The composition of a ligature makes an audible difference
(5) The composition of a bell ring makes an audible difference
(6) The orientation of an undamaged bell makes an audible difference
(7) The position of the tongue affects the tone by changing the “air speed” rather than by coupling a specific resonating cavity (i.e., the formants) to the mouthpiece chamber.
(8) The nasal cavity, which is closed during playing, affects the resonance of the tone
(9) Clarinet tone is produced by pressing the diaphragm muscle in rather than pushing it out
(10) “Playing through” the clarinet actually causes sound to emerge farther out of the bell
(11) If a wood clarinet doers not crack in the first year, it will not crack
Torquemadas, flame on!
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Author: Avie
Date: 2004-10-17 15:22
Myth or rumor? "The clarinet and Violin are the most difficult instruments to Perfect".
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-17 16:39
Clarinet is to me in the upper middle of dificulty.
Bassoon is much harder, French Horn, Violin (the string family) also.
I think Flute is harder than Clarinet too but that may be a myth.
For sure Sax is easier by a LOT than Clarinet to perfect.
Post Edited (2004-10-31 19:27)
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Author: Bill G
Date: 2004-10-19 02:38
When in doubt, trill!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-10-26 16:20
Unfortunately this thread was too popular and had to be closed......
Post Edited (2004-11-01 00:10)
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Author: Douglas
Date: 2004-10-27 20:26
It is better to be sharp than out of tune.
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The Clarinet Pages
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