 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RosewoodClarinet
Date: 2005-07-23 04:53
To be very honest, I wish I could have grew up in the U.S instead of my home country, Japan.
This is how I feel as non-American-serious-clarinet-student. In the place I currently live, I can hear many beautiful clarinet sounds. Also, there are such nice teachers who help me a lot.
I am working on sound production on throat tone right now. As most of you know, this register tends to sound smaller than other register and acoustic-wise the register needs to project more in orchestra. So far, I think that I got a sense of how to produce a good throat tone (I just need to practice more....).
My first clarinet teacher in my life was heavily influenced by French clarinet playing and the sound which had much more nasal and bright quality. I used to hear teacher's sound and he pushed me to play that sound. I was not comfortable with it.
Right now, it is summer. Maybe because of higher humidity, I need to find a better reed.
Also, I need to improve my embouchure more in terms of firmer lip and not-biting. I need to find the certain feel when I can possibly make a good sound........
First clarss American orchestra players know how to play a good sound on any register........this is my impression.
RosewoodClarinet
Post Edited (2005-07-23 04:55)
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Author: William
Date: 2005-07-23 15:18
In case your teacher has not covered venting, here are the fingerings that I use to improve my "throat" tones:
G#4 G# key 00X/X00
A4 A key 0XX/000 LH B/E lever (optional)
A#4 R+A key 0XX/000 LH B/E lever (optional)
To improve G4, I often use 000/XX0 as well.
I routinely use these fingerings on my Buffet R13s as well as my LeBlanc Concertos. When I first tried them (40 yrs ago), I used them mostly on longer tones only (whole, halfs, quarters), but since they have now become "second nature" to me, my fingers automatically use them on faster notes as well. BTW, they do not work as well on my bass clarinet--just my sopranos. In any case, keep listening--you are on the right track. What you develop for your mental concept of what is "good" will eventually be produced by your mouth and your clarinet. Hope this helps a little--good luck.
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Author: RosewoodClarinet
Date: 2005-07-23 16:59
DavidBlumberg, yes, I with I could have been in Japan right now. I am so happy with lessons and coming-up music festival, though.
William, yes, I certainly these coverings. They make short notes(throat) somewhat longer to get resonance.
Thanks for replies and I will keep practicing.
RosewoodClarinet
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Author: 3dogmom
Date: 2005-07-23 17:37
Humidity and heat will quite likely affect your reed choice as well. Please do not regret your heritage, there is much to be gained from all paths of life. It was one stage in your journey! You are on a good path with your interest, concern, and dedication. Enjoy!
Sue Tansey
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Author: RosewoodClarinet
Date: 2005-07-23 19:32
Thank you 3dogmom for your kind words. I will do my best and enjoy my clarinet playing!
RosewoodClarinet
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2005-07-25 18:45
I am a Japanese as you know by my name.
To improve throat tones, I found many things proposed in Klarinet mailing list. Klarinet mailing list is somewhat a place where vererans gather. Highly recommended.
1)Venting as William wrote.
2)Change the register key elevation to 0.65 mm - 1.2mm, far smaller than those new clarinets have.
This gets rid of subtones(sounds like ooooo) after middle brake. At the same time the register key pad should be changed to a cork with a concave(reverse trapezoid) hole to enhance disperse of air from the register hole. This will improve throat tones.
3)There are gimmicks to improve throat tones. For example my Rossi clarinets have such a mechanism, which has another small tone hole near the register hole. I think there are other examples such as by Galper.
4)There are Buffets tweeked by late Moenig, which are seeked after even now. He reholed the register key itself!
cf.Sometimes there are posts about Brannenize in this BBS or Klarinet mailing list, which means customizing by Brannen. It may be a good idea to consult with them about throat tone improvements by customization. Their contact will be obatained by searching BBS or Klarinet mailing list.
5)There is even an opinion to make smaller (using filler material) the top side key hole to improve venting using the key, I remember.
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Author: RosewoodClarinet
Date: 2005-07-25 19:47
Dear Hiroshi-san, (We, Japanese, put "san" after the name, and means either Mr. or Ms.)
Thank you for your response and advices. I would appreciate that.
Weather-wise, it's been so hot and humid here like Tokyo and Osaka. And, the reed choice is becoming a big problem with me. I got used to make embouchure with old bad reeds which are generally and slightly softer than my better reeds (I am not saying I am not favor of harder reeds. I use Vandoren V12 3 1/2 or something similar.). This is what I found with my teacher lately. He is being very helpful with me, I would really appriciate that.
Actually, my horns are taken care by Brannens and I am confident that horns are working fine.
However, I do not know about gimmick on throat Bb. German clarinet has something like Rossi clarinets, but I have not tried them. I have seen a picture of Galper's register tube extension, but it would not work with my RC A clarinet (I remember I checked with Mr.Galper himself by e-mail long time ago.).
For me, the best thing is that I should learn the feeling of having a good sound in mind. It should not be complicated or anything like that. Simplicity, this is my favorite word lately.
Thank you, Hiroshi-san. I will keep practicing.
RosewoodClarinet
Post Edited (2005-07-25 23:35)
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2005-07-27 01:58
If humidity is your concern, RICO's new product Humidipack may work.
http://www.humidipak.com/
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