 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-12-04 08:06
Hello
Latley I had a bit of problem with low altisimo. Sometimes the notes Eb, E and F came out as the higher overtones (A instead of E, etc.). I tried pressing the register key less so it opens less, and I think that helped. Is it possible that the register key opening too much can cause this?
Thanks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-04 10:45
Is there adequate clearance between the crook key and the shift lever (there should be a small gap of around 0.5mm maximum)? Make sure the crook key isn't being held slightly open while the lower vent is fully open.
You could have too much movement in the mechanism - the thumb touch could have too much travel in it, or the shift lever at the top (that actuates the crook key) may have got bent in the case.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-12-04 14:35
Higher harmonics are encouraged by a smaller vent opening. If you have crud in the register vent, this can cause the problem.
Take off the register key and run a damp pipe cleaner through the tube until the inside looks shiny when you shine a light down it. Make sure no bits of crud are hanging off the bore end of the tube.
Then put the key back on and adjust the pad height so you can just slide a nickel under it.
Small leaks in the pads for the throat Ab or A key, the pad under the A key (attached to the left index finger ring) or the two top trill keys can also cause this problem. Also check the rims of the holes, to make sure there are no nicks in the wood.
Check also for any leak around the upper or lower barrel socket or a crack in the barrel. Try a different barrel to find whether this is a problem. Also check for any crack near the top of the upper joint or around the register vent.
Try a different mouthpiece. If you have dinged the corner of yours, the leak may be there.
Finally, play someone else's instrument, the same model as yours, with your mouthpiece, and then your mouthpiece and barrel, to see whether it has the same problem.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-12-04 15:38
Donald, I'm sorry, would you prefer to speak in a language that is written in the opposite direction than your main language? That is what English is for me, so excuse me for not explanaing myself 100% with the correct words.
Chris, I think you mistakenly thought I was talking about bass clarinet.
Ken, thank you very much! I will try everything from your suggestions that I can (for example, there is no other clarinet like mine in the country so that's impossible). By the way, how thick is a nickel (I don't have American coins)?
Thanks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-12-04 15:41
I always suspect a dirty register key pipe before anything else. It's a snap to clean, requires no real repair skills, and often picks up something (the above-described crud, case lint and so on) that is causing the problem.
I also routinely blow down the top of the upper joint before assembling the instruments, since lint that has drifted into the bore following swabbing can be dislodged this way as well.
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Lee
Date: 2006-12-04 17:03
If you are crossing the break to reach these notes in a slurred passage and your left hand fingers do not all close simultaneously a higher note will be produced and persist even if you later close the open hole.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: donald
Date: 2006-12-04 17:42
hello Clarnibass
sorry if my comment was so brief that it seemed critical or bad tempered- i meant nothing more than i wrote (and i certainly meant no comment on your english). Ken has given you very good advice, to which i'd add only one small thing. If the springs on your throat keys (A/G#) are very light, it can be that only the slightest touch from your left hand 1st finger can open them slightly, causing the problem you describe. Oh, another thing- check for any "things" stuck to the underside of the pads. Little furry hairs/lint from the case are a good example- very small, but will stick to a pad causing just the smallest air leak.
However in my experience your symptoms are far more likely to be caused by too much tension in the throat (causing the higher harmonic to come out) than by a mechanical problem- this is something a bit harder to discuss on the internet. (and impossible to diagnose without actually hearing/seeing you play)
hope this was more helpful than my other post
donald
Post Edited (2006-12-04 20:23)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-04 22:56
"Chris, I think you mistakenly thought I was talking about bass clarinet."
Yep, sorry about that.
I'd say on a soprano clarinet you should have a minimum of 2mm opening on the speaker key, and no more than 2.5mm maximum.
Though I usually go on the general belief that more venting (within reason) is better than less venting.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-12-05 05:17
Thanks again.
Donald, I just thought you were being cinycal and implied I just don't know what I'm talking about. If not then I apologize for misunderstanding you.
Also I want to clarify that I'm not a beginner who is now learning these notes. I haven't had this problem for probably about 10 years, and only started having it in the last year, probably less. Will try Ken's suggestions and see.
Thanks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-12-05 14:54
Clarnibass, a nickel is about the same thickness as a shekel. And I think you do a great job in expressing yourself with English as a second language.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
