 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: dann
Date: 2012-02-08 05:10
Hi all,
I have been learning to do a little this and that to clarinet and just finished re-padding my A clarinet recently. It's a big risk but if I chose to do it on one of the plastics, I wouldn't be able to focus. It's scary but in a good way. Luckily, everything works great, pads sealed well, intonation is great after a little adjustment EXCEPT the pitch of high B (register key+thumb+first = b5? 6?) is flat.
Simple question here, what cause it and how to fix it? Before I send myself to my tech guy, I would like to learn something.
Many many thanks! all helps would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-02-08 06:57
How flat is flat? (in cents, or whatever unit your tuner comes up with)
--
Ben
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Author: kdk
Date: 2012-02-08 08:21
What about E4 (same fingering without the register key)? The pad between RH first and second finger may be too thick.
Karl
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-02-08 09:18
The venting of the ring keys may be set too low. How clearly do low C and E sound in comparison to low Bb and D? Do they sound fuzzy in comparison?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2012-02-08 16:34
How did your high B become your low b!? Oh, wait... I see. haha.
What was the pitch on that note like before? I'm sure you know this, but if you pinch on those notes and don't give them enough air, they will be VERY flat. You can work on voicing them more accurately, increasing the air speed a bit, and blowing down to bottom of the instrument.
However, maybe there is an issue with the pad heights? I'd get it checked out if it was something that just came up after work was done for sure. (Maybe there's even something stuck in a tone hole?)
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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Author: dann
Date: 2012-02-09 07:53
Thanks all,
tictactux: It's pretty flat, lets put it this way, I have to use a 1mm shorter barrel plus real strong air to make THE pitch reach 440.
kdk: The E4 is right on the spot, 440. I don't know if there's anything to do with the register key.
Chris P: the Bb and D sounds much more open, clean compare to C and E, but the E is right on.
Sean.Perrin: The pitch was fine, overall intonation was ok, little flat little sharp here and there, it's an old RC that I've just dug it out. I strongly believe that there's something to do with pad heights but I just don't know how. Thanks for your great advice on how to use air, I am doing just fine with that And as I said, I want to do it myself before I send it to my tech guy.
Again, thanks all...I will check back for updates. I really appreciate your help.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2012-02-09 08:49
>> the Bb and D sounds much more open, clean compare to C and E, but the E is right on. <<
If the low C is flat and/or stuffy, it's possible that it is too low, making the D/A key too low, whic his the main vent key for E/B. Since you worked on your clarinet you can try an easy test. Remove the D/A key - this is the key foe the left hand middle finger - and then assmeble the clarinet and try the high B. Is it still flat?
If it's still flat, check if there is anything in the tone hole. Maybe some dirt got in there while you were working on it. If it's not flat anymore then something makes this key too low. Most likely this is a too thick bumper on the right hand ring key, though it could be something else too, like a too thick bumper on this key (though often it doesn't have it's own bumper).
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Author: dann
Date: 2012-02-14 21:43
Problem solved!
Special thanks to clarnibass. I removed the suggested key and the pitch is right on. Then I thinned the cork on the link mechanic key that sit on one of the side of lower joint, now the intonation is great.
One more question though, if you could help clarify, why only High B that is flat but not low E too (they share the same fingering, without register key)
Many many thanks!
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