 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-04-01 02:54
When I play fast chromatic scales, about 30% of the time the sequence stops when I get to C# (thrid space). When I really focus and relax my embrasure, the note plays and it always plays when coming down the scale (only misplays going up). Sometimes I even get a sort of null sound playing the bottom F#. I can't imagine what the problem could be because both these notes involve opening a pad and not relying on one closing. Also any pad involved in C# is also involved with several other notes. What could the problem be?
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2012-04-01 03:08
This is a shot in the dark, but I would guess that the ring finger of the pinky that is pushing the F#/C# lever is coming off the hole ever so slightly.
Are you using the left hand F#/C#?
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-04-01 14:42
I agree with above, there is no mechanical reason for 'C#' to be a problem.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-04-01 23:15
I also find that the C above the break plays noticeably louder than the C#. The C# seems stuffy too. Is this a better clue?
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: The_Clarinetist
Date: 2012-04-05 07:19
To really exclude leaking pads as the underlying reason you might want to see if there is any difference in response when pressing down the levers with varying force. You could also loosen the lower joint and do a leaking test by closing all open holes, rest the lower joint on your hand such that it is air sealed and blow in the other end. The Eb/Ab lever is supposed to lift first when increasing the pressure. I am not a professor in fluid dynamics or anything like that but a leaking pad above the F#/C# pad might cause problem if there is som kind of acoustical resonance phenomena that makes this pad leak only when the active length of the clarinet bore reaches from MP down to the F#/C# pad. All the keys/spatulas have their own inherent resonance frequencies which might be part of the explanation, however I doubt it is the cause. The difference between C and C# above the break is a closed pad. Therefore I would check the hole that closes. If the C# sounds stuffy the opened hole might be obstructed. All I can say is that when a particular grip causes problem it is a hole or leaking issue,arising either from fingers or pads.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-04-05 09:12
Look at the 'C#' pad and see if there is any physical damage to it (or if it is loose in the cup). In addition to the leak test (sucking on the top end of that joint while holding closed the bottom) you should also see about the response of Low E and Middle B at the softest you can play. A good seal should let these pop out without any problem.
.................Paul Aviles
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