 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Vic
Date: 2003-01-10 17:53
Lately, within the last four months or so, I've been getting distinct undertones - primarily on clarion "A." A bit on clarion G and B, but unacceptably so on the A. I can't believe that something drastic has "suddenly" happened to my embouchure, but I suppose it's possible. I play a Yamaha Allegro, primarily with a B45 mpc and Vandoren, Grand Concert, and Gonzalez 3 1/2 reeds. Undertones are the same on all reeds. The ligature seems to make no difference, either. Generally that's a BG Super Revelation or Rovner Dark. I've also tried my other mpcs (Hite Premier, Portnoy BP02) - all with the same clarion A undertones. Possibly the register vent? Embouchure (although I think not)? What? Whatever it is, it's driving me crazy. Any suggestions at all would be appreciated.
...Vi
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Author: Brad C
Date: 2003-01-10 18:04
It could possibly be the height of the register key when it is open.
You can easily see if thats the problem by slightly backing off the register key until the undertone disappears.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-01-10 18:55
Vic...Even though you play a Yamaha, this is a very typical problem on Buffet A clarinets since 1975 when they started using a longer register vent tube.
One possibility (have your tech measure the vent tube) is to slightly shorten it. <i>Definitely not a do-it-yourself project</i>.
Here is an excerpt from Clark Fobes'article. This explains it in detail:
http://www.woodwind.org/Databases/Logs/2001/07/000711.txt ...GBK
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Author: nzdonald
Date: 2003-01-10 20:02
(i'm in a rush so i'll be very "to the point")
all my life teacher told me that these undertones were due to "not enough support" or "tired embochure" etc....
now, sure- follow up GBKs suggestion on the register vent tube, but why would it suddenly start happening?
in my experience (which has involved 10 years studying with world class teachers trying to undo the mess created by not having a deccent teacher for the firts 10 years...) a primary cause of undertone is TENSION in the back of the throat. It's not quite as simple as "just take it easy", but the airflow needs to be fast ("high tounge position"), supported ("diaphram support").... these are two essential areas where you need muscles to to work...
other than those two spots, everything else should be relaxed. Try this- fade out on the open G, then do the same thing on the G an octave higher.... at the last moment before the note disapears, does your throat tighten up to stop the sound? if it does this is a bad sign, and there is a high chance that this is what is causing your sudden onslaught of undertone.
must rush
good luck
donal
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-01-10 21:18
My clarinet is having some undertone problems on the upper clarion notes as well . . . Try Brad's suggestion, as it is a simple test to do, and the results may be very big. My teacher and I figured out that the register key height is what is causing the undertones on my clarinet, and I still have to find the time to take it in to get that fixed. :']
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Author: Vic
Date: 2003-01-10 22:04
Good suggestions all - I plan on trying all of them. Thanks so much.
...Vic
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Author: Heidi
Date: 2003-01-10 23:28
Vic..
I've noticed the same exact problem. My clarion A is suddenly producing this very noticable undertone and it's very disturbing. I was thinking it may have had something to do with the amount of saxophone I've been playing and getting the correct air speed and height in the back of my mouth when I go back to clarinet. I also play on a Yamaha Custom SEV (Bb) and Yamaha Custom SE (A). I'm on a Portnoy BPO2 mpc, Vandoren V12 3.5's, and a Rovner ligature. I've just noticed it on my A so far. My teacher is away at the moment but I will definately ask him about it. It's very strange and I sympathize with your problem. Good luck about fixing it! I'll take heed of the good advice here too!:)
Heidi
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