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Problem with upper register notes on new clarinet (no sound)

Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-08-09 00:11

I recently purchased a new Backun alpha. Beautiful instrument, but I am having extreme difficulty getting the altissimo notes (upper register C, D, E, F, G) to play correctly. The vast majority of the time, either the notes come out muted, or no air passes at all. The lower register notes generally come out fine. Note that I am able to sometimes get the upper register notes to play correctly, but it is unpredictable. I cannot detect any problems with my fingering (i.e., all holes are covered fully). Have also tried different reeds, mouthpieces, and ligatures to no avail.

Any thoughts as to what might specifically be causing the problem?

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Re: Problem with upper register notes on new clarinet (no sound)

Author: GBK
Date: 2016-08-09 00:19

Assuming that it's not an instrument problem, trying putting a bit more mouthpiece in your mouth.

...GBK

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Re: Problem with upper register notes on new clarinet (no sound)

Author: Moonrabbit
Date: 2016-08-09 00:33

GBK, thanks for the prompt response. Will do, though I have not had the problem with my existing clarinet. Transferring mouthpiece from existing to new clarinet does not resolve issue.

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Re: Problem with upper register notes on new clarinet (no sound)

Author: kdk
Date: 2016-08-09 01:07

If Glenn's suggestion doesn't help, you should probably have someone who knows what to look for try the instrument. If you bought it locally, take it to the place where you bought it. If not, find out who is a competent repair person in your area. Failing that, find an experienced clarinet player to see if the problem follows the instrument.

The puzzling part is when you say that sometimes "no air passes at all." I can't think of anything related to the instrument (exclusive of the mouthpiece and reed) that could account for the air's being blocked that wouldn't affect the rest of the clarinet.

Karl

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Re: Problem with upper register notes on new clarinet (no sound)

Author: pewd
Date: 2016-08-09 02:30

Have another clarinet player try the instrument.

Just for grins, back off the G#/A adjustment screw 1/2 a turn or so.

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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Re: Problem with upper register notes on new clarinet (no sound)

Author: Richie
Date: 2016-08-10 04:41

Try cleaning out the tone holes, as dead skin and grime (sounds gross but it happens to everyone).

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Re: Problem with upper register notes on new clarinet (no sound)

Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-08-10 08:43

You say altissimo but then you compare with the lower register, so did you mean

[C5]

[C5]

[D5]

[E5]

[F5]

[G5]

or

[C6]

[D6]

[E6]

[F6]

[G6]

If the former, how about [B4]

[B4]

and higher notes like [A5]

[A5]

and

[B5]

If the latter then how about lower notes like [B5]

[B5]

or

[A5]

If you can be very specific about exactly where the problem starts and stops it might help to suggest what it is (or not). "Blocked" notes could be from a too soft reed, or a leak that only happens sometimes (e.g. swelled pad).

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