|  The Clarinet BBoard 
 
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    | Author: eilidh Date:   2002-12-05 21:49
 
 I have a B R13 and I love it but I find I have real problems with my A with undertones etc.  My teacher says this will improve with more support but I just can't seem to get to grips with it, especially above G in the upper register.  Anyone else have similar problems?
 
 
 
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    | Author: William Date:   2002-12-06 03:24
 
 My R13 A (1966 vintage) was greatly improved  with the use of a Moeneg barrel that I aquired from a fellow clarinetist.  It made tuning in the upper register much less of a problem and helped focus the notes above G for more projection without necessarily overblowing.
 
 I would also suggest that you spend entire practice sessions on your A clarinet exclusivly.  Practicing your normal Bb routine (and music) on your A will help you learn the extra effort it takes to play an A clarinet.  In fact, as you gain experiance with your R13A, you may come to prefer playing it over your "easy and freeblowing" Bb.
 
 
 
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    | Author: Wes Date:   2002-12-06 06:09
 
 On my new R13 A a couple of years ago, I had some problems with response.  It was found that the register key tube was loose.  After gluing it in, it was much better and a joy to play.  You can also try the suction test on the top section to see how well the pads seal.  Good luck!
 
 
 
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    | Author: Mark S. Date:   2002-12-06 12:50
 
 Part of it is practice -- despite outward appearances, it is still a different animal. You also might want to have an accomplished player (I'm not suggesting you are not) give it a try to get a 2nd opinion as to whether it is your technique or the horn itself. If it is the horn, take it to a good technician, for which there are many recommendations on this board. My R13-A was cured of subtones by cutting down the register key tube.
 
 Good luck, and enjoy it!
 
 
 
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    | Author: Mitch K. Date:   2002-12-06 15:53
 
 I agree with Mark S.: I had the very same problem with my A. At the suggestion of my former professor, I had a repair tech install a new, shorter register tube. That helped to rid my sound of the "sub-tones," and later I bought a new Chadash barrel which made the horn a little easier to play.
 
 Good luck,
 Mitch King
 
 
 
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    | Author: Suzanne Date:   2002-12-06 21:07
 
 I also undertone problems, then had my R13 A's register tube replaced, and now it plays great.  The repairman just happened to have a much older Buffet A at the time, and switched tubes.  I swear they used to make them different!
 
 
 
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