 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-07-16 14:50
I am just wondering if the note C (just above the staff) on Eb clarinet is typically a really sharp note. On my new R13, when I play this note with my embouchure set to how it normally would be, it is so sharp on the tuner that it is close to registering as a semitone higher (a very flat C#). I have to work very hard to keep it down. The D above however, is pretty much in tune using regular fingering (without the vent.) Everything above seems to be just fine with fairly standard fingerings. My question is, have I got a dud of an instrument, or is this quite common. I've played a number of Eefers before and of course I've always had to lip the C's down to pitch, but I've never noticed it to be as bad as with this instrument...maybe I never used a tuner enough with the others. (I even have the barrel pulled out just enough so that the throat notes are in tune.)
My 2nd question is in regard to F# (top line of the staff). Unless it was my reeds, the F# was quite a bit more resistant than every other note. Could this be because the instrument needs breaking in? Is there anything I can get done to the instrument to help improve it?
Thanks guys.
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-07-16 16:14
Interesting. What brand/model eefer is it and what mouthpiece are you using with it?
My experience with eefers is that notes above C (above the staff) get progressively more flat. This is also true of a number of C & D instruments.
Individual stuffy notes could be caused by basic adjustment issues, but there also other causes. The F could be stuffy if the bridge is not adjusted correctly (between the upper and lower joints.) Also, a leaky G-sharp/C-sharp key (left pinky) could do this.
Does your B-flat below the staff also have the same problem? What about the G on top of the staff and C-sharp below the staff?
Regards
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-07-17 00:11
Maybe the action needs looking at. Try closing the lower keys ie. E/B and F/C and see if it improves, likewise you can try closing the first left hand ring to close the pad under the A key a little and this may help also try lowering the pad attached to the lower ring set in the same way. If it does there is your answer. There is a possibility that the mouthpiece is a bit sus or just doesn't suit the horn this is more critical the smaller the horn. If the horn is under warranty get the dealer to have it voiced properly Buffet quality control is, how do I put this?, a little on the French side!
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-07-17 01:47
Ralph its the F# on the top line of the staff, not F. ANd its not stuffy, just not as free blowing and will often squeek if the note is held. COuld be the pad... the low B fingering seems fine.
Thanks for your advice Mark. Do you know of anyone in Melbourne I could get to have a look at it?
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-07-17 22:11
If you do have serious concerns that your little devil isn't behaving like you think it should then you ARE most definitely able to return it for repair or replacement whilst in its warranty period. As to "a little on the French" side - I'm still tossing this around in my head. Repairers? - have you asked David Morgan who he uses - he's one of the our finest clarinetists and he's in your neighbourhood. Just ring the MSO to get in touch.
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-07-18 01:23
I actually meant David Thomas (or Ian Morgan) - yes - I had a typo attack.
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Author: graham
Date: 2003-07-18 07:59
If it's any consolation my Uebel eefer is slightly sharp on top C but not unmanageably. It does not "stick out" from the B or C sharp around it. It is flatness further up which is the problem (of course)
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-07-18 12:11
Oops - sorry - too much text, not enough care reading. Yes, could very well be a pad not seating correctly. I can't recall another instrument with that note stuffy. Best to have it looked at and adjusted if needed.
Regards
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Author: Barrie Marshall
Date: 2003-07-19 00:53
I know this is not relevant and I think I have mentioned it before, also I would be interested if anyone has come across it before.
I play an Albert Sytem Eb clarinet in a New Orleans marching band, it is a low pitch Boosey, but what is is great about it is that it has the same serial number on every piece, the bell, both joints, the barrel and amazingly also on the mouthpiece, it is in tune throughout the range.
Just one thing, I think it is traditionl for New Orleans Marching bands to play out of tune, not on purpose, they just are!
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