 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ClaRiNeT_CaNdY
Date: 2003-09-16 12:21
my notes in the low until Bb (throat tone) are particularly airy, but frm the high C to the next C the sound is really round. Yet when i change a reed, my low notes arent airy, yet my high notes sound really horrible. How do i achieve both octaves being nice, round and non airy? has it something to do with the reed?
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2003-09-16 14:23
Hi Rachel,
Here is what I think is happening:
With the 1st reed, the low notes were airy but were very nice in the clarion region from B5 to C6. IMO, in this case, the reed was too hard.
With the 2nd reed, the low notes were fine but the high notes were really terrible. IMO, the 2nd reed was too soft. Even if it was the same brand and had the same number on it, a softer reed will always fall off sooner as the notes go up. Also, a softer reed will always do well on the lower notes, but, because they aren't stiff enough for the higher notes, they will always lead to problems with the higher notes in the clarion region.
Taking the above into account, IMO, your mouthpiece may be too open. Many student mpcs are "open" so that the beginning player can use a soft reed and begin making some notes (usually in the low E to throat Bb area.)
As the student matures and wants to start making higher range notes, they have to switch to a stiffer reed and if their mpc is too open, this can present problems.
It's difficult to say with any degree of certainty without knowing what kind of mpc you are using, but, it still sounds as if you need to try another mpc.
Perhaps a friend will allow you to try one of theirs and you can make a comparison.
All of the above are stricky my opinions.
I hope you find the above useful.
Rachel, what kind of mpc and reed are you using???
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-09-19 12:30
I repeat, what make of clarinet?
If it is a make of ill-repute, then what you describe is to be expected. It would be good to clarify that issue first, just in case it is made in China or India.
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Author: Steve B.
Date: 2003-09-20 15:22
I think the B45 facing may be too open for you. I also had a stuffy airy sound with the B45 if I used any reeds harder than a 2.5
Try a mouthpiece like a 5RV lyre which is what I currently use. With this setup you can use a number 3 reed which is hard enough to get a good sound from the clarion register all the way up to the altisimo register.
You could also try an even more closed facing like the M15, but remember the more closed the facing, the darker the sound, and the harder the reed you have to use.
Good luck,
Steve
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-09-20 22:15
Many of the low register notes have a 'fuzzy' sound if there is insufficient venting (opening of the keys/pads). This fuzzy sound is far worse if a hard reed is used, especially in conjunction with lack of lip support and/or air pressure from the lungs.
The worst culprits are usually throat Bb C#/G#, side Eb/Bb, and the notes associated with lifting one of the 3 ring keys with pads attached..
If this is the problem, a GOOD technician can improve the venting. The player attends to the other issues.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-09-20 23:09
Fine analysis, Gordon et al, cant think of much to add. Search the "pinch/ throat" Bb discussions. The least costly clarinets,with burrs in the bore and no undercut tone holes can ALSO generate fuzzy notes, IMHO. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-09-21 12:18
Airiness can be aggravated by insufficient air support also. For example, I use a Vandoren B45 and Vandoren 3.5 reeds and have no problem with airiness except on throat Bb. This note tends to be a problem regardless of mouthpiece reed combination since the tone hole is a compromise because it does double duty as a tone role and register hole. All makers must compromise the design and position of the hole for it to do this double duty. If it is sized and positioned for a good Bb, then it does a poor job as a register key. If it is designed and positioned as a good register key, then the Bb is poor.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-09-22 14:02
A thick cork pad shaped to a 'frustum' (decapitated cone), and given good venting to compensate for the thickness, makes almost every throat Bb MUCH clearer. No customer of mine has reported this type of pad messing up the register function.
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