 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kurt
Date: 1999-11-12 02:54
My bass clarinet is very flat below the break. A C for example is a 1/2 step lower than the C just above. Any ideas why this might be?
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Author: Meg Cummings
Date: 1999-11-12 10:22
Have you had it checked?? I'd suggest maybe a problem with the cork or the pads.
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Author: Fred McKenzie
Date: 1999-11-12 17:26
Kurt wrote:
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My bass clarinet is very flat below the break. A C for example is a 1/2 step lower than the C just above. Any ideas why this might be?
Kurt-
I have a similar problem. On my Bass Clarinet, the C on the staff is quite sharp. If I were to tune the instrument to it, the result would be a lot like yours. My solution is to tune using the low C and live with the other C being out of tune.
A few other notes may be a little sharp or flat, but would be close enough to "lip" them into tune if only my ears were better!
Things that could cause your problem include pads that are either the wrong thickness or are adjusted to the wrong height when open, and an instrument being built for a higher pitch than A=440.
Ive been told that "things" inside the instrument can cause the problem. Examples: a buildup of crud inside some of the tone holes, a forgotten cleaning swab, chewing gum, et cetera!
Fred
<A HREF="http://www.dreamnetstudios.com/music/mmb/index.htm">MMB</A>
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Author: SusieQ
Date: 1999-11-12 17:49
Kurt,
Have you had your bass clarinet checked out by a qualified technician. I find that when my Bass Clarinet is out of tune it is usually something out of alignment, or pads that need replacing. I also fine it hard to play the upper octave when things are not adjusted properly. My Bass Clarinet is usually the most out of tune around the break, open G,A and Bb. First I tune low/middle C, then G,A and Bb. If these notes are in tune I am confident the rest of the horn is in tune. I hope this helps.
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Author: Kurt
Date: 1999-11-13 17:11
I brougt the instrument in and the repair guy said BC's are notorious for this. Pad are ok, too. He says pads do not cause tuning problems anyway. I would strike a happy compromise and lip into tune in problem areas but i can't make the instrument any shorter (sharper); everythings pushed in. Best i can do is lip a quarter step closer.
Think a more open mouthpiece might help?
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