 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kurt
Date: 2000-01-14 22:30
This one is driving me nuts. I've been playing an old bass clarinet with a two key, two hole register system. My problem is the notes E and Eb. They can be slurred to and through however, to tounge the notes is darn near impossible without some very scary squeakes and skwonks (it isn't a matter of stuffiness). I've had the pads checked an a few replaced but that did not help. Passages that require several tounged E or Eb's can't be played. I've tried embouchure and reed changes as well. Anyone have any suggestions? Is it me or the horn? Are other bass's this difficult in this area.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-01-15 17:31
I have the same problem at least at times, it helped to carefully adjust the two register pads and keying so that ONLY one is at all open at a time. This is the usual "change-over" between the two, and neither vent-hole is properly located [both are compromises] and I find on my Selmer that the C and B, and the F above sound-out much better. Also if there are even minute pad leaks [or non-centered pads] usually lower on the U J, they aggravate the problem. My '50's Conn is better re; squeeking, and the only difference I can find is that it has no vent [eduction]tube extending into the center of the bore like the Sel does. Will have to look into that, so thanks for asking the question!! Keep trying, Don
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Author: Kurt
Date: 2000-01-15 18:09
The only mechanism for the two register keys are my fingers.I have to operate them seperately. So for sure I can deliberately make sure one is closed before the other opens. I'm not sure about the best way to check for leaks. I've tried plugging up one end (after removing the bell) and blowing. I seems to be ok but really depends on how hard I blow.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-01-15 21:56
My experience in working on bass or alto is that a leak-light is necessary to see pad-sealing with a light touch. I have an old [1920's?] Conn alto cl with independent reg. keys and open holes!! and never could play it at all satisfactorily. Keep at it! Don
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Author: preben
Date: 2000-01-17 11:21
My experience,when the notes tends to squick,is that the reed is not completly plane on the side that fits to the mouthpeice.Put the reed in water for half on hour before you play,and check that it si absolutely plane,and not curved from side to side in its whole length.If bend scrape it plane and play.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-01-17 16:53
Good point, I have found the same! When breaking in a new reed, I usually sand the back [dry] on a very flat surface on fine emery cloth, observing "flatness" as well as tip and heart feature, it seems to help. In several instances I have carefully refaced a mp table to flatness, and at times carefully "cleaned-up" the rails [curve] for a bunged-up student mp! Living dangerously? Don
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