 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: georgE11
Date: 2004-11-09 03:23
Hi everyone..
I'm a beginner clarnetist and i'm having trouble getting high end notes to play on a brand new buffet e11 clarinet.. This F for an example..
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When I tried the 'mouthpiece and barrel alone' exercise, I get the same high squeak.
What am I doing wrong and how can I fix it?
Thanks!
George
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Author: VermontJM
Date: 2004-11-09 11:20
What number reed are you using? (If you are using any reed softer than a 2.5, this could be causing the problem. I had a friend who's sister was complaining she couldn't get high notes. We found out she was using a #1.5 reed. Why do they even make these?! She switched to a 2.5 and saw immediate improvement.)
Are your fingers completely covering the holes?
Are your teeth touching the reed? (They shouldn't be)
Trying playing a low Bb and then press down the register key. This should (in theory) pop out the F.
Good luck!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2004-11-09 13:18
Also play around with the amount of reed in your mouth. You probably aren't taking either enough or too much reed in the mouth.
Also make sure that your reed is wet - dry reeds won't play well at all. (yes, I know that it's like calling the computer tech for your non working computer and them asking you to check that the power cord is still plugged in 
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-11-09 13:34
Causes of Squeaks (The list is not exhaustive, but it's a good start)
a dry reed
accidentally touching a key
the middle joint in a clarinet is not properly aligned
using a "wrong" fingering instead of a better alternate
a finger not covering a hole properly
a pad not seating properly
a weak spring not holding a pad closed, opens with breath pressure
keys out of adjustment (e.g., the A key)
unco-ordinated fingering
a leaking joint
a cracked instrument (in a wood clarinet)
too much mouthpiece in the mouth
a burr on the mouthpiece top rail
misapplied lip pressure
a reed is split
the reed is not perfectly sealed on the mouthpiece
a reed is too thin at the center of the tip or is stiffer on one side than the other
a poorly designed, worn, or warped mouthpiece (cleaning with hot water can warp it; a warped or worn mouthpiece can be refaced)
the mouthpiece baffle (the slanted top inside the tip) is too high
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-11-09 14:29
Try a different reed. Make sure the bottom of the reed is absolutely flat.
Make sure the ligature is on firmly. Tighten it up quite snug, and then back off each screw 1/4 turn.
Try a different mouthpiece. Look at the corners carefully. Even a light bump against a wall or a music stand, at just the wrong angle, can dent the corner and produce a leak.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: georgE11
Date: 2004-11-09 15:36
I'm covering all the holes properly, the mouthpiece is in deep enough but not too deep (I did play around with this, moving back and forth)..all the clarinet pieces are put together tight.. BUT I am using a 2.0 RICO reed with the stock Buffet mouthpiece. I tried to play 2.5 but was hearing lots of windy noises.. it was too hard to play with 2.5.. when I played a very long time ago, I used a 1.5 rico reed.
Should I try a Vandoren 2.5 reed? Or do you think getting a Vandoren mouthpiece will help even more?
Thanks!
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2004-11-09 15:57
Sounding airy on a 2.5 reed? It almost sounds like the embouchure isn't strengthened enough, good enough for the low notes but not the higher ones. Be sure of course that the reed is wetted sufficiently, more than a quick swipe through the water, so that it'll sound. But the reed/mouthpiece could probably use some more support.
An experienced player could try your instrument to rule out mechanical difficulties. I do that from time to time when giving lessons so that I have a better idea where the problem lies.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-11-09 17:56
And don't forget to EVENTUALLY grab yourself a nice beginner mouthpiece (people on the board rave about the Fobes Debut, Pyne Polycrystal, Hite Priemier, and the little talked about, but seemingly 'not too bad' Gigliotti Advantage![[rotate]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley25.gif) )
My vote is for the Fobes Debut.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-11-09 19:10
My vote is for BOTH the following:
1. More pressure on the reed from the lower lip to squeeze the reed a little more toward the mouthpiece.
If you are a beginner (with iron lip still unformed), then much of that pressure may have to come from the low teeth beneath the lip. Some writers here, possibly no longer aware that they themselves use some tooth support, will call that "biting", and castigate you (and I) severely for it.
2. Quite a lot more pressure in your blowing. Blow harder.
1 without 2 = no sound.
2 without 1 = squeak (if there is too much mouthpiece in the mouth, or highly raucous sound.
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Author: georgE11
Date: 2004-11-09 19:15
Ok thanks a lot. I'll try those.
But I'm also going to get some Vandoren reeds! 
And try to play with 2.5's, atleast.
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Author: georgE11
Date: 2004-11-10 03:01
I went out and got the Vandoren 5RV traditional mp and v12 2.5 reeds..
my clarinet plays a lot better now, and I found the "right" position on the mouthpiece to produce the high notes on first try (without getting the extremely high squeaky noises), but i'm constantly dizzy when playing because it's "very" airy.
It actually sounds like it's airy inside of the clarinet, because none of the air is coming out of the sides of my mouth.
Am I still doing something wrong?
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Author: Donnie Christian
Date: 2004-11-10 03:20
My clarinet teacher in college said to "half hole" first finger in the upper register (C# and above). Seems to help me at least. Any pros care to add to this?
(Disclaimer: I am a percussionist who just really likes clarinet) : )
Donnie
Post Edited (2004-11-10 03:22)
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