 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GoatTnder
Date: 2005-05-25 06:06
So... I'm considering purchasing a Selmer Series 9 to be used as my main instrument. The sound of it is wonderful. But, as is the case with most series 9s, the twelfth is very flat. That is, the lower octaves are very sharp so the middle octaves can be in tune. If it was only a little bit, it wouldn't really be a problem. But we're talking about a 30 cent change. Has anyone out there had experience with this and know of a solution (be it hardware or technique). Thanks.
Andres Cabrera
South Bay Wind Ensemble
sbwe@sbmusic.org
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-05-25 11:15
30 cents? That sounds like a pad height problem... are any notes particularly louder than their neighbors?
My Series 9 is no worse than 12 cents from absolute pitch, on any given note.
I wonder if this instrument has either a mismatched barrel or plugged toneholes (time for a cleaning, maybe)?
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2005-05-25 12:45
Hi Andy,
I'm not sure what your basis for the statement "But, as is the case with most series 9s, the twelfth is very flat" as I have not found that to be the case with the 3 Series 9s that I have owned. I still have two and the 9* is almost perfect for the 12th as well as right on for the rest of the range. My 9 has one note (A6) that is a tad flat (about 12 - 15 cents) but I just compensate for it.
You may want to try some different barrels. I have Scott, Moennig, and Chadash of all sizes that I use with other two other clarinets - an R13 and a Leblanc Dyn 2 - that have some 12th problems.
Although I have not found it to be the case, certain MPs can really change the 12th tuning. You may want to play around a little with this possibility but as SB says pad height or holes might be part of the problem.
HRL
Post Edited (2005-05-26 02:09)
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Author: nickma
Date: 2005-05-25 17:47
I agree with Hank. the 9* models have perfect intonation.
[ Snipped. Please read the rules - GBK ]
30 cents out sounds to me like something fundamental. Pad height alone will not create that degree of waywardness. There was no fraising on 9s, as there was on the 9*, so I wouldn't muck about with tone holes either.
Nick
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Author: Burt
Date: 2005-05-25 22:18
Switch to an old R13. The twelfths are too sharp. I had the problem reduced greatly by having the register key replaced with a longer one. Maybe you can get a shorter one for your Selmer.
Could it be that your embochure is too loose or your reed is too soft?
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Author: GoatTnder
Date: 2005-05-26 01:08
The basis for the "most series 9s are sharp" came from mainly this board. I noticed mine was real sharp, and did a search on the clarinet, and it seems to be a fairly common concern.
It's not the embouchure or reed setup. It should be clean, as I got it from a very good repairman who cleaned and adjusted it just before I picked it up. But, the adjustment was more for leaks, and probably not much for intonation (which he can also do). I'll have him take another look at it, and see what can be done. If not, perhaps a new barrel (does anyone who plays a Series 9 have a suggestion?). If not, then a different horn.
I'd love to get an old R13 to play on, but the price difference is just a bit too much at the moment. Just bought a bass, and I really can't afford this one.
Thanks for all the replies so far.
Andres Cabrera
South Bay Wind Ensemble
sbwe@sbmusic.org
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Author: Ralph
Date: 2005-05-26 02:53
Hank's comments about barrels is important. I have a 9* and after some checking discovered there is a fair amount of variability in even the factory barrels. For the 9*, I finally settled on a barrel with a reverse taper of approximately .010 " - from about .587" to .577". A Series 9 barrel should probably have a taper going from about .590 - .594" to .580 - .584". You can either buy a custom barrel or buy a used barrel off eBay and have it reamed to your specific dimensions by a specialist. Good luck.
Ralph
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2005-05-26 12:21
Hi,
I have had outstanding service from C. Robert Scott on a couple of barrels. I described the problem I was having on the LeBlanc Dynamic 2. He sent me a barrel and said in the email something like "this barrel (an Aa2 as I recall) has been used on R13s with a great deal of success." It worked just great.
I'm not sure that Bob is still as active as he once was but I do think there are several barrel makers on this BB that can help you diagnose the problem and make a barrel to your specs. It will cost you though so maybe try an off-the-shelf barrel first.
One thing though is that barrel makers tend to be pretty "close to the chest" on how they actually bore your barrel. There is some mystique to the craft I suspect.
HRL
PS John Butler re-bored to Moennig specs a wooden barrel for my R13 from a generic one I got on eBay. It works like a charm.
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