 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: blugg
Date: 2000-03-21 07:28
I just a bought a clarinet at a pawn shop. A Yamaha 20. It's very playable but it seems to be a lot quieter than another clarinet I rented out a few months ago (using a cheap generic MP with that one).
Some pads look like they've seen better days but I suspect no leaks as I'm able to play most* notes quite easily and without squeeking, they're just quieter (*the lowest pad does need to be replaced).
So I'm guessing it's either a tenon cork problem or a mouthpiece problem. Though the corks *seem* to make tight fits, I've noticed unusually large amounts of water in the "rims"(?) when I take the clari apart. The mouthpiece on the other hand (a Yamaha 4C) looks like it's been through a lot, yet there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with it where the reed is placed.
I suppose it could be a "me" problem. Maybe I'm just going deaf. How about some troubleshooting suggestions?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2000-03-21 12:18
Try the obvious. Test it out with a different mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces are "louder" than others. For example, I can get more volume out of a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece than a Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece on the very same instrument.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b.
Date: 2000-03-21 20:24
Ditto to Dee's comment.
If the horn is in pretty good working order, as you've already determined, and you can try some different mouthpieces with it, you'll quickly discover what a difference it will make. That's why there are so many to choose from. I doubt that the pawn shop will have mpc's for you to try. Go to your local music store that sells band instruments. They will no doubt let you try some from their stock. After all, they want to sell you one and they have disinfectant on hand for that purpose. Mouthpieces will make a lot of difference in the volumn and tone quality you can produce. They will also give a variety of results from player to player. Try as many as you can to find one suitable for you, the sound you like, ease of blowing, etc.
You may have to purchase a few different strength reeds to find a good combination but it's worth the time and a few dollars to find what's right for you. It's no fun at all trying to play a horn that doesn't sound 'right' to you. And, your friends/listeners won't like it either. IMHO, music is meant to be a pleasant experience.
Happy music making!
ron b.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: paul
Date: 2000-03-21 21:56
Ditto for Dee's comment. Try a more open mp and perhaps a softer reed. Some clarinets are a wider bore than others and these wider bore horns need more air support to produce an equal amount of volume in your sound. A more open mp and a softer reed allow you to push more air through with less strain, thus more volume. I've personally noticed on the same horn the difference between my 5RVLyre mp (ordinary dimensions, just about right in the middle of the mp chart) and my B45 mp (a bit towards the open range of the mp chart). I really noticed the difference with a Borbeck 13 pro grade mp. Now, that mp is truly impressive! (Beware: So was its price. IMHO, based on what it can do for me on a pro grade horn, it's worth every penny.) Theoretically, the Borbeck 13 is supposed to be close to the B45 mp in overall dimensions and relative playability. In performance, the comparison isn't even close. So much for the theory! Wow!
Just keep in mind that a pro grade mp for your situation would be like installing a turbocharged racing engine on a lawn mower. Sure, it would work, but it's not a wise investment. You might want to consider some of the very inexpensive but unusually high quality beginner mps that come highly recommended on this BBS, such as the Hite Premier, and others like it. The price/performance ratio is much more reasonable for your situation.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kim
Date: 2000-03-22 19:19
You probably have a mouthpiece problem. I bought an R-13 in January and was playing on a mouthpiece my teacher custom made. I also was playing on a Moenning barrel. About a month ago, I changed to an M13 and got a better sound, but not what I wanted. I ordered a Greg Smith mouthpiece and a Chadash barrel, WOW what a difference. I also changed my ligature from a Bonade to a Luyben-another big difference.
A simple change in a barrel and mouthpiece can be a big change in tone quality and intonation. It just takes a while to get there. Before I got to my R13, I was playing an Artley, went to a 70 year old Buffet(played through high school and into my first two years of college), and now have an R13. Never give up hope! It's quite frustrating, but what you wait for can be quite rewarding!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
