 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: cuddlygal
Date: 2005-09-17 09:58
I found out that there is a very airy sound when I use reed no. 3 . What can I do to stop the airy sound?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-17 11:12
Use a slightly softer reed again (2 1/2 or 2 3/4), then go onto 3s when you feel the softer reed is too soft.
Too hard a reed will make the lower register sound stuffy, especially E4, C#4, C4 and B3 using the cross key xxx|xo,o.
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Author: madprof
Date: 2005-09-18 15:20
Try different mouthpieces.
I was really fed up with how "fluffy" and airy and just generally not-nice my sound was. I was using a Selmer C3 mouthpiece, so I didn't think it could be because of having a "rubbish" one. I mean, it's Selmer! But when I tried out some Vandoran V45s, I noticed the sound was instantly cleaned up! There are now a whole load of other problems to be worked on, but it at least cleared up this one for me, if it is the same problem. But anyway, try some different (more closed) mouthpieces, if you can. Use the woodwind.org search feature to find good techniques of trying out mpcs (using multiple reeds, and so on).
Hope this helps,
Dan
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www.madprof.net
brummieatsea.blogspot.com
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2005-09-18 17:10
An airy sound, particularly when you are playing softly, is often the result of using a reed that is too "hard" for your mouthpiece. But the problem could also come from a warped mouthpiece or an "unbalanced" reed. If you've only tried one #3 reed, the problem could simply be an unusually hard (bad) #3 reed. However, if you have tried several #3's then that strength is probably too hard for your mouthpiece (at least at this point in your development). The options are: (1) use a (lighter) reed that works with your mouthpiece, or (2) find a mouthpiece that fits the reed. Personally, I'd start with the first option unless you have other reasons to seek a new mouthpiece. It's a much less costly solution.
Some mouthpieces are designed to work best (even for experienced players) with relatively light reeds (e.g., the Vandoren B45) while others are designed to work best with heavier reeds (e.g., most of the late David Hite's models). There is a fairly common misconception, particularly among beginners, that "harder reed" equates to "bettter player." That's probably because beginners forming their embouchure usually start with very light reeds then progress to harder reeds as their embouchure develops. As an overall generalization, however, it's not true. Some very good clarinetists (particularly jazz clarinetists) use 2's and 2 1/2's because the type of mouthpiece they use requires them.
If you can play throughout your current range on a 2 1/2 reed without air in your tone, you probably don't need a new mouthpiece at this point. On the other hand, if you find it difficult to play the higher notes in your range with a lighter reed and your current mouthpiece, that could signal that you're ready for a change.
Best regards,
jnk
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