 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: jblock
Date: 2005-10-05 12:33
I recently picked up a plastic Leblanc on closeout and it makes some strange sounds on a couple of notes. The notes are Eb and Db (using the keys on the upper section). At first I though it was moisture, but it happens from the time I pick up the instrument. The strange air/gurgle sound is always there. It almost sounds like there is a blockage in the hole (there's not) or the pad isn't opening up from the tone hole enough (although they are) and the sound is the result of the air hitting the pad.
I hope I've been descriptive enough. Anyone have any ideas.
Thanks.
Jonathan
www.synthblock.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-10-05 13:31
If it's a slight "buzzy" type sound, it could be that the pad height might be off. It's a common problem on the C#(Db) key that you mention, although I haven't heard too many problems with it on the Eb opening (I remember discussions on this board dealing with the height of the Eb key and how it can affect the sound of that note)
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=109555&t=109531
Lo and behold! I forgot that it was yours truly that started it!
If it sounds clear when you first pick it up, and after you've been playing a while it starts to happen, it might be that there's just spit in the tone hole. Easy to check that though. When you hear it, close, the pad, re-open it without playing, and look at the hole. Is there moisture there? You'll see it.
In any event, if you simply bought the clarinet, and it wasn't "set up" correctly (which some stores selling them don't do), it may have a few pad height issue problems. It might be worth bringing it to a reputable repair shop and having a technician look it over and set it up. I don't think a quick setup would cost much money either.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-10-05 13:44
Could be, Alexi, it "sounds" like a torn pad to me, some are hard to see, like the F# and the E, C# , perhaps a trill key, Eb? Help , you pros, pliz. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-10-05 13:49
I'm wondering what other recommendations we get here too as I'm having the same problem. However with my C (not the C#). I think that the pad on the LOWER joint just below my C (it's pressed down when I play a Bb below it) may be torn or something similar. Because every note around the C comes out fine.
So I hope others will tell me how I can check for these things without tearing my clarinet into pieces.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-10-05 14:54
If the skin is loose (but not torn) and sagging on the face of a pad this can buzz on certain notes as well, and can be cured by ironing the pad. That's why I prefer cork and leather pads as they don't buzz.
And make sure the mechanism is reasonably secure between the pillars (not too tight or loose - there has to be a tiny amount of end play, especially in plastic instruments as these move a lot more than wooden ones) and sufficiently oiled as this can cause buzzing as well, or that the side and trill keys aren't touching along their length, or touching the trill guide.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jblock
Date: 2005-10-05 14:54
Thanks. It definitely happens from the time I pick up the horn. Pad height definitely seems like a possibility, as it does seem as though the sound is the air hitting against something.
Jonathan
www.synthblock.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
