 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: BelgianClarinet
Date: 2006-04-15 17:09
On my A clarinet I have a strange type of 'buzzzz' sound ever since it was repadded.
The buzzz (rather high tone) is mainly there when playing B (all keys closed), and far less on low E (also everything closed, but no 'octave'-key).
I think I can still here it a bit when playing C, but only very little, once above, it's gone.
I'm suite sure all holes are closed (no leakages), could it be bad quality pads? dried out ?
By the way on Bb clarinet the famous Bb (throuth note) seems to sound 'nosy', is it me ? or could it be the instrument ?
Next time, I'll look for a better tech...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tyler
Date: 2006-04-15 18:17
I have the same problem periodically with the long B being buzzy. I also wonder if it has to do with pad quality or dryness...
As far as throat Bb, yeah it pretty much is always going to be somewhat worse in tone quality compared to most other notes. This is because of the acoustical compromise which had to made in deciding on the length of the register tube vent. It is too short to sound full in tone. There are mechanisms you can buy which help this problem, but they are fairly expensive.
I am also curious about what others have to say about the buzzy B though.
-Tyler
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Burt
Date: 2006-04-15 19:37
A bad pad (not necessarily the bottom one on the clarinet) might vibrate at that frequency.
I had the same problem when I bought a used "A" clarinet. The bell was not the original; using the bell from my "Bb" improved things, so I bought another bell. I also found that the problem is worse on certain reeds. I'm guessing that these reeds don't vibrate well for such a long wavelength. Perhaps lowering the ligature would help, also.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ah Clem
Date: 2006-04-16 03:37
My Bundy buzzed after it was serviced (professionally?).
It turned out to be a pad tha the skin had come loose on that was not caught during the servicing. Careful inspection revealed that most of the pads were desintegrating and I had to replace most of them.
Changing the pads cured the problems.
Ah Clem
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bill28099
Date: 2006-04-16 04:03
Sometimes the springs on the Eb/Ab and banana F#/B key get weak and they lift causing a buzzzzzz. I have had this happen on older Buffet bass clarinets and on Bb soprano clarinets.
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2006-04-16 11:03
Also take a good look up the inside of the bore and inside each tone hole with a strong flashlight. It's possible that during the repadding process, some little bit of workbench crud got into the clarinet and stuck loosely inside a tonehole, to flap in the breeze. Something (such as a twist of thread or a glue drip that was wet when it went in but then dried and stuck) may be hanging off the end of the register tube and sticking just enough that the swab doesn't pull it out.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-04-16 18:34
Alot of bladder pads need to be "prepped" before use. Many repair ppl may not prep them, this may lead to some buzz from a pad. Other ailments as mentioned may be the cause too.
There are many different levels of quality of bladder pads - single skin, double skin, premium double skin - then leather and cork variety & synthetic.
Most clarinet players stay away from single skin, and usually only prefer premium double or leather/cork (on the upper keys).
it also could be the "bridge" mechanism for F/C & E/B from the F#/C# key which normally needs an adjustment after a repad. I've had to adjust this spot many times after repads as there is always a slight buzz or air leak (slow response needed extra effort by the player). Try trilling F (thumb) to low E - it should speak quickly and clearly, if not then this area needs attention as mentioned (assuming everything else is fine).
Steve Sklar
www.saxmaniax.com
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
Post Edited (2006-04-17 02:56)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-04-17 02:59
BTW, with the throat tones I've moved towards recording any clarinet work via a digital recorder and then reviewing the recording - or ala recording studio and keeping headphones on while recording/playing. Distance may make that Bb sound nicer.
Saxophonist have the same problem usually on tenor anytime they play a note with the neck octave open, sound is nasil like but from a short distance all is fine.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gretchen
Date: 2006-04-17 20:05
did your repair person vent your register key pad at all? Sometimes if they taper the pad a slight bit too much, there is a buzz when playing B. Since you just got it repaired recently, i'm sure you can get your repair person to just tweek it. I'd be surprised if they even made you pay for it too.
Hope the buzzing goes back to the bees. Not your B's. 
Gretchen
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Liquorice
Date: 2006-04-18 06:06
I had my clarinet repadded, and suddenly had the same problem. It took me months to figure out what the problem was. I also visited several technicians who checked for leaks, loose keys, etc. Finally one technician put a small coat of glue in the very centre of the Goretex pad which covered the B hole. This got rid of the buzz. I wouldn't be suprised if this is the same problem that you have. You can also do it using clear nail polish.
Let us know if you diagnose the problem!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-04-18 11:30
The glue on the pad solution basically means that the skin was loose and allowing to be vibrated. This is more common on single or normal double skins (not premium etc). Also one of the reasons players like cork pads.
Keep us up to date on the solution
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
