 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: YCL-450
Date: 2006-05-24 18:46
I have read that the clarinet should be held about 35-45 degrees from the body. Is this correct? I find it most comfortable with the bell about even with the knees and about 2-3 above the knees and looking forward. This is roughly 35 degrees I think. My teacher said to hold it where the bell is about mid thigh which is very close to the body and felt very awkward.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-05-24 20:41
Doesn't the cl's "angle" depend to a great extent upon the configuration of teeth-bite as affecting the embouchure ?? With my overbite, I play comfortably with the bell somewhat "high". I dont see any simple "rule of thumb" re: angle. Comments, please, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2006-05-24 20:46
I think the angle of the clarinet depends on the embouchure, and vice versa. I tell my students that as long as the mouthpiece goes into their mouth at the correct angle (which I judge based on appearance and amount of reed available to vibrate above their lower lip), that the angle of the clarinet is less important.
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Author: hans
Date: 2006-05-24 21:01
YCL-450,
If I played at 35-45 degrees, I would have difficulty with being heard over the 5 (sometimes 6, it's a BIG band) saxes in the section.
Artie Shaw seemed to play with his instrument usually held much higher than 45 degrees and it didn't impair his playing (IMO). It seems to me Henry Cuesta also played that way, and there are probably many others.
Therefore, I don't think there is a standard "correct" way. The correct way is whatever works for you, or whatever you can adapt to.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: YCL-450
Date: 2006-05-24 22:54
hans wrote:
> YCL-450,
>
> If I played at 35-45 degrees, I would have difficulty with
> being heard over the 5 (sometimes 6, it's a BIG band) saxes in
> the section.
>
> Artie Shaw seemed to play with his instrument usually held much
> higher than 45 degrees and it didn't impair his playing (IMO).
> It seems to me Henry Cuesta also played that way, and there are
> probably many others.
>
> Therefore, I don't think there is a standard "correct" way.
> The correct way is whatever works for you, or whatever you can
> adapt to.
>
> Regards,
> Hans
I think you are right. I'm going to hold it at the angle that is most comfortable which is what I described in my first post. As long as I am looking straight forward the volume and tone are good.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2006-05-24 23:09
I wouldn't even doubt if there were some players out there that hold it to the side or play out of the side of their mouth a bit.
I've pretty much touted that as long as you are comfortable and can play, do it. I also encourage experimenting with other embouchures/angles/etc. to see if there's another way to play that makes it EASIER for you, but if your most comfortable with the clarinet at a 87 degree angle, with the mouthpiece tilted 30 degrees clockwise, and with your music stand extended to 6 feet, go for it. If you play well, that's all we all really hope to do, right?
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Grant
Date: 2006-05-24 23:29
Angle can also depend on the mouthpiece if I use my wife's mouthpiece I hold the clarinet out further than when using my own. I was at a clinic Bonade gave and I remember he held his clarinet quite close as did my college clarinet teacher.
Peace on Earth and May You always have a reed that PLAYS.
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-05-24 23:46
Don't worry about it too much. I used to play out of the middle to right side of my mouth and it didn't effect very much. I have now changed it and nothing has really changed either-it just looks more 'normal'.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-05-25 13:01
"Best" angle for you is determined by amount of underbite or overbite you have, and the angle of the lay on the mouthpiece you are using. People with over bites will tend to hold it closer to body etc. Best angle for you is where you decide you are getting best combination of tone, articulation, and comfort.
For most people this is around 35-45 degrees. You can get a rough idea of what's good for you by exaggerating the angle one way until you are uncomfortable, then the other way until you are uncomfortable. "Your best angle" will most likely be about half way betwwen the two extremes.
You probably will find yourself changing the angle slightly as you gain experience.
Post Edited (2006-05-25 16:00)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-05-25 17:22
I would hasten to add that the angle recommeded by the teacher lends itself to a much less fatiguing angle of the reed against the bottom teeth, more of a "glancing blow" than direct perpendicular pressure - much more fatigue.
..........Paul Aviles
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-05-25 21:08
-- "Tastes differ regionally. In England, they tend to hold it at a higher angle than in the U.S., for example." --
Huh?
Yeah sure, and we all wear bowler hats, carry rolled up umbrellas and drink warm beer.
I'd always believed that it was in the USA that you held it up higher!
I hold my clarinet pretty close to vertical, well not more than about 30 degrees.
Any higher? Just not cricket old chap!
;-)
Steve
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Author: Mike Blinn
Date: 2006-05-30 12:54
I have a serious underbite. My lower teeth stick out further than my upper by about a millimeter, so I hold the clarinet further out than most: 45 degrees or more, where it feels natural.
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2006-05-30 13:46
Buddy De Franco told me to hold the clarinet at the angle which gives the best resonance, sound, volume for YOU, and never mind the "rules". Try several angles; close to your chest, straight out (Artie Shaw), and every angle in between. You'll know in a minute where you get the best, most open sound.
I've seen young players in on-stage orchestras holding the clarinet so close to their chest that their mouth looks distorted - they've got about an eighth of an inch of the MP in their mouth because if they placed anymore in, the tip would touch their hard palate behind their upper incisors.
When it came time for a solo they sounded exactly like they looked - pinched, thin, and weak.
B.
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Author: YCL-450
Date: 2006-05-30 16:46
I have a serious underbite. My lower teeth stick out further than my upper by about a millimeter, so I hold the clarinet further out than most: 45 degrees or more, where it feels natural.
I have an overbite but I still feel most comfortable with the clarinet at 45 degrees. I can't tell any differance in tone or volume between 45 and closer to my chest.
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