 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: connie
Date: 2000-06-03 01:27
I have recently become aware of an "undertone" when I play the clarion A or 1-1 Bb. The undertone pitch is approximately the same as the throat tone F. I've had my horn looked at by our usually reliable repair tech, and he can't find the cause. No leaks, no nothing. His thought was that there might be something going on with the register tube. Has anybody out there seen anything similar to this? And if so, have any suggestions on how to fix it?
In case it's relevant, I play a Buffet R-13 with a Greg Smith mouthpiece, but the horn did the same trick for the repairman with his mouthpiece (contrary to the Repairman's Law, which states that the noise will be gone whenever the tech looks for it).
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Author: Gregory Smith
Date: 2000-06-03 03:57
connie wrote:
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I have recently become aware of an "undertone" when I play the clarion A or 1-1 Bb. The undertone pitch is approximately the same as the throat tone F. I've had my horn looked at by our usually reliable repair tech, and he can't find the cause. No leaks, no nothing. His thought was that there might be something going on with the register tube. Has anybody out there seen anything similar to this? And if so, have any suggestions on how to fix it?
In case it's relevant, I play a Buffet R-13 with a Greg Smith mouthpiece, but the horn did the same trick for the repairman with his mouthpiece (contrary to the Repairman's Law, which states that the noise will be gone whenever the tech looks for it).
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Yes Connie, it may be the register tube shape, length, diameter etc...but it also may be the diameter of a tone hole in the vicinity.
The best that you can do for yourself is call Guy Chadash (212.239.7187) and he will be able to set up a time to look at it via UPS. If anyone knows acoustics relating to this subject - it's Guy. Tell him I said hello!
Good Luck!
Gregory Smith
Evanston, Illinois.
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Author: ron b.
Date: 2000-06-03 08:11
Hi, Connie;
Never heard of that particular Repairman's Law until you mentioned it :]
Did this start all at once or did it come on gradually? Or did you just gradually become aware of it?
Did the tech check for a loose pad under the A key?
ron b.
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Author: connie
Date: 2000-06-03 15:01
ron--
The repairman's law is more often applied to cars, but I have found it operating in many other instances.
Yes, he checked the A key, and even tried backing out the screw on the G# key while I was watching and testing. The upper joint seal seems to be plenty tight.
I have gradually become more aware of this problem, but in the last 6 months I have (in this order) broken my favorite mouthpiece, bought this clarinet using my son's similar model mouthpiece to test, bought a new G. Smith mouthpiece and barrel, broken that one, and bought another one. And at the same time, I'm trying to give up anchor tonguing and improve my embouchure. So I don't know whether this has been happening right along. The clarinet itself has been in the shop several times for pad adjustments and sticky joints that needed reaming. We have also shifted into Tidewater weather, which consists of 90+% humidity. So, no wonder I'm confused about the origin of the undertone. Does any of this info shed any light?
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Author: ron b.
Date: 2000-06-04 05:17
I thought I'd heard everything, Connie.
Seems like, ***in spite of all the setbacks you've recently experienced***, you've done all the right things so far. I just thought (anything's possible) it might be a loose upper joint pad or something that shouldn't be loose that is. But you've checked that. Hmmm.
Could something have gotten into a tone (or the register) hole? Even a small piece of lint might make that happen. Like under a pad where you can't readily see it?
I just can't imagine it being the mouthpiece, any mpc, or the way you're blowing cause that to happen.
I guess you've checked (or your tech checked) the key hinges - in case any are binding? Sometimes if a hinge is binding it may be so slight that it only hangs up occassionally then becomes worse over time. One remedy for that, that you can easily do yourself, is a tiny drop of key oil where the hinge meets the post.
Please keep us posted.
ron b.
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Author: connie
Date: 2000-06-04 22:07
OK, I'll go over it with a magnifying glass for any little speck of anything. I was going to get our local expert clarinetist to look at it too, and if no dice, I guess I'll follow Greg Smith's suggestion to check with Guy Chadash...although I confess to being a little intimidated by his fame, and the thought of UPSing my baby worries me some. Insuring it will probably cost a bazillion dollars.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-06-04 22:13
connie wrote:
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...although I confess to being a little intimidated by his fame,
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Connie, the amazing thing that I've found out about almost all the players & techs that I've met is that they're, well, just friendly.
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Author: ron b.
Date: 2000-06-05 17:52
You needn't ever feel intimidated by anyone, Connie.
Maybe I've just been fortunate over the years but most players and techs I've met will bend over backward to help you. I think if one knew you felt intimidated by their so called fame they'd do anything possible to UNintimidate you. Those big shots have a marketable skill and/or product now - but remember, they too, once upon a time, were beginners. Every one of them. And, they haven't forgotten that. We're all [constantly] learning from one another and have the same goal of enjoying and making music, or whatever else our interest is, whatever our role.
Remember, those big names mow their lawns and do the dishes and walk their pets just like most of the rest of us. I think if they are aware that someone is awed by them, they might be concerned about that person's wellbeing. Mostly, they like to talk and share with others just like all the rest of us ordinary folks.
Now (subjectively), I hope you find what the unusual problem with your horn is, Connie. It sure has me puzzled.
ron b.
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