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Author: Eileen
Date: 2007-02-10 18:53
I recently picked up a used plastic Eefer from a store which claims that all used instruments have been put in perfect playing condition. But the horn is extremely stuffy and resistant on middle C and the G below the staff. It is correspondingly stuffy on the same fingerings in other registers. I haven't played Eefer for many years. Is this me or the horn? Is there an easy (inexpensive) adjustment? I'm still within the return period on the horn. I tried a decent mouthpiece which improved the sound quite a bit but not necessarily the responsiveness of those notes. The metal ligature which came with the horn is horrific so I've been improvising with a shoestring for now.
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2007-02-10 21:15
Sounds like you have a leak around C. Take the bell and barrel off, put the end of the body against something air tight (like your leg), finger low E and blow down the top. If it's leaking, you'll know. Next try sucking in hard and releasing the low E key. The key should stay down for several seconds due to the vacuum. If not, you have a problem. If the pads are old, it would probably be best to get the whole instrument repadded. If they are new, it should be easy for their tech to reseat the offenders.
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Author: mk
Date: 2007-02-11 01:47
whatever the store said about playable doesn't necessarily imply that is enjoyable to play. Most likely the instrument is either leaking or the pads are not venting properly. If the instrument is not fun to play after you've made these corrections, then I suggest finding a clarinet more suitable for your needs.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-02-11 16:23
If's it is an old Bundy Resonite effer (made by Semer) then I would guess the stuffyness is due to a leak of some sort or a pad adjusted too low and is easily reparable. These Bundy Eb's have a reputation for playing fairly well--as effers go--almost to the point of "professional". Except for being a little bit more difficult to play in tune, my Bundy plays just as well as my pro-level Yamaha--and, it has a "bigger" sound. Hope this feedback helps a bit.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-02-11 18:13
What is an eefer? i have a suspicion that i already know...
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-02-11 19:19
C2thew wrote:
> What is an eefer? i have a suspicion that i already know...
>
An Eb clarinet.
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