 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jillyin
Date: 2007-11-03 21:50
I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to darken your tone, especially in the upper and altissimo range. My tone is fine up until a C above the staff, then it just sounds like pitched squeaks.
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Author: pelo_ensortijado
Date: 2007-11-04 16:27
it sounds like you are biting to much.
try to not bite. then the reed will get to hard. so use a softer reed aswell.
this is usually a long and complicated process that oftens requires help from a teacher. its difficult to know whats wrong this side of the screen.
if your teacher says that you are not. then maybe you have a bad mpc. ask the teacher to try it.
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2007-11-04 19:16
It is hard to diagnose this problem without seeing you. I would have guessed you need a stronger reed than you currently use to get the tone quality and good pitch in the upper register, which is the opposite of the above poster. Experiment with a few reed strengths of good quality cane and play a bunch of twelfths with a tuner, trying to play with open throat, firm (but not biting) embouchure, and good air support. Hopefully a teacher can help you.
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Author: OmarHo
Date: 2007-11-04 22:17
I would agree with claritoot26 and try a stronger reed, usually for me if I'm playing a softer the reed than usual, it will be hard to control the altissimo range and not make it sound shrill.
Another thing, be gentle with the air, if you try to force the air through this register, it will inevitably sound chirpy and wonky. The altissimo register doesn't actually need that much air.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2007-11-04 22:46
i'd first want to know what mouthpiece you have, and what strength reed.
hard to say 'harder reed' or 'softer reed' without knowing what you're on at present.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: jillyin
Date: 2007-11-05 01:41
It could well be my mouthpiece. It is a cheap school one, American Music, I believe. I have a vandoren B45 coming in the mail in the next week, so maybe that will help.
I use strength 3 reeds. They seem to work well enough; not too hard or soft.
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll have to ask about biting, and make sure to not use as much air.
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