 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kev182
Date: 2008-03-25 08:55
Hey guys,
I was just wondering how significantly a clarinet can change after a good break in.
ATM I have a new Bb R13 that feels very resistant and stiff and was wondering if this is normal and actually a positive aspect in a new clarinet.
so basically how much does a clarinet change after it has been broken in?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2008-03-25 13:30
"Breaking in" refers (to my mind) to getting the wood stabilized so that the risk of cracking becomes minimal.
Many new clarinets "out-of-the-box" have poorly seated pads, bad spring tensions, poorly adjusted ring/key heights and in general just lack a good seal.........the MOST important aspect for a horn's playing ability.
Try the suction test (place fingers over holes;plug end with other hand and suck the end - there should be tension as one would get from a coke bottle until you release one end) and the inverse (blow to see if any spring held keys release with too little air pressure.....a much overlooked problem)
I suspect stuff like the "G#" key being held open by the adjustment screw of the "A" key - there should be just the slightest bit of play between the two.
At any rate, "stuffiness" as in "difficulty playing" is not even an option - get the horn into adjustment!
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-03-25 13:39
Pauls suggestions are good ones, leaking may be causing the problem so have it checked out first.
In part I believe it depends on the climate you live in. Every clarinet is different and reacts accordingly. I doubt if it will feel much less resistant over the short haul. I question why you purchased a clarinet that felt resistant in the first place. The keys will loosen somewhat but you will probably have to have them adjusted to your touch at some point so you don’t get used to the stiff feeling. I suggest that you try out different types of barrels after a while to find the resistance and intonation that works best for you. Perhaps after about two or three months. I’m sure you will get lots of other opinions. ESP.
Www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-03-25 15:29
If you have not done so, remove all keys and check both pads and tone hole seats. Realign mechanics, springs, heights, etc., and replace pads, etc. as necessary. A technician can do this job much better than I. You may wonder why all this was not done at the factory. Maybe it was. For "break-in " advise see Peter Eaton's Clarinets web site.
richard smith
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2008-03-25 15:36
See also the recent thread on breaking-in that focuses on crack prevention.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-03-25 16:45
Just a minor alteration to good advice above from Richard Smith:
If you do not know how to do the things he advises, do not attempt them yourself!
It is commonly understood that Buffet clarinets need some professional care and attention even when bought new.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-03-26 06:55
teach yourself. i'd rather be independent and fix my own small problems, then to rely solely on instrument technicians. i mean in certain cases where the work and time is beyond your ability to handle the instrument; that's a different story. i believe that all musicians should know how to situate your instrument and fix small issues with patience and experience.
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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