 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jcgret
Date: 2008-06-11 11:45
I recently purchased an Allora C clarinet (advertised as designed by Tom Ridenour) with a hard rubber body. Periodically, after playing for about 15 minutes I am unable to produce a clear sound, especially in the lower register. I have had the clarinet checked out by a professional who did not detect any structural damage or problems with keys. I would appreciate it if someone could advise me on what the problem might be and if there is any way to correct it. I am a rank amateur who plays for fun, would prefer keeping the clarinet if possible, but will return it if I can't find a solution. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2008-06-11 15:56
Try (I know this is odd) running a cigarette paper under the pads in the upper joint. Look for those that are normally closed: A, G#, the side trill keys, the G#/C#, the "bis" pad below the left forefinger.
"Condensation" accumulation in these can make it seem like the reed just stuck to the mouthpiece.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-06-11 16:25
After you've been playing for a while and it packs up, do a vacuum test on the mouthpiece to see if there might be a leak along the side rails.
Take the mouthpiece off but leave the reed and ligature as it is. Block the tenon with a finger (lick your finger to get a better seal) and suck the air from the mouthpiece. This should make the reed stay closed against the facing for several seconds (at least 5-10 seconds if there's a good seal), you'll hear a slight hissing sound and eventually the reed springs open with a 'pop'. If the reed springs open after only a couple of seconds or doesn't close at all, there could be a leak caused either by a warped reed, or worn or damaged side rails.
Then do a visual check - in good light, look through the gap between the reed and the tip and check for any light along the sides where the reed joins the rails. If there is any glints of light getting through anywhere along the sides (as viewed from the inside), your reed may have warped due to the moisture absorbed during playing causing it to leak at the side rails (and causing it to become very resistant and unstable), or the rails themselves could also be worn.
Try different reeds to see if this improves, and make sure you store your reeds on a flat surface after playing if you take them off each time.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-06-12 04:09
try to swab it once it begins to react as you stated, or just before if you can detect it coming. Be sure to remove the reed and run the swab through the entire instrument.
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Author: jcgret
Date: 2008-06-12 11:28
Thanks for your suggestions. I need to find some time to give them a try. The theme seems to be the problem is not unusual. My next step after giving each a try is to take a few lessons, which I can use after a break of 45 years (hard to believe).
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-06-12 11:49
Its all about water in the bore.
I say that as my repairtech has the same problem with her ridenour clarinet. When the bore gets too much water it won't play.
When your clarinet chokes up, swab it and that should stop the problem.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2008-06-12 12:04)
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