 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2000-09-12 11:10
My first clarinet, a plastic Yamaha CL-20, was delivered yesterday. It came with a 4C mouthpiece, and there were two Rico #2 reeds in the case. I was surprised at the number of pieces, and how small the case is for the size of the instrument. I was shaking anxiously as I applied cork grease and tried to assemble it. The joints were very tight. I put it together, and started playing it, without fully inserting the tenons in the sockets. Getting it apart was a challenge. Later, I found a tip that Nate Zeien provided about applying paraffin wax to the cork and then cork grease, and this helped.
Wow!! I was surprised at how easy it played, and what a nice sound it made. I didn’t expect this from a plastic clarinet. I played for quite a while, taking frequent breaks. I stopped when my lower lip started getting sore, probably due to some roughness associated with the reed finish.
I thought about how lucky I was in the choice of instrument, mouth piece, and reed strength. I think I also lucked out on getting a "good" embouchure right away. Then it struck me. It wasn’t luck at all. I had gotten lots of valuable information by searching this Phorum. Also, before choosing the CL-20, Mark Charette gave me “thumbs up” on the 4C mouthpiece, and M. Brand provided a favorable review of the CL-20 and 4C mouthpiece.
In a separate delivery, I received a Hite Premier mouthpiece and Mitchell Lurie #2 1/2 reeds. I haven’t tried these yet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Eoin
Date: 2000-09-12 23:02
Bill, one thing that is not immediately obvious about putting together and taking apart the clarinet... The ring mechanism on the upper joint (the one with the finger holes for your left hand) is connected by a little link to the mechanism on the lower joint. It is very important that you raise the link on the upper joint and that you don't raise the link on the lower joint while you push the two together in a gentle twisting motion. This is done by holding down the rings on the upper joint and not touching the rings on the lower joint.
If you don't do this, you will strip the cork off the link and it then won't work properly.
Sorry, that is a bit confusing, but I'm sure you'll figure it out.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2000-09-12 23:20
Eoin,
Luckily, I noticed this linkage when I was struggling (due to tight joints) to assemble the clarinet for the first time. It seems that it is not necessary to raise the link on the Yamaha. The left hand link(?) with cork is extended laterally and curved up on each side, allowing the joints to be "twisted" into position without a problem. I think I'll follow your suggestion, now that I understand how to raise the linkage, just to make sure.
I'm still not clear on where to hold the right hand section during assembly and disassembly, unless the bell is put on first to help. I'm afraid to apply to much pressure to the key mechanism, and twist it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Willie
Date: 2000-09-13 02:14
Way to go Bill! Sounds like you found a good combo. Aproper working horn is one thing. An easy to blow horn makes learning SO much easier as you're not fighting it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-09-13 03:44
Bill, don't ever give up clarinet. You seem to have talent and appear to be a fast learner. These attributes will come in handy for you as you learn. As for the question about how to hold the lower joint, there shouldn't be too much problem with bending the keys, as long the joint isn't too tight fitting. If it hurts your hands at all to put it together - Whoa! If that happens, it's WAY too tight. You should apply cork greases every now and then, when needed. If you put too much on, it will squeeze out a little, you can wipe it off the outside of the clarinet with a tissue or something. I would not assume that the beveled cork means it won't strip off, as it can. It just makes it a little less likely. You should still hold the rings down on the upper joint. I forget about that little trick, it is something I do automatically when putting the clarinet together. It is a good habit to get into. Keep it up with the clarinet, and if you are ever in the need of help, or discouraged, just come here. We're all here to help in anyway we can. -- Nate Zeien
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Rasmussen
Date: 2000-09-15 04:20
I hold the upper joint in my right hand, and the lower joint in my left, and I won't attempt to describe it, but there certainly is a way to hold the sections so the keys aren't in any danger of getting bent. Holding a ring down against a tone hole causes no damage, even when squeezing hard.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2000-09-15 10:31
After a few days, I'm now more comfortable assembling the clarinet. I probably should have initially said "concerned about damaging the linkage", rather than keys/rings.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
