 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Laur
Date: 2000-10-02 21:45
I'm at my wits end.. I am always out of tune playing. Is it me ? Is it my instrument ? I got the Click barrel, tuning rings, different reeds - you name it. It's just mostly G,A,Bb,B,C - everything above the break.. If I drop my jaw, they become less out of tune, yet every other note is then wrong. What do I do ?! Would having a repair tech check my instrument out help any ? Should I just keep practicing.. mabye something will click ? Please help !!
Laurie
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Aaron Diestel
Date: 2000-10-02 22:46
first of all, how long have you been playing? Second, what kind of clarinet are you playing? After that more can be said.
As for the click barrel, not to say that they are bad, but I wouldn't reccomend you playing on one....chances are that it isn't helping your playing in tune very much. A good wooden barrel would work much better, again I can't really say much more without kknowing the first two questions.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Laur
Date: 2000-10-03 02:30
Hi Aaron -
I have been playing for about 9 years now. I'm first chair clarinet in my high school band - I play on a Wooden Selmer clarinet. I've had it for about 3 years now.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2000-10-03 02:37
Try tuning 2nd-line G first. Then check the octave above--if it is sharp, pull the middle joint a little. Then check your 3d-line B and C--if they are sharp, pull the middle joint more, if flat, push in a little. This will get your horn as close to "in tune" with itself as possible. You may also have to learn to play with less "bite" on the upper register notes as they tend to be normally sharp on most clarinets that I have played--in other words, "lip them down a bit." No amount of tuning gimmicks on the market will make up for not listening and adjusting those notes that need attention. It is not possible to play a clarinet in tune using the same embouchure support on all notes in all registers--you need to listen and learn (by using your tuner) to favor those notes that are "off." Keep practicing, listening and have fun. Good luck!!!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2000-10-03 05:28
I'd watch it with the clickbarrel. I use one myself, but I use it very carefully. If you make it more than 2mm longer or shorter than a normal barrel, your horn can get considerably out of tune with itself.
Unless you are doubling on other instruments, you're better off using a regular barrel and tuning your instrument both there and between the upper and lower joints.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2000-10-03 05:29
I'd watch it with the clickbarrel. I use one myself, but I use it very carefully. If you make it more than 2mm longer or shorter than a normal barrel, your horn can get considerably out of tune with itself.
Unless you are doubling on other instruments, you're better off using a regular barrel and tuning your instrument both there and between the upper and lower joints.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris Ondaatje
Date: 2000-10-03 11:12
Some possible reasons for your problem:1.Does the bore size of your mouthpiece match that of your Clarinet? Selmer C85 120 should be ok as does Vandoren B45.Selmer Clarinets have a relativly small bore, if your mouthpiece is designed for a larger bored instrument this may be part of the problem.
2.Oral Cavity positions. Try more of an "e" vowel position as you ascend above the break. An "o" position will make you sound flat.
3. This barrel sounds scary.The standard Selmer barrel should be ok.
4. Are your collegues playing sharp?Check your tuning with an electronic tuner.
regards, Chris
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2000-10-03 22:00
I would suggest spending some time with a person who specializes in teaching the clarinet. There can be a number of things contributing to the problem all at the same time, including your technique (embouchure, breath support, variations in these that you don't notice) and your instrument (pad heights off, mismatch in mouthpiece/clarinet, etc). There's just too many things it could be.
Also no clarinet is perfectly in tune. They must be played in tune by the player. This is where listening to the sound around you as one of the other posters discussed is important.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Andy J.
Date: 2000-10-04 02:54
You said it gets more in tune when you drop your raw... shouldn't you be doing that anyhow? for the embouchure?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
