 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-07-30 19:53
I`ve been playing a Resi-Tone clarinet and after about 3 yrs feel that I have the squeeks beat and am happy with the ease of playing. But with a bit of money and not much time left in life went and bought a Yamaha CSG. All up (with a minor mod) cost Aus$4000 (about US3200).
Beautifully made instrument but what a *&^% sod of a thing to play. The fingers have to be precisely in place or no note sounds. I assumed this may have been because the CSG`s holes were larger and required perfect sealing, but this is not so. In fact some holes are smaller than on the Resi e.g. 3rd finger right hand. I use same reed and my Hite MPC for a little improvemont.
So why am I posting? Well I suppose I`m looking for a bit of encouragement and the hope that others who have encountered a similar problem, when upgrading, have solved it.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-07-30 21:08
Have you taken it to a technician for some new-instrument adjustments? "Factory Condition" for clarinets tends to mean that it still needs fine-tuning.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2009-07-30 21:15
EEBaum is correct.
It could be that the rings are not adjusted to your finger size. This is a minor correction for a good tech.
Alernatively A pad might have slipped since factory inspection. etc.
Maybe Have a good experienced pro player try the horn.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-07-31 00:16
I totally agree. Even a slight leak in one of the top keys will make it squeak. Get it checked out, it's probably just out of adjustment. That's why good dealers "sets up" a new clarinet before shipping it out though it could get knocked out in shipping. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-07-31 09:35
Well it looks like( with your assistance ) we`ve solved the problem Seems that the C# key that the little pinky plays is very close to the left hand 3rd. finger hole. This has meant that unless I concentrate it prevents the hole being closed completly.
I`ve had a tech bend the key out a little and the change is significant. Some checking before selling which I was assured had been done!!
One question. What is this, about ring sizes for fingers? I thought the rings were just a guide to position the finger over the hole. Does ring size or height above the hole have a bearing? Thanks all for your help.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2009-07-31 14:27
Rusty said: "What is this, about ring sizes for fingers? "
Aside from sounding like the beginning of a Seinfeld standup routine, "What is this, about ring sizes for fingers? ....Who ARE these ring people, anyway?"
Well, the height of the rings ...above, flush with, or below the tone holes...should conform comfortably with your fingers. Wider fingers or skinnier fingers feel better with the rings adjusted to the proper height, and therefore cover the toneholes better, making a better seal.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2009-07-31 14:30
The finger needs to not only seal on the hole easily, but also press the ring with enough pressure to reliably close another hole with a pad. (This pad needs to be aligned well over its tone hole so that minimal pressure is needed to make the pad seal.)
If rings are too low, then the latter does not happen.
If they are too high, then the former does not happen.
A typical height is approx 1/2 to 1 mm above the tone hole facing.
It can depend on:
1. The diameter of the ring, which varies quite a lot between brands/models.
2. Whether the part of the finger positioned on the tone hole and ring is approximately cylindrical, or more spherical-shaped.
3. The firmness of the skin and tissue of the finger.
4. The width of the finger, i.e. how hard the finger needs to be pressed to squash its surface flat enough to actually seal on the tone hole.
5. Because of 3 in conjunction with 4, the inside diameter of the tone hole chimney, which varies quite a lot between brand/model.
In practice, most players manage well, making necessary compensations with finger pressure, with a height that is standard within reason.
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-07-31 20:54
Very interesting and helpfull. Gordon re the ring height. I notice that the ring height for 2nd. finger left hand varies from 1 to 3mm because it swings at an angle over the chimney. Does this seem normal. But of more importance I notice if I curve my fingers and seal the hole with the end of my finger that the pad that then should seal has a 1/2mm air gap.
Perhaps all rings should be flat finger closed??
Post Edited (2009-07-31 21:55)
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2009-07-31 22:09
"Perhaps all rings should be flat finger closed??"
I think so, but I suspect not all bodies conform to desired specs.
"I notice that the ring height for 2nd. finger left hand varies from 1 to 3 mm because it swings at an angle over the chimney. "
All my discussion is for when the ring is pressed down.
IMO each ring should be aligned in a plane parallel to that of the tone hole face, so that the ring is the same height right around. If not, the ring needs re-alignment.
As long is the pad sensibly mounted, and is closing evenly, all other adjustments are done by bending.
Post Edited (2009-07-31 22:10)
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