 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Hansixx
Date: 2009-09-27 14:12
Hi there,
about a month ago i bought a Bb clarinet. While its some cheapass chinese model made from plastic it played fine so far. The pads are all airtight as well. Intonation and tone is just fine.
However, about one week i started to hear a slight buzz sound when i play the clarion bell notes (namely middle b and c). Does anyone have an idea what might cause this?
Thanks in advance,
Hansixx
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: NBeaty
Date: 2009-09-27 14:44
The main cause is that you play the clarinet. Even on expensive horns, long B is quite prone to having a slight buzz or fuzz to it. The quick fix (if the pads are doing OK) is to pull the bell out a mm or two and that tends to help.
However, if it's a pronounced buzz sound instead of just a bit fuzzy\airy there's probably a ripped pad somewhere that you might not be able to see unless you take the keys off.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2009-09-27 19:34
check side keys aren't vibrating... low Eb etc. oil or swedge
Freelance woodwind performer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-09-27 20:21
I agree that it could be a piece of skin on any pad slightly hanging or lose. Could also be a slight leak in any pad or it could be sympathetic vibration. It could also be that you bought a cheap clarinet and the metal is probably very soft and bends real easy so it's no longer seating properly. I doubt that the pads are of high quality too so they may already becoming faulty. You get what you pay for. Good luck. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2009-09-28 02:38
Are you certain that an audience would hear the buzz too?
Many of the things we hear, or think we hear, when playing are inaudible to someone listening just a few feet away, though very evident to us.
I'm not suggesting that you don't need good equipment that's in good order, or that you shouldn't try the fixes suggested in the other responses. But it may not be necessary to worry about it, especially if it turns out to be something like a key vibrating.
B.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hansixx
Date: 2009-09-28 12:32
Yes, its a cheap clarinet. I knew that in advance and i bought it since my budget is limited. Plus that i'm a starter...
However it is airtight. I tested both joints by closing all the toneholes and closing all open pads with one hand, closing one end with the other hand and then blew into the joint. Result: No air leaking, instead pressure buildup in my mouth until the lips came somewhat loose from the joint end.
Keywork is really rather tough. Ive already bent the c# key sitting next to the left hand spatulas slightly upwards to correct for a buzzy sound and had to apply quite some force.
I agree though that the pads arent the best ones. While they do seal the holes theyve expanded a little during the last weeks and do sometimes give problems with buzzy sound in the chalumeau register. Ive slightly (a few tenths of a millimeter) bent some of they keys upward (again i had to use massive force which speaks for the sturdy keywork) to correct it. Still no problems with pads not being airtight though.
Just did some additional testing, for example closing the register keyhole while sustaining the air and thus the "killer bee". And used the throat g# key as a register key instead (works for the clarion bell b). Result: the buzz is gone so i think its down to the register keyhole havng collected quite some gunk since i started playing. Plus in the first weeks that clarion b wasnt buzzy at all, played fine instead.
So i think im gonna have to buy a decent screwdriver and a few pipecleanser to clean up the register keyhole and see if the problem vanishes.
Oh yes, and im gonna check for your reply, bmcgar, and ask a friend if hears that buzz as well..
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
