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Re: Slightly buzzy clarion bell notes

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..

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