 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BrianChau
Date: 2009-12-13 18:16
Hello all,
Recently, my clarinet began to act weirdly. The altissimo wouldn't play at times, and would squeak higher harmonics. Is this a symptom of a leaking pad and/or a bent key?
Thanks,
Brian
PS I'm on a limited budget, so it is preferred if there is a way to fix this problem myself.
Brian Chau
University of British Columbia Concert Winds
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-12-13 23:10
Or it just could be a "1 and 1 Bb" fallen out of adjustment. If the "E" and "F" are fine then this is most likely and I would conjecture that the pad at the top of the bottom joint is not coming down all the way. This may only really be evident with critical notes such as in the third octave.
Two ways to check are: One, play the "1 and 1 Bb" and while holding the note hit the top of the cup (in between 1st and 2nd fingers) with the middle finger. There should be no change in the sound of the Bb at all. Of course , in this situation there shouldn't be. Two, hold the clarinet sideways up to the light so that you're looking at the light source behind the "1 and 1 Bb" juncture between the joints. Hold down the right hand first finger as normal but hold down the left MIDDLE finger ring. With a bit more pressure than normal, you should see a little space between the contact points of the junction. I suspect that there isn't. If so, just create a bit more play by either sanding an appropriate cork surface or wedging a pencil (or other slender wooden impliment) under the top joint portion and applying a slight bit of pressure to SLIGHTLY bend the the key. Slight is the important thing to remember. If you go to far this direction you need to reverse this process..........easier to find on your own than describe here.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: BrianChau
Date: 2009-12-14 01:04
Thanks Jeff, I think the register tube is the reason. And thanks to Paul and John for your time in helping me.
Brian Chau
University of British Columbia Concert Winds
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-12-14 01:49
We live to serve. ![[toast]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley15.gif)
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-12-14 01:54
Doubtful it's the register tube unless it's rediculously clogged in which case your throat Bb would not be playing. For sure it sounds like a leak in the upper joint. I suggest you cover all the holes with your fingers as if you're playing the top joint only, then cover the bottom part of the top joint with the other hand and blow through the top part of the upper joint. You will be able to hear where it's leaking this way. If you can't tell yourself have someone gently press every pad down until you find the one that's leaking. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: BrianChau
Date: 2009-12-14 02:04
Ed, I tried that many times, but I haven't found anything.... I'll just get it checked up by a repairman anyways, because I'm bringing it in some time this week to fix a bent key.
Brian
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-12-15 00:22
What if you do the suck test and your clarinet does not hold a vacuum, but when you blow air through the top there is no air hissing/leaking sound?
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Author: BrianChau
Date: 2009-12-17 02:06
Could the culprit be reeds? My band teacher said that my reeds were too soft once..
Edit: I tried harder reeds, and somehow the squeaking was gone...
Brian Chau
University of British Columbia Concert Winds
Post Edited (2009-12-17 06:32)
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