 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: HMonk
Date: 2011-03-16 04:43
I've been asking around seeking to resolve a perplexing issue for me. I am studying alto saxophone and decided to investigate the clarinet.
With the clarinet Mpc attached to the barrel, I am able to consistently and easily "play" an F#. When I attach the barrel to the instrument, I vacillate between squeaks and nothing. I appreciate the differences between the clarinet and saxophone embouchure and have no trouble with the sax or the clarinet Mpc alone.
If it matters, I use the Clark Forbes Debut Mpc, Vandoren 2.5 reeds, and a Bonade inverted ligature; regardless, since I can "play" the mouthpiece alone, once attached to the instrument I cannot understand why I fail miserably.
Some have suggested that the instrument/fingering is at fault (pads, leaks, holes not covered, etc.). The pads appear to be covering the holes squarely and with even pressure; with the instrument disassembled and holes covered, in bright sunlight I can see no leaks; and the pads of my fingers reveal an essentially centered indentation from the rings so I assume I have the holes adequately/properly covered. The only thing I apprehend is that with the Mpc attached, resistance is noticeably increased.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Monk
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-03-16 05:57
Try playing throat Bb and throat A, do you have the problem with these notes?
Most leaks are not really possible to see without checking more thoroughly e.g. air test, feeler, sometimes leak light. Also you might be closing the rings but not the holes below them, especially if the rings are too high in comparison with the shape of your fingers.
Just in case, check that the throat A key moves a tiny bit before also lifting the throat G# key, maybe that's the problem.
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2011-03-16 06:11
Clarnibass's comment about ensuring that the A key moves a bit is the first thing I'd look for. I can't tell you how many "emergencies" I've taken care of by merely moving the A-key adjustment screw so that this play is once again there.
I've found that, when this is the problem, the player had removed the play by turning the adjustment screw in, thinking that there should be no gap there, but it also happens when there's play, but not enough of it, and the A pad swells from moisture.
B.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-03-16 07:38
I think the first thing you need to establish is if the clarinet is in fact in working order. Can you get a clarinettist to play-test it for you? If they can't then it's not you, and if the can then it is. Then you have a starting point.
Tony F.
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Author: HMonk
Date: 2011-03-16 22:59
After reviewing the replies, I took to a mirror and carefully watched what I was doing.
First off, per EEBaum, the open G was no problem (although I did notice an increase in resistance). Then, per Clarnibass, I found the throat A and Bb to be no problem; and the A does move a wee bit.
At this point, I started with an open G and proceeded down the scale. It varied from time to time but around C#, C, B, things started to fall apart. As far as I could see, everything was covered properly. So I took a close look in the mirror thinking there might be some sticking keys (depending on how I handled the instrument) and started the sequence again keeping a close eye on the mirror.
Alas, I found the culprit: as I proceeded down the upper joint, I noticed that in the range of D -> B from an open G, my left hand began to rotate imperceptibly counter-clockwise. I don't know about other clarinet players but I am not able to close the thumbhole and keep my thumb pad square to the hole - but I try. My hand is such that the thumb engages the hole more towards its side. As I progress down the upper joint, I guess I unconsciously rotate my hand counter-clockwise so as to be able to better activate the lever keys (but which I have not even thought of doing yet). As I do so, the side of the distal joint of my index finger engages the A-key enough to open it resulting in tonal chaos.
So, having learned that I took my fingering for granted (because the finger pads appeared to be positioned properly), I now see that a lesson on a starting, if not definitive, hand position is warranted. The first thing I did was do a Net search for a review and came up with this at http://www.clarinet-now.com/clarinet-left-hand-position.html "The correct clarinet left hand position will help you develop a faster, liquid, smooth technique. Technical efficiency in the fingers will help you create more musical passages. Note the word "fingers" and not wrist. One common fault in the left hand is to move the wrist to operate the A and G# throat tone keys." Tell me about it!
Many thanks to you all for piquing my focus, especially on that A key.
Monk
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-03-17 07:55
Try rotating the upper joint a few degrees with respect to the lower joint. Sometimes it can provide a little more clearance from the offending key.
Tony F.
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Author: HMonk
Date: 2011-03-17 21:07
@Tony F
Good idea. As a novice, I guess I am too rigid in my application of dos and don'ts as I attempt to avoid bad habits/wrong technique. A little common sense doesn't hurt, though, does it.
Monk
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