 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: iClarinet
Date: 2011-07-27 20:11
I've been playing clarinet for about 7 years now, but lately the third register E natural and up haven't been coming out unless I honk really loudly. When it does come out, it isn't steady at all and squeaks a LOT. I have an overhauled Penzel Muller from the 1920s and there are some cracks in the wood...I know I need a new clarinet but I just don't have the money for one (broke college student ya know). Until I can get a new one, does anyone have any tips for making these notes "prettier"? Thank you so much.
Post Edited (2011-07-27 22:41)
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2011-07-28 01:00
I've only been playing 3 years, so take this with a grain of salt.
I was having all kinds of problems...reeds chirping/whistling, playing way flat, some notes not responding well at all, while others responded well, abnormal resistance, etc., etc.
I did not suspect my less than one year old R13 at all until I noticed a torn pad skin. I gently pulled it off, and it played so much better. The very next day I made an appointment with a very qualified tech. He found five other bad, or likely to go bad soon, pads in addition to the one I found, and when he was through, it played like a dream. All the above symptoms were gone. I lost quite a bit of valuable practice time fooling around with an instrument that needed repair.
Lucky for me too, it didn't cost an arm and a leg to fix. I thought the tech was very reasonable (slightly over $100).
CarlT
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Author: emie_em<3
Date: 2011-07-28 03:07
I've never had issues with my clarinet like you're having, so I don't know if my suggestions will help at all.
First of all, if it's at all possible, you should bring your clarinet into a tech. They'll probably be able to more your clarinet more usable, at the very least, if not solve your problems.
Something that I do whenever my clarinet squeaks is to tune it. I usually lean more towards going flat (as most people do, especially on student clarinets), and I always recommend that right away to anyone who experiences squeaks. In your case, it will likely do nothing, but it's the cheapest quick-fix ever, am I right?
Another thing that may help is changing your reed. Part of the issue may be that you need a stiffer reed, so you could try that. What size and brand reed are you using? Usually, either using a new reed or tuning my clarinet/others' clarinets helps solve any squeaking problems. Again, it probably won't help, but it can't hurt to try...
There's always some cheap clarinets on eBay or Craig's List, if you take the time to look. While I was looking for a used wood clarinet on there today, I found 3 under $50 clarinets on eBay. Of course, most of those clarinets would need pads and corks replaced, so it may not end up being the cheapest option...
Post Edited (2011-07-28 03:46)
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Author: iClarinet
Date: 2011-07-28 04:24
I'm playing on a Vandoren 3.5, so I don't think it's too thin. And when I say I have no money, I mean literally zero dollars. That's why I was wondering if there were some techniques that could help...This hasn't been that bad until recently.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-07-28 04:52
Are the cracks going through the horn? If you aren't sure blow into each joint, or suck the air in. If the wind or when you inhale you should get a good seal. If you are unsure take the horn to a local repairman. He or she can probably fill the cracks and make the horn play a lot better. If the repair person wants to charge you a lot of money I personally would opt and buy the R13 you were talking about. New or used.
One thing you should also do is have someone play it. This can be a friend a teacher, someone thats a pretty decent player and see if they experience the same problems.
If the horn plays fine by other people perhaps look into having your mouthpiece refaced or buy something like a Vandoren 13. Feel free in emailing me.
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Author: iClarinet
Date: 2011-07-28 05:21
I'm pretty sure that one of the cracks goes completely through. The tech said it would take ten pins for just that one crack.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-07-29 05:03
Some techs are using assorted glues, some pin the cracks, others do both. The glue of choice seems to be crazy glue. I've done it with crazy glue, several small thin coats, so the glue doesn't glub up. I have used a very small amount of crazy glue. I also have a clarinet which is really nothing but junk. I will sand off enough wood and mix it with either glue. The reason for this is if you repair the clarinet correctly you won't see the crack because the flakes from the old clarinet keep the assorted glues from that shiney look. This is why you may never see a crack.
The problem with epoxy is it's too think and the repair can look pretty poor.
I have to correct myself here. Epoxy is not a glue, but most people refer to it as glue.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-07-29 05:26
Alternatively, you can test someone else's clarinet and have THEM test yours. If you don't squawk on their clarinet and they have issues with yours, its the clarinet. If you squawk on THEIR clarinet and they don't on yours, its NOT the instrument.
If its the instrument, it's going to have to be repaired. You may have no money now, but you have to do SOMETHING to get money to repair it. Mow some lawns, bag at the grocery store for tips, something.
Alexi
EDIT - Fixed lots of spelling errors. Smartphone wasn't so "smart" while trying to reply I guess.
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (2011-07-29 10:12)
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