 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Joshus
Date: 2011-08-22 10:17
I just got a 2nd hand clarinet but is In excellent condition. Like new.
I am having one problem though when I play the low E note I have to blow so hard that my face turns red. Can you please advise what the problem could be?
Post Edited (2011-08-22 10:49)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-08-22 10:42
Do you use the right pinky or left pinky low E key? Try both. Try left hand pinky and then add right pinky low F key and see if that makes the E easier. Often the F/C and E/B keys are out of adjustment. It can also be the opposite, where E/B doesn't close and then pressing the F/C probably wouldn't help (unless it's very little, then it can help).
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Author: Joshus
Date: 2011-08-22 10:56
Sorry am I little lost with that response as I am a beginner and still don't know the name of all the keys. I find that it is much easier to play the hired clarinet from school. And find that I have to blow so much harder in this new clarinet.Could it be that it's to new & needs some wearing in?
Post Edited (2011-08-22 10:57)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2011-08-22 11:29
The keys you play with your little fingers of your hands.......
Bob Draznik
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-08-22 12:31
Did it come with a guarantee? If it did, take it back to where you bought it from so they can put it right.
What make is it (just out of curiosity)?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2011-08-22 12:42
Chris wrote,
>>Did it come with a guarantee? If it did, take it back to where you bought it from so they can put it right.>>
I agree. If the note is equally hard to blow with both the left and the right fingering, then probably the key pad needs adjusting. Sometimes a brand-new pad needs a bit of playing time to "groove in," but if it's no better after a couple of weeks of good practice time, then chances are it needs a tweak from a pro repairer.
Do you have a fingering chart? That's an important thing to get so that you can memorize the alternate fingerings. Learning them early will help a lot with sight-reading because you'll recognize places in the music where it's only possible to make a smooth transition from one note to another by playing the first note with the right pinkie and the next note with the left, or vice-versa. Being a good sight-reader will make you more competitive in seat-jumps and auditions.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-08-22 20:19
The problem is almost certainly a bent "crow's-foot" extension, which is soldered underneath the low F key for the right little finger (the upper row, lower key) and extends down between the two keys on the lower level. If it's too low, it prevents the low E pad from closing. If it's too low, the low F pad doesn't close.
To check, cut a strip of newspaper about 3" long and 1/2" wide. Put it between the low F pad and the rim, press the low E key with moderate pressure and slide the paper out. Now do the same with the low E pad. If the resistance isn't the same, the problem is with the crow's foot, which must be bent into place so that the resistance is the same for both pads.
Fixing this is a very simple adjustment, which any repair shop (or band director or experienced player) can do in a few seconds.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-08-22 20:26
Ken, the last person who should ever tinker with a clarinet is a band director or experienced player as neither are likely to know what to do and they could end up making things a lot worse.
While they may be able to diagnose a problem, they may not have the skill to remedy it, so it's always best take it to someone who is experienced in working on woodwind instruments as they know exactly what they're doing for safety's sake.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-08-22 21:16
Maybe so, but not everyone that plays a clarinet knows how they work.
It's fine if you know what you're doing, but most players don't know one end of a screwdriver from the other so it's best to leave things to those that do know what they're doing.
You wouldn't let a taxi driver replace the gearbox in your car because they drive for a living just as much as you wouldn't let a salesman in a computer shop rewire your entire house because they sell electronic stuff.
Even some very well seasoned players wouldn't even know where to start if their clarinet isn't working properly and wouldn't dare to do anything apart from seek professional advice from an experienced repairer who they trust.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2011-08-23 12:41)
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-08-23 05:31
OK...I have to laugh at this one---only because none of you suggested this yet.
This may not be the problem, but it at least needs to get ruled out.
Ken..are you a music teacher--I ask harmlessly? Woodwind teachers, High School and lower all know to check for this.
Professionals who responded might not deal with this for it to cross their minds?
Guys/Gals---when the student can play all notes but an ![[E3]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/e3.gif) --- and often this problem is commensurate with not being able to play a ![[B4]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/b4.gif) (hint) what do we check??...
The bell for physical blockage!!
Joshus--rule out there being anything, like a swab, stuck in the bell. Once that's done, fell free to continue with the other poster's advice.
: - )
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