 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: none
Date: 2011-10-03 22:02
I'd appreciate help in resolving a problem with an old Malerne bass to Eb that I just acquired.
It sounds fine when I depress the keys to play the three lowest notes, but, when these and the register key are depressed, the sound is muffled. Playing higher notes than these in that same register aren't a problem.
janeandgary@rogers.com
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-10-03 22:45
"long" (as in air column length) notes in the Clarion tend to be a bit more muffled than those higher up or the same fingering in the low register.
Most of this effect can be eliminated by properly venting (not too much, not too little) the register key. Maybe yours isn't opening enough, or too much, or the cork on the key is unnecessarily big in diameter - I remember having spent a considerable time getting mine (for a Bundy bass) just right. There may be recommended values, but much is left to trial, error and experience.
--
Ben
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-10-04 02:29
Some BCs have a single register vent, rather than two (one on the body for third-line B up through Eb and another on the neck or at the very top of the body for higher notes.
If your Malerne has only one vent, it's a compromise that leaves the low clarion register dull. While a good repair tech may be able to adjust the vent to speak better on these notes, they'll never be great. You just have to blow harder. A good mouthpiece (Grabner, Fobes) can help a lot.
If the Malerne has has two register keys for the left thumb, switching back and forth is one of the essential BC skills. If it has an automatic register key, the upper vent may not be closing completely for B through Eb. Have a friend stand next to you and hold the upper vent closed while you play B through Eb.
BC is designed to be strong in the chalumeau, at the expense of the clarion. It's the nature of the beast.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-10-05 01:42
I agree with both assessments. Also, make sure the register tube is clean as well as opening enough and the pad is solid not soft or peeling. Also, if there is a leak in any of the lower keys it will effect the upper 12ths much more than the lower ones. In some cases a great deal more. ESP eddiesclairnet.com
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Author: none
Date: 2011-10-12 01:54
Thanks for the contributions.
Cleaning the register tube cleared the air to a great extent.
Gary
janeandgary@rogers.com
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