The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2012-01-27 18:28
Hey fellow clarinerds. I am having a little issue with my Eb clarinet tuning (not where you think it might be having issues). The problem lies in the right hand clarion notes. Especially E, F, F# and G. For some reason these notes tend to be slightly on the flat side and is a real pain to lip up without biting and chewing your lip off. All the other notes on the instrument are well in tune at A=440. But these notes specifically are flat. Before we get to equipment experiments, I play on a Greg Smith Eb mouthpiece. Chadash ringless barrel that measures on my calipers at barely over 41mm. I went yesterday to RDG Woodwinds in LA and tried out many different mouthpieces including the B44, B40, 5RV. Tried a different Buffet Chadash barrel at 41.5mm and two Fobes 42mm. I also tried a couple of the extensions, and even other instruments. All of them had the same problem A Patricola, and a Selmer Recital. Does anyone have any info on what the problem could be. It most certainly must be the instrument, but why would most Eb's do this? Btw, I also checked the 12th interval relationship, and the fundamental note below - A, Bb, B, C respectively, and they were all either very sharp or slightly sharp. What can be done to adjust this? Thanks.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-01-27 22:01
Buy a new clarinet. I don't know of any equipment that will make some 12ths higher and not effect the lower ones. It could be the way you're voicing them but that doesn't sound right for just thos notes in that register. I can't explain why the other clarinets you tried had the same problem. Ask someone else to play your horn and see if they find the same problems. Have them play it on your MP if possible. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-01-27 22:09
A friend spent a lot of time trying to get an oboe to play in tune with itself, and eventually found that the problem was actually with the tuner she was using. Have you tried this with a different tuner?
Tony F.
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2012-01-27 23:27
Eddie - a new clarinet is just not an option financially. I will try what you suggested.
Tony- i was testing on my korg tuner/metronome as well as the nicer korg dial tuner. Both were the same result. And its definitely audible. Ill definitely try some more tests.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-01-28 00:38
I will be at the RDG store tomorrow. (Saturday the 27h.) It you'd like to get together perhaps having a second opinion could help.
I think, but not sure, that the store is now carrying Selmer Eb horns. If so this just started. Nancy was talking about adding this a few months ago. When playing the Eb clarinet I really liked the Selmers with a Mitchell Lurie mouthpiece. The setup was pretty good, played well in tune. I think you can get a pretty good match without barrels and mouthpiece changes. Anyway I should be there around noon to 1 pm.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2012-01-28 03:04)
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2012-01-28 01:29
Bob, thanks for the offer however i have work at 2:30. I did try one of the selmers and got the same result and with other mouthpieces as well. Its really bizzarre. Youre welcome to try it out yourself at RDG and let me know what you think if the other horns do that.. Play the low A Bb B and C and just add the register. You know the drill. Thanks.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2012-01-28 01:37
[ Guys - Please take the remainder of your personal discussion off-line - GBK]
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2012-01-28 05:24
It just must have been me, but I'm now able to get it to tune right. It must have been a voicing issue. I think I just relaxed a bit. I wasn't biting but somehow, the notes are more in tune, or it just could've been me. Thanks for the help guys.
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Author: William
Date: 2012-01-29 16:03
Just a thought, could it be that you are tuning to your "long" B or C--both 5's--that may be sharp and pulling your barrel to bring them down to pitch? If so, try pulling your bell rather than the barrel and see if that evens things out.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-01-30 00:48
Hey Clarimeister glad it worked out and things sound better.
So sorry GBK. I'll remember not to do this. Makes total sense to do this off line.
Feel free in deleteing my post.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2012-01-30 00:51)
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