 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: 42cheese
Date: 2014-01-31 09:45
I've now tried two different mid-20th-century wood Leblanc alto clarinets. I made sure they were in good adjustment and free of leaks. And yet, the lower clarion is simply pathetic. It is nearly impossible to jump to this range from a note in another range without squeaking. Once I eventually establish the notes in the range properly, they are still absurdly weak and even fuzzy. I know on soprano there is a bit more resistance in this range, but nothing I've ever had a significant problem with, and certainly nothing weak or fuzzy.
Is this a universal problem of some sort? With altos? With Leblanc altos? With large clarinets (or maybe Eb clarinets) in general? With soprano players like me who assume there is little technique difference between soprano and alto?
Is there anything I can do to fix or counter the problem, or should I pay the return shipping and stick to my soprano?
Thanks,
Sean
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-01-31 04:54
There's no particular reason that Leblanc Altos shouldn't play well as long as everything is as it should be. Have you tried different mouthpiece/reed? Sounds as though you have a leak or a maladjustment somewhere. The small Eb's can sound a bit reedy, but not the alto.
Tony F.
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-01-31 11:52
it sounds like a leak somewhere.. check neck/mpc and register/side/throat keys with strip of paper. Even practically non-detectable one could cause similar symptoms
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-01-31 16:18
Also make sure you have good ventings on all pads and you're not using a reed that's too hard as that can make things stuffy in the lower register.
I serviced a Leblanc basset horn a while back now, seated all the pads as they had been replaced but weren't closing at the front so the owner wasn't happy with that. After I got everything seated and regulated I found it very stuffy in the lower register even though I had increased the venting throughout. Then I switched to using a softer reed and voila! It came to life and that was that.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2014-01-31 11:30
These clarinets tend to be stuffy, but you are also experiencing a leak somewhere, perhaps due to an adjustment problem.
Steve Ocone
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Author: LCL
Date: 2014-01-31 12:59
I own a Leblanc AC of about 1980 vintage and have never had this issue. It has always played freely. I do use rather soft alto sax reeds of about #2 to 2.5 strength. I also play and own (2) BCs, an CA and a CB and have played these for over 20 to 50 years. I tend to agree about a possible leak!
Best,
Lynn
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Author: 42cheese
Date: 2014-02-02 04:50
Thanks for the advice!
I notice the chalumeau Eb and D are especially weak as well. Might these problems be connected?
--Sean
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Author: RAB
Date: 2014-02-02 05:17
Check the mouthpiece, make sure the table is flat and the reed's back is flat. I see a lot of "problems" when the culprit is actually a leak between the mouthpiece and reed.
Rodney Berry
Repair Dept
Muncy Winds Music Company
Boone, N.C.
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Author: Paula S
Date: 2014-02-02 16:19
Sean, forgive me if this is stating the obvious, but when I first started playing alto, the band just handed it to me and let me take it home to try. I hadn't really registered that the hole in the first finger of the left hand was there for a reason. If you don't cover it properly it will squeak like a swine in the lower clarion/over the break. I proceeded to nearly rupture myself playing altissimo notes until I realised I needed to roll my first finger to open the hole LOL.
As to the sound it is quite different to a soprano and when played well is quite soulful in the clarion. Played badly it could however sound like a wounded moose.
The alto I play is a Noblet Artist which is very nice now that I have worked out how to play it ;-)
I forgot to mention that I have to go down to a 2.75 Legere Signature on Eb alto. I usually use 3.5 to 4 Vandoren V12/ Legere Signature on Eb piccolo and Bb/A soprano. If I use a stronger reed on Eb alto it can sound like fuzzy duck.
Also be aware that it is easy to catch the keys and squeak. I use a saxophone strap around my waist and hold it to the side.
Get up close and friendly with your tuner too! It is possible to make a very nice sound and play in tune if you spend some time with it.
Also be prepared for alto jokes............. ;-)
Post Edited (2014-02-02 12:12)
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Author: 42cheese
Date: 2014-02-03 04:02
Don't worry, I've got the half-hole part down! And as for alto jokes, I'm gonna be the one telling them! (That is, if I keep this thing.)
I tried a different mouthpiece, then a different reed, then both, but no problem fixed. The neck
I had another thought: could the second register key (the higher one) possibly be NOT opening ENOUGH? Occasionally when I'm playing very loudly, the clarion notes, especially the lower ones, seem to disregard the register being open and fall down the 12th. I promise you, my lips are not at fault. So what could be?
---Sean
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