 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Perfectfifth
Date: 2014-03-09 21:20
Hi, I am new to this forum and looking for some basic hints and tips about the E flat. I play Bb and, looking for a new challenge, have just acquired a Noblet Artist E flat clarinet. After only two days of playing I am hooked - the instrument is so much more lively than its big brother and has a much fuller woody sound than I'd expected in the lower notes. But I know that these are notoriously difficult clarinets to master so I'd be grateful for any wisdom handed down.
The clarinet is a 1978 Artist, by the serial number, and I've got a Vandoren B40 mouthpiece on it. So far I've noticed the need for increased lower lip pressure in the embouchure and some very wild and exciting intonation issues! In due course I am looking to take it along to the wind band where I play Bb, as we don't have an Eb player yet, so I'm aware that learning to blend my tuning in will be really necessary.
Any suggestions of technique etc, especially where there are differences between this and the Bb?
Thanks
G
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-03-09 22:40
I bought an Eb a few months ago and learned, via the BBoard, that it's not uncommon for the notes above high C to require alternate fingerings to be in tune. The alternate fingerings can be found on five pages in The Working Clarinetist by Peter Hadcock. Hopefully, someone you know has the book and you can borrow it. The alternate fingerings are the key to Eb playing, according to one source that gave me feedback. I also learned that you may prefer a more open mouthpiece than what you're used to on the Bb. The VANDOREN Eb CLARINET MOUTHPIECE M30 - CM325 / MED LONG / 117MM TIP was very highly recommended. And, I've learned I need a stiffer reed than on my Bb...how much stiffer has yet to be determined...I'm still experimenting. Jessica Phillips (youtube) recommends cutting off the butt end of Bb reeds to use on your Eb. I've tried it and do prefer it to the VanDoren Eb's I bought (which weren't stiff enough, so it may not be a fair comparison). I, too, get great joy out of playing it. I feel it's comparable to learning a new instrument with all the excitement that that brings. I've started incorporating into one of the band I play with and have found it doesn't take much air to out blast everybody, so that's another learning challenge as well. Best of luck!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-03-09 20:55
The throat notes on Eb clarinet are particularly special - they're not weak like their Bb/A counterparts but have a definite character of their own, unlike anything else.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-03-09 22:29
When you play Eb in a band, you are NOT the leader. That role belongs to the 1st chair Bb player.
You're there to add a bit of sparkle to the clarinet section sound. Most of the time, if you can hear yourself, you're too loud.
Intonation is crucial. You must find the appropriate amount to pull out at the bottom and also the top of the barrel plus the bell. Avoid at all cost playing sharp. It's audible to everyone and makes everyone else sound bad.
You might try the Fobes Eb extension http://www.clarkwfobes.com/clarinet_EbExtension.html.
The Eb is more sensitive to mouthpiece and reed variation than the Bb. If you want to play with others, you'll need to find a way to blend in and play absolutely in tune.
Pete Hadcock, the Eb player in the Boston Symphony, published two essential books on playing Eb, The Working Clarinetist, http://www.vcisinc.com/clarinetmusicexcerpts.htm item C043 and Orchestral Studies for the E-flat Clarinet, <Orchestral Studies for the E-flat Clarinet> item C036, unfortunately out of print but worth hunting down.
Ken Shaw
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Author: William
Date: 2014-03-10 02:42
Eb clarinet--play it loud and proud.....but always, in tune.
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Author: TAS
Date: 2014-03-10 08:24
Never admit you play an Eb.
You'll be victimized for life
TAS
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Author: Wes
Date: 2014-03-10 21:39
The Noblet Artist Eb is quite a fine instrument and I also play one. It can be played in tune easily, but the altissimo notes may need some alternate fingerings from the usual Bb fingerings. Good luck!
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