 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SarahSmiles
Date: 2014-05-17 20:50
I recently purchased a Leblanc Noblet 45 Bb clarinet off ebay.
I'm having some trouble playing the clarinet with the same ease I'm used to having.
I played the clarinet consecutively for 8 years then went on a hiatus from the clarinet for 4 years and now I can't tell if the problem is me or the clarinet.
Based on observations it seems to be in great condition. All the pads are covering correctly but I'm no clarinet expert so I can't be sure.
With some effort I can play all the notes of a scale but I've never had this much trouble.
If I start a scale (slurring the notes) with the low g, it will play as if im hitting the register key all the way up to the D before the low tone finally comes out.
The low g only comes out if I tongue the note. If not, a high d will come out instead.
The scale sounds correct going down, starting from an F. The low g can be slurred this way.
All notes with the register key come out fine as well.
Additionally I've squeaked more than I ever have testing out this clarinet.
I really don't know whether the problem is me or the clarinet. I'm using a vandoren b45 mouthpiece and a Rico 2 1/2 reed.
Any help is appreciated, thank you!
In love with the world of music.
Post Edited (2014-05-17 21:08)
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-05-17 22:41
Start with making sure the clarinet seals properly.
To do this assemble only the upper and lower joints together.
Next, and I know this sounds silly, but wear a pair of shorts.
Next, lightly jab the open end of the bottom joint into your thigh, directly against skin, creating a seal.
Next, with the fingers covering all holes, as if you were making the clarinet's lowest E, (i.e. the octave key not pressed) attempt to blow air from your mouth, into the top of the open upper joint. Also try sucking air out. Both directions should offer you resistance.
If they don't, that problem needs to be remedied, but is not a guarantee for why you are failing.
If that works, let us know, and we need to look elsewhere.
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Author: SarahSmiles
Date: 2014-05-17 23:33
Thank you for the advice!
I tried it and there was some resistance but when I blew harder the air got through. I even heard a small squeak as the air was passing through. The more I blew into it the easier it was for the air to get through.
In love with the world of music.
Post Edited (2014-05-18 00:38)
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-05-17 23:38
it's a leak somewhere.. Not too sure which but it could be the small pad under A key. When that leaks just a tiny bit, low joint chalumeau is really hard and really fugly, and wants to jump up
Other possibilities is bridge adjustment, bridge pads on upper/lower, throat and side keys (loose pad? missing chunk?). Also check foot key adjustment and loose/weak spring on G# and other springs; that usually covers most of the problems.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-05-18 01:31
FWIW, many eBay instruments need a full repad.
The best thing to do is take it to a good shop and have it looked at. It probably needs work.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2014-05-18 07:05
I'd say it is 100% certain your problem is due to leaks. (No clarinet I have finished servicing has significant resistance to responding.
The blowing test described is only as valid as the tester's experience in how hard to press the keys and how hard to (or not to) suck, and awareness that he is blocking the back of the mouth cavity with the tongue.
Blowing is VERY unreliable unless the the back of the mouth is sealed with the tongue and the front of the tongue used to gently push the air out - i.e. the opposite of sucking through a drinking straw. This is actually more reliable than a suck test.
There are dozens of possible causes of leaks, almost all of them not visible by eye.
That is where you need the diagnostic experience of a good technician. Writing in a forum is no substitute.
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Author: SarahSmiles
Date: 2014-05-18 10:35
Thanks for the reply guys, I will be making sure about any leaks with my professor on Monday. I just wanted to make sure I did have a problem before bothering her for help.
Will get this fixed soon, and thanks for all the help!
In love with the world of music.
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Author: MSK
Date: 2014-05-20 01:31
Also, try playing a someone else's clarinet - one that is known to be working. If it plays OK for you, it's probably not you but your instrument.
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Author: tylerleecutts
Date: 2014-05-20 03:23
When looking at purchasing a clarinet, always look for individuals and shops that can provide a video recording of the clarinet in action. I've seen this gesture done several times, and is very informative. This works for mouthpieces as well.
It sounds like two things to me- a bridge key is bent or such so that it voices the upper octave by mistake, or a small leak nearby.
There's nothing wrong with buying a clarinet online- but be sure you have a good expectation of the condition of the instrument before you buy, either through recordings like I described, or in a statement from the shop.
Best of luck with the clarinet!
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