 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Stingerbee5000
Date: 2015-08-19 06:44
Hello, I've got a nifty piece here I'm enjoying playing that needs a clarinet in A and I've got one for this. HOWEVER, it is murder to get the same smooth sound I am used to getting form by Bb. I feel like it's a bit hoarse at times and the amout of air support I feel like I need to use is difficult for me. Is this just the nature of the instrament? If so what can I do to lessen my plight?
Also, I'm having difficulty making it through a certain section because of how LONG it is- I simply run out of air and it's a bit difficult for me to stagger through it. Any tips on increasing lung volume?
Thanks in advance.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2015-08-19 07:06
Have it checked out by a good repair tech.
My A takes a tiny bit more air - but its not a significant difference.
Also, have someone else play the instrument and make sure its ok.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-08-19 13:18
Assuming that you have never played an "A" clarinet before, I'd say that it will just take some getting used to it. Typically there is more resistance (in the Buffet world anyway) in the "A" and I would suggest using the "A" for full practice sessions (you know, the regular routine stuff - scales, long tones, what-have-you) to become more at ease with it.
As for the long sections you speak of, chances are that whatever it is can be broken up a little anyway. The points immediately at the end of long notes (or longer notes) make for good natural break points. And of course if it's a tutti section, just breathe in a spot your stand partner is not. Or if it's an alberti sort of situation your audience will fill in the down beat in their heads, just take a quick breath at a downbeat.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2015-08-19 18:58
Sounds like there might be a leak or something wrong with the bore or barrel. It shouldn't be that much different. As a pro, I always looked for barrels to make both my Bb and A play as close to the same as possible. As a matter of fact, they are so close I have to look at times to make sure I'm picking up the right one in the orchestra.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-08-19 20:22
There may be a little of that old, "we've been doing it so long we don't remember."
When I bought my pair of Yamaha CSGs one of the many things I liked about them was how close the two are to each other in resistance (closer by far than Buffet). Some years down the road of not playing the "A" I came back to it only to think, "wow, that's different!"
But you should be certain there are no leaks in the "A" to be sure.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: 4accord
Date: 2015-08-21 16:21
I have a metal A, which I bought thinking it was a Bb. It was only when I saw them side-by-side and then checked it against a tuner that I realized what I had. I haven't noticed any difference whatsoever in the amount of air required. It has quickly become my favorite, and I have been very surprised by the tonal difference that that one half step seems to make - a certain depth and richness - guess it just rattles me right. The only thing I've noticed is an almost imperceptible variation in finger spread. The instrument is unmarked except "France," which makes me think it must be pre-1923 when (I believe) "Made in" became required in the U.S.
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Author: William
Date: 2015-08-21 22:00
I'm lucky to have a Leblanc Concerto Bb and a Buffet R13 A that play with equal "feel". The only real difference is that the A is not as well in tune in the upper register as the Bb, but easily controllable. The good news is that I can use the Concerto barrel on my Buffet for those quick mouthpiece changes that frequently occur. Bottom line, your A and your Bb should play with the same resistance, but you have to find the right "matched" set for that to be realized.
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Author: Stingerbee5000
Date: 2015-08-21 22:47
Thank you all!
I think I'll try going with the A for a little longer before I take it to a shop.
Thank you!
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2015-08-22 02:11
Have you had another competent player, preferably one used to playing Bb and A clarinets, try your A ?
That's one simple step to helping determine whether it's the instrument or you.
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