 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: oian
Date: 2016-01-19 00:29
I play a bass clarinet and have the following problem: Playing low E, F, it all goes well at first, but after playing for a while what comes out is a higher note. Using a tuner, instead of playing the expected D, Eb I get notes that appear to be an octave higher A, A#?? (on a tuner). At first I thought it might be an adjustment problem, but it occurs on both of my bass clarinets Low Eb and Low C. I am mostly self taught and have been playing about a year and a half. I can, when just starting to practice, cause a similar effect by slightly opening the register key when playing the notes. My guess is that this may be caused by an embouchure change due to fatigue, because if I stop for a few minutes the problem goes away for a while. It's interesting that when I go directly to the low note from a higher note it will usually play correctly, if there is a break then I get the aberrant notes. any thoughts?
Post Edited (2016-01-19 00:34)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-01-19 02:00
Hello John,
I went back and looked at several of your past posts to get a sense as to where you are with your clarinet playing. I see you've purchased a clarinet or two as well as the bass clarinet. All interesting facts (just like a doctor want checking your medical history) that give me a good picture of where you are in your playing.
So, here is what I'd suggest.
1. Time to get a clarinet teacher so that you are not self-taught any longer. You just have some basic playing problems that can most likely be easily fixed. You may not need a lesson every week but getting correction and finding the right path is a must for you at this stage.
2. Get your Leblanc Paris bass clarinet checked by a repair tech. My guess is you have some small leaks or adjustments that need to be made. Be sure to say "I just want this in playing condition, no need for an overhaul." However, your teacher can tell you a lot by playing the instrument. I checked your location and if it is near Fresno, the Horn Shop (I just searched the web) would probably be a good place to stop and chat about checking your bass and even finding a clarinet teacher.
3. Take things a little slower and practice the basic (scales, exercises, etc.) that you teacher prescribes. Save the low C for later.
You exhibit a tremendous amount of tenacity; a good clarinet teacher would be delighted to have a student with such drive who has learned much by themselves. However, now it is time to seek a little personal help. You just need to be pointed in the right direction.
I have a good feeling about your clarinet future.
Keep us posted,
HRL
PS Nothing wrong with starting on a 1 1/2 reed if the mouthpiece is very open. You may be be jumping the 12th after playing a little bit by merely biting too much and not from a weakening embouchure. The teacher will tell you.
Post Edited (2016-01-19 02:07)
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Author: oian
Date: 2016-01-19 06:20
Hank:
Thanks for the advice. You are probably right about the lessens. The mouthpiece is probably the one that came with the instrument, it's marked G Leblanc Paris. My current reed is a Legere Signature 1 3/4. As for The Horn Shop, it has a very good reputation and the Leblanc has been there a couple of times, once just after I first started with the band and then recently (the first time required a couple of pads and recently just one). I've been playing with the Fresno Adventist Academy High school band for a year and a half or so. The problem seems to arise only after about 30-45 minutes of practice. What brought it to the surface is the love theme from Romeo and Juliet (which the band is now learning) which spends some time in the low D, E, F range (which are the only notes with this problem, The other notes up to C above the clef don't have the problem).
Thanks again for the help and advice,
John
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-01-19 08:32
Hi John,
That's good that the instrument have been in the Horn Shop. But, I'm thinking that a slightly stiffer reed (see my mention of biting) might a good first thing to try.
However, the fact that something comes and goes is going to make the reason that low notes something work while at other times not makes the diagnosis a little tricky. I really think the lessons are a good idea anyhow; let the teacher play the instrument or someone else that is a bass clarinet player.
Good luck,
Hank
Post Edited (2016-01-19 16:18)
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2016-01-19 20:19
Some good detective work and advice by Hank. You need to get another player/teacher involved. They can trouble shoot what the problem is much better than trying to do this over a forum.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2016-01-20 20:04
I have never heard of a 1 1/2 strength reed.
If you want to try a low cost possible solution before trying the higher cost, almost certain to work, music lesson, get a 2 1/2 strength wood reed and see what happens.
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2016-01-20 20:52
Some other possibilities:
1. Check to see if there is some play on the adjusting screw between the throat G# and A keys; if this is too tight expansion of the A pad due to increased moisture in the instrument will ease open the G# pad, creating a de facto register key! Remedy: loosen the screw a turn or so.
2. Make sure there isn't a hairline crack somewhere in the upper joint that opens when there is moisture in the instrument and then closes down as it dries. A bore light would help confirm this.
Your Leblanc mouthpiece and #1-1/2 reed sounds like a toxic combination to me. Probably not the cause of the indicated problem, but certainly a barrier to your continued progress as a player!
PS: Just noticed that the problem evinces itself on two different instruments; odds aren't great that you have a crack on both, but you might want to check the adjusting screw clearance on both!
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Author: ebonite
Date: 2016-01-21 00:03
Just one other thing to check: make sure you aren't accidentally uncovering the small hole under the left hand first finger.
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