 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Riley-NZL
Date: 2016-04-10 07:11
Hi, if you haven't already seen my other post, I'm returning to playing Clarinet after 5-6 years of not playing. I've been given a cheap bright blue plastic Bb clarinet with no make/model listed on it anywhere, to play while I sort out what I want to buy (hopefully an Bass Clarinet).
When I play f sharp or b flat at the top of the low register, the notes come out terribly, the b flat being the worse of the two. They come out sounding very breathy and watery, and not in tune either. The b flat in particular has an almost water bubbling sound. Is this likely to be my technique or the instrument itself? The clarinet itself probably isn't worth spending any money on to get it fixed if that is the case, is there pads/keys I could try checking? I'm guessing as these notes are opening up more pads, rather then closing them, that it shouldn't be loose pads?
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-04-10 07:43
While some of us here on the BBoard try to blame our equipment for our own failings, and others keep reminding us to look inward--- in the situation you're describing I'm inclined to think your instrument really is at fault.
Just in general, really cheaply made clarinets (of any price!) can have tuning and sound quality inconsistencies throughout- but even good clarinets are challenged by "throat Bb" ![[Bb4]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/bb4.gif) , and can require careful adjustment and play to sound right. On a budget horn it may be hopeless.
And you are probably correct that your brightly colored clarinet is not worth the investment of much repair $$$. No reason somebody couldn't make a very high end, bright blue, and unlabeled- clarinet- but it seems they just don't. Too bad, I might go for hot pink myself, just out of obstinance.
Anything from the Ridenours will be top quality and great value. And they do come up used at lower prices (stay away from the old TR-147's), but then you'd have to possibly pay for some service.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2016-04-10 17:48)
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2016-04-11 19:01
It sounds like you have the main ingredient needed to make a bright blue clarinet lamp that will never tarnish.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-04-11 20:00
Assuming you mean the F# with left hand first finger fingering, then maybe the thumb tube has dirt in it. The throat Bb is always a little stuffier than other notes but worth checking for dirt in it or maybe the key doesn't open enough.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-04-11 20:44
Some of these Chinese clarinets don't have their toneholes drilled properly and some have toneholes that haven't been drilled all the way through. So it's a gamble with any cheap instrument - not just the tuning and unevenness of the scale, but the poor build quality and finishing which will all compromise things.
F# played with LH1 only is in effect a forked note as the note issues from the thumb tube but it has a tonehole closed directly below it (ie. LH finger 1), so unless the speaker tube is clean and you're using the ideal strength reed for yourself, then this note should be clear but can be stuffy. Also the E, C# and the C below it as well as B with the xxx|xo/o fingering can be very stuffy if there's not enough venting (if the pad height/opening is too low) and your reed strength is too strong for you.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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