 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ES
Date: 2016-05-20 11:35
I recently purchased a clarinet online (I confess it's cheap one).
I haven't played for over 30 years, but wanted to see if I still enjoyed it before investing too much money in an instrument.
I know that technique plays a large part in the sound you get from your clarinet and am now able to play some nice sounding notes.
However, when I play B and C there is barely any difference between the notes. I am finding it hard to be able to play even simple tunes as the notes sound awful around C D and E and don't flow nicely.
I am wondering if this could be all my technique or if there might be a problem with the clarinet.
I don't want to send it back if it is purely technique, but will send it back if there is a problem with the instrument.
What do people think - any advice ???
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Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-05-20 15:51
Welcome back into the fold..... I, too, returned to playing after MANY years absent. Of course you will have a lot of issues and challenges but be patient. This board is FULL of great information and advise.
I'm playing with a local civic band (and having a ball) so I have some band mates who went through the same thing.... returning to music after a long absence who offered a lot of good advise. I watched hours of youtube videos from several folks (primarily Michael Lowenstern since I play bass). Folks on here are always willing to offer great advise and insight (thanks again Hank and Chris).
The common thread woven through all the advise I received? Embouchure, embouchure, embouchure, embouchure....... It'll take time to get your chops back. It's been 3 or 4 months for me.... I've come a long way but have a long way to go still......
I am taking private lessons from a reputable teacher as well. HUGE help.
So, you're right, it's probably a lot of technique involved in your issue, but you might visit your local instrument tech (depending on where you are).
One of the great things about music I've learned is it's never to late to learn and enjoy.... I'll never be a "pro" unfortunately, but am still loving the journey. With that being said, I researched hour upon hour before buying a horn. I decided on a Ridenour after some suggestions from some guys on here as well reading many reviews. Great horn for the $$. I'm very happy.
Best of luck with your new venture!
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2016-05-20 16:59
Welcome back!
You don't say which octave of B and C you're talking about. The only one where technique could reasonably blur the half step difference between B and C is at the top of the clarion register (B5 - C6 - above the treble staff). If the rest of your scale sounds normal, for B3-C4 (below the the staff) or B4-C5 (3rd line to fourth space of the staff), it's almost certainly a mechanical problem. Can you tell which pitch the two notes or closer to? If it's closer to B, something is sticking closed when you move to C. If closer to C, then a pad may not be closing when you move to B - if you mean the long B and C (mid-staff), the pad could be missing from the B pad cup.
If you can't find anything yourself, have someone check it for you. And try someone else's instrument if you know someone else with a clarinet.
Karl
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Author: ES
Date: 2016-05-23 22:13
Thank you both very much for your helpful and encouraging comments.
I am very embarrassed to say I found the problem when checking all the pads - there was some cork packing underneath the bridge. When this was removed the clarinet 'sprang into life' and now sounds like it should! (In my defence, there were no unpacking/putting together instructions and it's been over 30 years since I last saw a clarinet, let alone tried to play one!!).
It's now practice, practice, practice but is already sounding better and it is a pleasure to be playing again!
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