Author: Matt74
Date: 2016-09-27 03:07
It might take some time to get used to a new mouthpiece, but if you want to use your old one that's ok. It will help to have a new reed broken in on the new mouthpiece and to never played on the old mouthpiece. Reeds "get used to" the mouthpiece they are played on.
Make sure you are using steady air, plenty of support, and aren't tensing up (especially in your jaw or throat) when you cross the break. Make sure you are sealing all the finger holes, but aren't "slamming" any of your fingers down.
If you are having a problem crossing the break it could be the horn. It could be a great horn, but it might need a little adjustment. Even if it's easier on your old mouthpiece, it could still be the horn. It might be more obvious with the new mouthpiece for some reason. There are a few things that could be the problem.
1. You might be bumping one of the other keys accidentally, causing it to open very slightly. This can happen when playing a horn you are not used to.
2. The "bridge" may be out of adjustment. When you cross the break the left hand Eb/Bb pad (just below your left index finger) sometimes leaks. It is supposed to be closed by your right hand index finger (or any of the right hand ring keys). If it leaks even a little it is hard to cross the break. Try turning the bottom joint counter-clockwise ("up"), so that the top and bottom bridge will then be "off" by about a millimeter. That will make sure the Eb/Bb will close. If it fixes the problem the pad wasn't closing completely. Take it to a shop.
3. The "crows foot" may be out of adjustment. The pads for the RH pinky keys may not be closing at the same time, or there may be a pad leak. Take it to a shop.
4. There may be another leak somewhere.
If you just got bought it from the shop they might fix it free. Ask them if one of the technicians can check it out while you wait.
- Matthew Simington
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The Clarinet BBoard
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