 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-10-28 04:39
I'm having what seems to be an odd issue but I'm sure someone with more experience than I can shed light on it. I am a beginner so..
On my Evette, I have no issue playing down to the low E. Instructor says tone, etc is right on.
My Evette is in the shop getting new cork and I've had to switch to a backup Bundy.
The Bundy seems harder to play and I can't get to the low E at all. It's almost like the air does flow as freely if that makes any sense. The Bundy was recently serviced and is 100% OK. Instructor has no issue with it.
I'm using the same MP and Reed (Yamaha 4C / Rico 2.5) as on the Evette. Overall, the Evette is just easier to play it seems.
Any idea what the issue could be; why is one clarinet harder to play than another?
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-10-28 04:46
Probably the Bundy's key layout isn't exactly the same as your Evette. The slightly different hand position you may need to reach the E keys (left and right) on the Bundy may be causing you to open up one of the tone holes slightly - most likely either RH index or ring finger. Or you may be bumping into one of the "sliver" keys between your middle and ring fingers on one hand or the other either because of different hand positions or because the keys themselves are thicker or positioned differently.
I'm assuming the Bundy's lever keys on the bottom joint are correctly adjusted.
Karl
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-10-28 05:58
Everything is adjusted OK. While the layout may be a little different, what I'm finding is it takes more breath to hit the low notes on the Bundy. It's like it's just harder to blow for some reason.
Spent an hour or so playing tonight and was able to hit the low E but it took a lot more concentration and air support.
It makes me wonder if there is some difference in the bore between the Bundy and the Buffet. I read somewhere that the Buffet bore was different somehow.
I'm just guessing but there certainly is some difference. In any case, playing the Bundy for a bit may improve my air support.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-10-28 06:16
Are you sure you are covering the tone holes completely? And are you sure the instrument is sealing well? Even though your instrument may "play" it might still need servicing. I know these seem obvious but they are worth checking.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-10-28 06:35
KSCop wrote originally:
> The Bundy seems harder to play and I can't get to the low E at
> all. It's almost like the air does flow as freely if that makes
> any sense.
Are you using the same mouthpiece on both clarinets? If no, then maybe two different mouthpieces play differently.
If you're using the same mouthpiece on both clarinets, then your description makes perfect sense *if there is air leaking from somewhere.* If the clarinet is not leaking, then there must be air leaking around one or more fingers.
> It makes me wonder if there is some difference in the bore
> between the Bundy and the Buffet. I read somewhere that the
> Buffet bore was different somehow.
>
Not nearly enough difference to explain what you describe.
> I'm just guessing but there certainly is some difference. In
> any case, playing the Bundy for a bit may improve my air
> support.
Maybe, but you're blowing against unnecessary resistance. So, while you're improving your air support, you still might check your fingers. If it's so stuffy that low E wouldn't speak at all, as you originally described, it isn't a problem that can be explained by design differences in the two clarinets.
Karl
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-10-28 07:21
The bundy was just serviced, all new pads and cork. I'm using the same MP and reed on both instruments.
The only thing I've noticed is that to hit the low E on the bundy, I have to blow lower if that makes any sense; more diaphragm it feels than on the Evette.
I'm not sure how to describe it other than the Bundy just takes more effort to play.
I suppose it could be a fingering issue, although I wouldn't think there would be that much difference.
I'm working through it but I'd sure like to understand it.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-10-28 15:14
Do you use one pinkie only (either left or right) to play the low E? Does your teacher use both left and right pinkies (adding the F/C key when playing low E)?
Check with just the left key, just the right key, then with both (adding F/C) and see if there's any difference.
Another possibility is that you are opening a hole (e.g. G/D) or a key (e.g. F#/C#) slightly on the Bundy because you are not used it.
Just because it was (supposedly) adjusted doesn't mean it's really sealing. Did you confirm it is sealing in any way other than knowing it was adjusted? It might feel different from the other clarinet but a Bundy shouldn't have a difficult low E if in good condition.
What about the middle staff B? No problem at all or similar to the E?
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-10-28 17:48
Since I've been playing it more, I've begun to hit that note. I've tried using just the left key (usually just use the right) and it didn't make any difference.
Although I didn't think I was uncovering anything, with practice as I said I've been hitting the note. It's looking like it's possible that there is enough subtle difference between the Evette and the Bundy to cause issues; either with fingering or something else unknown.
It appears that the Evette just 'fits me' better than the Bundy.
To answer the previous post, only note I was having an issue with was low E.
It appears I may have solved the issue with practice, but it's just curious what the difference is that it took so much to get there.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-10-28 20:34
KSCop wrote:
> It appears I may have solved the issue with practice, but it's
> just curious what the difference is that it took so much to get
> there.
You had two leaning tasks instead of only one when you first began to play the Evette. When you switched, you had to (1) unlearn any accommodations you had learned to make on the Evette and (2) relearn the hand position and finger movements you need to play the Bundy.
It may well be that, if you had started on the Bundy in the first place, there would have been no problem.
> It appears that the Evette just 'fits me' better than the Bundy.
It's also possible that there are differences in layout that you aren't experienced enough yet to notice and that the Evette truly "fits you" better. The shape, length and in some cases height of key spatulas, whether they are perpendicular to the clarinet or angled, how heavy the spring actions are (which can affect how tightly you grasp the horn to play it), where the side keys on the top section are (and how they affect your RH position in avoiding pressing the bottom one when you close the RH holes and the lever keys), all of these and other things can affect your finger placement. They vary from one clarinet to another. It doesn't take much of an opening around a finger covering an open hole or under a closed pad accidentally opened by leaning on it slightly to cause the notes below it to be balky.
Karl
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