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Re: Strange high-pitched squeaking that sounds like an air leak

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2017-09-11 02:17

Since this came on suddenly, the cause probably is something that changed somewhere in the system.

Does it happen with all reeds or only the one you've been using since the squeaking started? Are there any new dings in the mouthpiece rails (especially tiny ones in the tip rail - use a magnifier)? Is there anything (dirt, lint, fuzz from a q-tip used to clean it) in the register tube or the LH index finger hole (both are open for altissimo D6 and up)?

Can you get your hands on another clarinet? Try your mouthpiece (and reed) in the other clarinet. Does the squeak follow you?

If changing clarinets with the same mouthpiece/reed gets rid of the squeak, something's wrong with your instrument, overhaul and successful seal test notwithstanding.

If the squeak moves with the reed/mouthpiece to the second clarinet, and changing the reed doesn't help and the mouthpiece rails don't show any damage, only then should you consider that the problem is something you're doing. The most common causes of squeaks (after bad reeds, damaged mouthpieces and leaks) of any kind are pinching the reed and not covering tone holes completely.

Karl

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