Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2018-02-11 20:13
I have played the original CSG for 11 years now and this tendency was present even in the original design. On the other hand, the 12ths are not too large so that the clarion B6/C6 are not overly sharp as on some instruments.
Usually, this is not a significant problem, but on occaision I have found it helpful to use the LH C# or RH D# trill key to raise the pitch of the throat E/F. Knowing that these notes are low, I will voice them with more intensity (i.e., the "eee" voicing) as well to ensure adequate breath support.
Although one could use a shorter barrel to fix THESE notes, it can make the OTHERS too high, so in general I've stayed with 56.5 mm barrels and just corrected the pitch on the E/F when necessary. I have also found that the Backun CSG Fatboy barrels work very well with the CSG--they tune well and do focus the sound more as well as making it "smoother" (Sorry, this perception is hard to describe).
While the M30 (as well as the BD5-13) do tune low, they could be used with a 54-55.5 mm barrel to compensate. I've been playing the (A442) Kessler-Backun-III mouthpiece for several years now and it has worked really well for me. Currently, I'm also trying a Backun P+ which works very well though it has more resistance. It also has great intonation and a great sound. When using Pilgerstorfer Dolce or Leuthner French reeds, I can get as close to a German (or even Viennese) sound as I've ever been able to when this is called for.
Finally, if you DO think a modification is warranted, I would recommend going to one of the Yamaha Atelliers (Buena Park CA or New York or ...?) to have this done. I'm near the one in Buena Park and they have an amazing machine shop and can do almost anything, including building prototypes from scratch!
I hope you will enjoy your CSG for years to come!
Bob Barnhart
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The Clarinet BBoard
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