 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: cantibarra
Date: 2018-06-05 02:55
My fingers are finally getting some decent speeds, but I still feel like I blow for .5 seconds before any actual note is articulated. Is this embouchure? Reed? I'm currently using a Rico 2.5. It feels really belabored and slow to play B and C, but D (D5) is much easier. Any recommended exercises?
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2018-06-05 03:55
I take it you mean second register long B and C. There is almost certainly a leak in your C pad. (It could also be a regulation issue causing a leak.) You need to take it to a instrument tech.
If you play long D, you should be able to slur down to B or C very easily, using only light finger pressure, using both right and left fingerings. If you can’t there is a leak or regulation problem.
- Matthew Simington
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2018-06-05 04:09
Long B is a tough note to sound. It's resistant. You can try a slightly harder reed if you want, but it may or may not be the reason. My guess would be you need faster air/better breath support.
One exercise that helps is designed to really work on proper airflow and tongue position. Look up on this board tongue position and keeping the back of your tongue high (as though you were hissing like a cat).
Then play a throat A with resonance fingerings (oxx|oxx c lever as shown here....http://www.dansr.com/vandoren/resources/clarinet-resonance-fingerings
And WITHOUT using the register key, focusing on good strong breath support and airflow, put the rest of the fingers down and see if you can get a B to sound.
You can also try flicking the register key to get the B to sound and seeing how long you can get it to keep sounding with just good airflow and breath support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwiZYvcKnAo
Hope this helps a bit.
Alexi
Check out this vid for breath support. It's not too bad.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2018-06-05 09:44
Don't like your reed choice. These reeds are the bottom of the quality rating in cane. I worked there so I know this. The Rico actual brand of reeds break down and die. No fiber support for the upper register.
They also have PESTICIDES on all of their brands. I got very ill requiring surgeries and all sorts of brain, muscle and nerve damage. So try other reeds and don't play on these. I know of someone else that's taking action against Rico. He didn't work there either.
The 2 1/2 reed strengths actually drop down to about a 1 strength; getting very soft and collapsing.
I'd very much like to see you jump up to a 3 strength reed. What kind of mouthpiece are you using? This will surely help me set you up in the proper direction.
If you decide to email me send a pic of the mouthpiece where the reeds rest. Sometimes the actual mouthpiece may be scratched or damaged requiring you to use a softer reed. Often if the mouthpiece is damaged it can be fixed.
To develop a strong embouchure play long tones when you first warm up. Play a low E, F, F#, G for about 30 to 40 seconds softly and really listen to your sound. Sometimes looking into a mirror helps when you hear that really sweet sound what is the position of your embouchure?
I think within a few weeks you will be fine.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2018-06-06 00:21
The clarinet needs repair. Each pad down there needs to be level and then they need to be properly regulated. Then the B will speak easily.
Steve Ocone
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Author: cantibarra
Date: 2018-06-06 00:42
Can you clarify what you mean by "Long B", "Long C", "Long D"? Do you mean the B/C/D above middle C (on the clef)?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2018-06-06 05:03
"long b" and "long C" mean those exact ones above break in the clarinet. It's "long" because you have to hold all fingers down on both hands.
The problem with testing the C pad with the low F is that the low F will sound easier with a leak. You can play a D (just above the break), and use very light pressure to push down the C lever and see if it plays. It should play with very light pressure if it's regulated correctly.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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