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Re: New instrument feels hard to play. Need help!

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2018-08-29 23:31

jsantos1 wrote:

> But when I got the instrument, I found it a little hard to play
> and some notes (especially C, Eb, E and G on the throat
> register) and they felt leaky/hissly.
> Also, this is a reputable shop and I'm quite sure
> they revised the instrument and tested before sending me.

Are you using the same mouthpiece you've been using, or are you using one that came with the instrument? If you're using a different mouthpiece but using your old reeds, try a few softer reeds (1/2 to 1 strength lower). It could be that the reeds are too hard for the mouthpiece, which can cause breathiness or hissiness in the left hand chalumeau area. Otherwise, I'd say there's something wrong with the clarinet. "Reputable" shop is not necessarily the same thing as a "good" one. A shop's quality depends on who works there and the reputation may be manufactured by strong advertising.

> Is it possible for this to be a adaptation step to a
> new instrument? Is a new instrument supposed to feel "weird" at
> first?
>
No, not in the way you describe. There could be intonation quirks to adjust to or key heights and spring tensions that feel different, but basic response shouldn't feel "weird."

> I'm kinda confused if I should send back the clarinet or if I
> should keep trying to play it to see if it's just a adaptation
> problem.

Try dropping the reed strength first. And/or get someone else whose playing you trust to try the instrument and see what he or she thinks.

Karl

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