 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: fugue1
Date: 2019-03-27 18:23
Hi all,
I just purchased a Buffet 1180 Bass Clarinet for my school. Up to this point I have only had two Yamaha 221 bass clarinets (which in my opinion are terrible instruments). The Buffet plays beautifully and fit perfectly in my budget for what I had to spend this year (I do have it in my budget to purchase a low C bass in two years).
I have one issue with the instrument. Starting on high B and C (B5/C6) is nearly impossible. There is no tone that speaks, just air. I can play up to those notes just fine and rapidly tongue on the high C pitch-- even D6 speaks easily at soft dynamic levels. This happens with both the stock mouthpiece, and a Fobes Nova with a Vandoren 3, and D'Addario 3 and 3.5 reeds.
It may be neither mouthpeice is well suited for the instruments, so I am up for trying that-- I am just wondering where I might check for a leak, or if there is an adjustement screw that I might try to help with this issue. Thanks!
--mbw
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-03-27 21:22
If high C is difficult (speaker key and left thumb only), then check if the lower register F is speaking cleanly (left thumb only). If it's stuffy or unresponsive, the open G vent pad (tucked under the throat A key touchpiece) may not be closing fully with the left thumb key, but it will still be closed when LH finger 1 is held down so lower register E and F# and upper B will still speak cleanly.
There's no user serviceable adjustment for this as the linkage is reliant on the silencing material and the amount of travel of the left thumbplate. You can check with a feeler gauge (a strip of the thinnest cigarette paper) if both the thumb and G vent pads are closing, but adjusting these keys so both pads close together and with the correct pressure is best left to a woodwind specialist.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: fugue1
Date: 2019-03-27 21:54
That was exactly it--once I held down the key, the high C popped out. Will have to take it in to get that regulated. I appreciate the quick and acurrate response!
Post Edited (2019-03-28 00:31)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-03-28 02:43
On clarinets with ring keys it's not a problem, but any clarinets with covered/plateaux keywork have to be regulated well so the closure of any fingerplate (and the LH thumbplate) will close the vent key linked to it with the same or very slightly more pressure to account for the amount of give in the pads and also the amount of flexing or any wear in the mechanism.
The LH thumbplate and open G vent is a pain to regulate as there's usually no other form of adjustment besides bending the keys by the appropriate amount and in the appropriate place as opposed to adjusting any adjusting screw or an adjustable sliding linkage, which is why I advise anyone with little to no knowledge about woodwind repair to tackle it as things can go horribly wrong.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2019-03-28 08:31
>> That was exactly it--once I held down the key, the high C popped out. Will have to take it in to get that regulated. I appreciate the quick and acurrate response! <<
You said both high B and C are nearly impossible... so was this key not closing when playing either of those notes?
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