 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Djudy
Date: 2024-09-24 19:56
I am playing alto and bass clarinettes this year in community orchestras and I am having a specific problem with the alto :
I can not get C6 (top of the clarion register using only the thumb of the left hand to hold the thumb and register keys simultaneously) to speak cleanly and forcefully. The instrument is on its peg and with a loose neck strap just to allow me to take my hands off the instrument between pieces if I need to reach for something. B5 just below (thumb and index) is fine, no other similar problem above or below.
I don't seem to have this problem on the bass for which I use a steadier sax harness.
I feel like my problem is in holding the alto steady but might it be something else related to a key? Anyone ever experienced this ? How to go about better identifying the source of the trouble and fixing it ? I actually have occasionally been "cheating" using my ring finger to steady the C note but that makes it sound a bit off and I'd rather not because otherwise the instrument (Selmer) tunes very well.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-09-24 21:01
Do you find you have to do something a bit awkward with your thumb to hold both keys closed properly? That would tend to make your grip unstable.Perhaps compare the ergonomics and relative heights of these keys when depressed with those of the bass on which you seem to have no problem.🤔
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2024-09-24 21:18
To check if it's a grip/stability problem, hold the instrument (e.g. the neck) with your right hand while playing the note.
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Author: Chris_C ★2017
Date: 2024-09-25 02:10
I have always had trouble getting the C6 to speak on my Bundy alto. B and D are fine, and the C speaks if I move to it rather than starting on it. Occasionally I find a reed that will speak, but then it goes away...
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-09-25 11:27
Single register vents in larger horns and those mini-spare wheels some cars come with are seemingly both provided in the spirit of getting you up the road more or less. It strikes me as being the same thinking as equipping the Titanic with life boats... but not enough for the full complement of passengers.
I don't get it.🤔
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: crazyclari
Date: 2024-09-27 04:43
This may/may not address your concern.
Possibly the top left hand key (under the A key) on your alto is held down by both the first finger of your left hand and by the thumb key. Possibly the cork on the thumb key is too thin and is not sealing the key under the A key. Depends on your horns design.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-09-27 10:28
Thing is... when the thumb key is depressed, that pad under the A key is closed..... or is it? A small leak somewhere may go otherwise unnoticed but prevent a more reluctant note from sounding. The single register is a " Jack of all trades and master of none", so everything has to be just right for it to get the job done. No single-point feeler gauge test is conclusive unless a four-point test has previously been conducted to ensure all the pads have been floated in squarely.
First thing I would do is systematically eradicate any possibility of leaks. Pads that don't open enough tend to look that way in comparison with others of similar size.
Once all mechanical possibilities have been eliminated..... then you know it's just you vs the beast. 😂
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-09-28 13:20
Oh!... the joys of operating something that comes with retractable landing gear.
" Welcome aboard... this is your captain speaking...we have just checked the flaps down to low C, and as I speak they are checking that the engines are bolted on properly..................What's that Ed ?...... yeah!... It's lefty-loosely-righty-tighty..........and say a prayer to God almighty!............... Sorry about that folks....What was I saying?....Oh yeah!...I'm afraid we ARE expecting quite a bit of air turbulence, so if you find we are experiencing a lot of Gs, then this might be a suitable moment to turn to those sitting next to you and say something like......."Sol long buddy!"...... In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, NO oxígeno masks will appear from the overhead locker, and instead we will simply be crash landing somewhere between the sopranos and the oboe players."😁
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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