 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rgoldem
Date: 2026-10-11 02:15
I recently bought a Yamaha SE Artist clarinet. Since I live in South America, I didn't have the opportunity to try it before buying, so I chose it based on the literature. The instrument is beautiful, well-crafted, and in perfect condition. I checked it carefully with a Mag Machine and there are no leaks. Overall, I like the way it plays, but I am particularly annoyed by the B4 (all tone holes covered) as it is somewhat resistant and muffled. It isn't severe, and I am wondering if it is simply an acoustical characteristic of this model that I need to get used to. Is someone more experienced with Yamaha clarinets able to clarify this for me and perhaps give me some advice?
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Author: farabout
Date: 2026-10-11 04:38
Chris P. is the man to ask. Meanwhile, you may want to re-examine the possibility of a leak (due to a faulty pad or a tiny crack). Have you had a chance to confirm the absence of leaks with the light?
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2026-10-11 05:42
A friend of mine has this instrument and I recall that Istvan Kohan played it for a long time as well. I do not recall the "long B" (if that is in fact the note you are referring to) having a problem with being more resistant and muffled than most other brands. I have played Yamaha CSGs since they came out and I consider this note to be rather clear with modest resistance.
Because of the acoustics of the clarinet, one can expect the long B to be more "covered" shall we say, and perhaps a bit more resistant on some models, but I think there can be several approaches to try to minimize such tendencies:
1) Hold the throat A key down when fingering the long B. This definitely opens-up the sound and also raises the pitch every so slightly. (I learned this from watching Harold Wright on TV or some video).
2) Use softer reeds or balance them differently. As I've aged (now 75) I've worked to use softer reeds and have now switched to synthetics. While this can affect various aspects of the tone and pitch, it is at least worth a try to see if this can help to clear up the sound/pitch without adversely affecting it.
When balancing cane reeds, I've found that working the left side of the reed (which looking down on the vamp) frees up the sound and response and can help to reduce resistance and stuffiness.
3) Try taking more mouthpiece. For years I would use heavier reeds and only took a modest amount of mouthpiece in pursuit of a "darker sound". I'm currently playing on Gleichweit mouthpieces that produce a very round sound but I've found that since they have much longer facings, taking more mouthpiece frees the reed and also opens up the sound without hurting the tone or pitch.
4) Consider trying a different barrel. I have played a few barrels on my CSG but because they are 10mm shorter than standard I have only a couple that have worked. Currently, I have CSG versions of the Backun Lumiere barrel in Grenadilla and Cocobolo. The Cocobolo (for me) is less resistant as well as having a more mellow sound. I think it is also clearer on troublesome notes. However, the Backun Fatboys that I have an even less resistant and clearer in their sound. Perhaps, you can try some alternatives from a teacher, friend or store.
5) Consider trying a different mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces that yield a "dark" sound may also have a lot of resistance can make certain notes stuffy. A closer or longer facing might improve the behavior of stuffy notes.
I'm sure a fine instrument repairman could suggest alterations to your instrument that might make improvements, but I hope these suggestions give you some ideas to try before you have to go that route.
Good luck!
Bob Barnhart
Yamaha CSG A/Bb (original models)
Gleichweit B8, B7-4 mouthpieces
Backun Lumiere and Fatboy Barrels
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