 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Claire
Date: 2001-12-30 12:06
Hi, I play Bb clarinet, and recently took up alto clarinet. However, when I go above Bb before the break like playing B natural I get multiphonics with the low E... especially if I tongue, please could anyone suggest wot to do (except for not to tongue)....I get this with bass clarinet as well. Thanx, Claire.
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Author: jenna
Date: 2001-12-30 14:52
Make sure everything is properly adjusted, and give yourself time.. if you're new to it it may take time to develop a good embouchure. It takes time to be able to cross the break cleanly on either of the instruments in some cases.
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Author: Al
Date: 2001-12-30 20:08
The slightest leak(s) will cause the alto & bass clarinets problems when they cross over the register.
This the most likely cause of your problem.
Al
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-12-30 21:05
Claire - I agree with the two above statements. Work slowly after having the instrument checked and be sure that you are making the crossing over smoothly. Don't jerk the movements, but make them smoothly, yet firmly, to be sure that the pads all close properly. This isn't an easy change over, especially from a soprano to a larger instrument, and there is going to be a period of adjustment because of the change of instrument size and hand positions and placements.
Good luck,
Bob Curtis
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2002-01-01 01:56
Take the instrument apart and check for leaks with a friend. Put your hand over the lower tenon on the upper joint, blow into the top with all the holes closed. Do this also for the lower joint. The friend is to look for leaks and push down on pads that may not be closing fully while your fingers are otherwise occupied.
Good Luck & Happy New Year!
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Author: lynn
Date: 2002-01-02 23:59
Use more mouthpiece and a slightly harder reed. 
Lynn
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Author: Mike Dreher
Date: 2002-01-10 15:25
I played Bb over 30 years ago, then it was stolen. My wife bought me a used alto clarinet this past Christmas. Now I share Clair's frustration, but I'm having fun trying to solve the problem. Thanks for all the ideas. So far Lynn's advice seems to help the most. Would a larger mouthpiece help even more? I can't read the brand on mine, but it's a size 3. By the way, Clair, I am trying to learn some alternate fingerings to minimize the problems.
Mike
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Author: Mike Dreher
Date: 2002-01-11 01:30
Sorry, Claire, I omitted the 'e' on your name twice. After my first posting, I decided to take my clarinet to a repair shop just to see about leaks. There are five, so maybe I will be much better off when they are fixed. The repairman volunteered that our problem is part of the nature of the beast even when properly adjusted. He is a professional bass clarinet player and says the bass has the same characteristic, especially on student models. He said it takes time to get the feel for the register change. Just be patient.
Mike
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