 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-01-25 17:15
Whenever I play my contra for more than an hour at a time, my reeds get to the point where they're saturated with spit. Then, as I start playing, I not only get a mouthful of spit, but I also shower the ground around my contra with it. I then must take the reed off and replace it and let the other one dry (wipe it off, of course) Then, thirty minutes later...
It's getting annoying. I can see spit collecting in the neck - that's probably the problem, because if I pull out the neck and empty it it goes away for a while - but is there anything I can do (short of installing a spit valve) that can solve this problem?
Perhaps if I stop breathing out water vapor...
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-01-25 17:35
Same problem as with bass clarinets lacking a spit valve (such as mine) --- you simply have to empty the neck of saliva more frequently, either by removing the neck and tilting it, or tilting the whole instrument (after removing the mouthpiece). When playing I find myself doing this about every couple of minutes. Once an hour is WAY too long to go without draining the instrument.
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2002-01-25 18:37
Bass and contra necks should be equipped with spit valves. Some makes have them and some top-line pro models don't. When I play my bass (Selmer 37) I'm careful not to tip the instrument or I'll get a stream of water running down the bore and out the tone-holes. Selmer really needs to make spit valves standard equipment on their basses and contras. Buffet has them on their pro models.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-01-25 18:57
Other David:
I kinda figured I should do it more frequently.
Robert:
I agree. They do need spit valves
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2002-01-25 19:05
Bari sax (my main horn) is always equipped with a spit valve. I drain mine about every five minutes or so. If I'm sitting next to someone squeamish, or if I don't want to leave a little puddle behind, I drain it into a paper towel.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-01-25 23:28
Spit valves on contras should be standard equipment but I don't believe any manufacturer makes "politically correct" contra bass clarinets. There's no other way to bring a wind instrument to life and make music unless we blow those juices of life into it. It comes with the turf like any other artist or athlete. I personally don't find anything disgusting or embarrassing about it and neither should any other serious musician. Granted, a prolonged session on an uncarpeted floor can get messy, almost all stages and many rehearsal rooms are hardwood or tile floors. Laying down a section of paper towel, neutral-colored washcloth or hand towel is a practical, courteous gesture and perfectly acceptable to keep things tidy.
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Author: willie
Date: 2002-01-26 02:50
I have to tilt mine back and dump it about every other tune. The third trumpet has learned to move quickly when he sees it start to move over my shoulder. As for the spraying problem, I found that finding a reed that fits the rails right helps cure this. It I use a reed that is just a tad to wide, I can't seal the mouthpiece properly and as my embuchure tires, the spray gets worse.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2002-01-27 02:44
I played contra-alto all through seventh grade. Never had to get up for a drink...
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