 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Herb Huey
Date: 2002-06-12 01:55
I just bought a 1972 Buffet R-13, originally modified by Moennig, to replace my Selmer 10G.
The sound is good but I get a lot of playing resistance from the horn. The chalumeau register sounds great, the lower clarion notes sound very good but I can feel the resistance, the upper clarion notes are hard to get out cleanly. The altissimo register is stable and high Cs can be obtained with little effort. Tonguing cleanly is almost impossible.
I'm using a Vandoren M15 (good for hard reeds) with Vandoren #4 reeds. This setup plays well on my Selmer but with the resistance I get a lot of squeaking.
I've also tried my old Vandoren B45 but it plays very stuffy with the same resistance.
Any clues?
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-06-12 02:26
With an R13 from 1971, I have been getting good results. These instruments have a ringing sound. For your instrument, one could try the following:
1. A different barrel. I use a Moennig 67 mm barrel, partly because the upper clarion area(B3 & C3) is easier to keep down in pitch.
2. Softer reeds. Everyone's mouth seems to be different. # 3 V12's suit me fine on an ancient ML mouthpiece.
3. Try rotating the bell and the barrel for easiest response, marking the best angle with black nail polish. It may improve an iota.
4. Check that the bore in each section is polished mirror smooth.
5. Check the upper joint leaks with your left hand on the holes, a right finger in the bottom of the upper joint, and your tongue on the upper end of the upper joint while sucking inward. The suction should last for a few seconds.
6. Check for bad pads with cut or broken skins, etc.
7. With the keys removed, check the tonehole seats with magnifying glass for chips which cause leaks. These can be removed by careful rotary sanding with fine silicon carbide paper.
Good luck!
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Author: James Garcia
Date: 2002-06-12 08:15
THis sound like it could possibly be a mechanical thing. Send it to brannen woodwinds. They will fix it
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Author: David Dow Smphonia nb
Date: 2002-06-12 12:32
In orchestra I have a somewhat similar set up using an r 13 A clarinet form 1971 chosen by the principal clarinet of the Nouvel Orchestra Philharmonic back in the 80s for me...some of the instruments from around this era have alot of individuality and some quirks. Mine seems to match well with B40 mouthpieces(I also use american facings by Kanter to lower pitch). generally though I tend to prefer the B40 on my A as it gives alot of depth to the sound and maintains the focus very well. My Bb is a recital Selmer and a Signature which is recent yet quirky.
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Author: Michael
Date: 2002-06-13 01:52
Sounds to me like you need an overall, especially if you just bought this horn, etc. I recommend Brannen, in Chicago. They do great work; it's not cheap, but it's some of the best in the business.
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Author: Herb Huey
Date: 2002-06-13 18:40
I scraped down one of my #4 reeds and the sound just popped out. The horn plays very well and evenly, no doubt due to the Moennig fixes.
I did notice that the two lowest pads look a little scruffy but the skins are intact.
Since I'm broke from buying the horn I'll wait on the overhaul for now since I got the sound. I see that Brannon is recommended by several people.
Thanks to all for posting and Happy Clarineting because that's what I'm doing!
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Author: DLE
Date: 2002-06-15 23:16
Looking at the top post only, it sounds like the reed strength may be too strong. I had an R-11 for 7 years, (I still have it...) and found that it took a while for new ones to 'break in'. For the first year, there was alot of resistance from the horn. After a while though, this diminished thanks to time, a better mouthpiece, and a softer reed. (I changed from 3+half to 2+half) If you are on a 1972 clarinet, then it is probably the reed strength or the mouthpiece. Once worn in, the R-11 didn't give me that much resistance at all. Just keep tweaking and everything should be fine.
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