 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Julie
Date: 2002-07-06 15:29
Hi! well, I've having this problem (well, duh) I make these chirpping sounds sometimes when I play. Its never consistant, and I couldnt specifically tell you when it happens or the style of playing it usually happens in or whatever. But does anyone know what causes that? is it me, the reed, the clarinet, or what? help me!!!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-07-06 17:14
Julie... If the chirping sound is happening with one specific reed then the obvious culprit is an out of balance reed, one that is split, or one that is not completely flat on the back. Solution: Fix it or discard the reed.
If it is happening all the time, with all reeds, I would next check to see if the mouthpiece has developed a slight ding or chip somewhere on the facing. Solution: Replace or reface the mouthpiece.
The next possibility would be a mouthpiece facing that has warped, not letting the reed make a complete seal. Solution: 1-800-new mouthpiece
Chirping can also be caused by other factors: biting excessively hard, the wrong strength reed, cracked ligature, high tide, lack of green vegetables in your diet, and if the Red Sox lost last night...GBK (who doesn't take very minor clarinet problems seriously)
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Author: Jerry McD
Date: 2002-07-06 19:39
Julie,
How long have you been playing? Another problem I have seen regularly (along with the lack of green vegetables and the results of the Twins ) is with the fingers. Make certain that all of your fingers open and close the holes with perfect coordination. I know, easier said than done. If you chirp, stop and play through the passage slowly making sure your fingers are all opening and closing the holes at the same time. This is especially true when ascending over the break. Also, when playing intervals make sure you keep good air support between the notes. Good luck and I hope this helps.
GBK - The Red Sox WILL break your heart (again), most likely by August 15th or so.......
Jerry McD.
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-07-06 21:47
Jerry,
You're in Minneapolis? Me too...
Katrina
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-07-06 21:48
P.S. For those of you who've been recognizing me by my ISP addy, I'm at a friend's house today...
Katrina
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Author: Dan Borlawsky
Date: 2002-07-07 13:32
Julie,
This could be due to the way you're tonguing; I've seen this happen frequently with sax players, but I'm not sure about clarinet. If your tongue touches below the tip of the reed, leaving the extreme tip free to keep vibrating, you could get the "chirp" you describe. The solution is to be sure to tongue right at the tip of the reed.
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2002-07-08 18:36
Had the same problem until I bought a better reed case that keeps the reeds pressed absolutely flat. The problem is from reed warping.
As a comparison, I used Legere synthetic reeds (info@legere.com) and never get chirping, even with questionable fingering, etc. Since the cane reeds keep the embouchure in shape better, I keep using the cane reeds, but make sure they're always in the sealed case unless they're being soaked for use, or being used. Then they get stored again right away. Since the reeds got better care, I've had to throw away a lot less reeds.
A suggestion for keeping the reeds from growing mildew in the tight case - when preparing the water for soaking the reeds before use, pour in a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or that awful disinfecting mouthwash with the water. This kills germs and mildew before the problem starts.
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-07-08 20:05
Brenda,
To which reed case do you refer?
Katrina
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2002-07-09 01:11
It's a reed case made by my instructor, made of cocabolla wood. The case holds maybe 12 to 15 reeds laid side by side. He makes the case with a glass plate for the reeds to rest on, and the inside of the cover is padded. When latched closed the padded cover presses the reed tips firmly against the glass plate. He makes them for his students and for others he knows.
On the Clarinet Corner (Selmer site) there are postings about clarinet reed cases, better quality ones than the little plastic or metal ones that hold two or four reeds. Music stores should be able to show you some of what's out there, I really couldn't tell you more about those that are sold in stores.
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-07-11 19:23
Thanks, Brenda...
Thing is, I've been sitting around lamenting the lack of the Harrison cases...mine busted about 14 years ago...never had the money to get another one until they went out of business. So I got one of the black Selmer ones, and it works great...but it's soooooo ugly! Was just wondering where else to find another prettier one...
Katrina
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