 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-07-29 15:27
I have been trying to bring down the pitch of my instrument. (See http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=84019&t=84019 ). I realised that a softer reed is capable of lowering down the pitch of my instrument but the sound is rather bright. It could be caused by the reed hitting the rails of the mouthpiece(?). I understand that a softer reed requires a more open mouthpiece tip and I am wondering if a mouthpiece with a more open tip will solve the brightness problem.
In short, will a larger tip mouthpiece and a softer reed solve my high pitch problem?
Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks!
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Author: William
Date: 2002-07-29 16:56
Other than backing your car over the instrument ("flattenning"???), the most effective way to lower the pitch is to lengthen the barrel joint by 1) pulling; or, 2) by purchasing a longer one. The average Bb barrel length is 66mm, but perhaps you need a 67mm or longer still. Softer reeds will play lower in pitch, but your tone quality often sufferes, even with a more open mpc. I recommend stabelizing your embouchure and reed/mpc setup and going with a longer barrel. Hope this helps.
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2002-07-29 17:13
I agree with william. A longer barrel will do the trick. Don't go through the hassle of having to get used to a new mpc and reed set up...it's not worth it.
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Author: ClarinetQween
Date: 2002-07-29 17:37
I would have to agree. A longer barrel or pulling out should do the job.
Good Luck!
-ClarinetQween
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Author: Steve
Date: 2002-07-29 21:31
A longer barrel is the way but you may only need to go as far as 66.5mm, you'll be surprised how much difference 0.5mm makes. It is also possible to get your mouthpiece lengthened, but try the barrel thing first.
Make sure you try several barrels. Buffet do a Moenning series which helps the throats notes particuarly and gives a slightly richer sound all round...give it a go.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-07-30 00:49
Some mouthpieces are lower pitched than others. I've found the Zinner blanks(refaced) and the Portnoy to be lower in pitch.
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Author: Chris Hill
Date: 2002-07-30 05:12
My brother once asked a steamroller operator, "Could you please do me a favor?" and held up his old trumpet. The operator laughed, and created a wonderful wall hanging. (Ok, my brother and I think it's a wonderful wall hanging. My sister-in-law has a slightly different opinion!)
Sorry about the digression.
Now in reponse to your question, try pulling out until you are in tune, preferably in a room that is no more than 75 degrees F (since temperature affects pitch drastically.) If you have a standard 66mm barrel, and you need to pull out 2mm or less, then get a barrel that corresponds to the amount you pulled out. (ie, if you pull out 1mm, then buy a 67mm.) If you have to pull out more, then you should probably get a lower-pitched mouthpiece, as well, because a barrel that is much mre than 2mm longer than what the instrument was designed for will cause the scale to be uneven in pitch. What type of clarinet are you playing on, and how hot is the room that you're playing in?
BTW, a more open tip will tend to cause the pitch to go up.
Chris
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-07-30 05:22
Glad I'm not the only one who read this topic and saw heavy machinery!
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-07-30 14:29
OK OK.. The subject should read: A good way to flatten my notes of my instrument
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Author: Patrick
Date: 2002-08-02 07:11
Funny how often those student clarinets get "flattened". To be sure, a permanent fix for squeaking, squawking, and shrieking.
Patrick
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