 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: John Gibson
Date: 2002-10-27 02:10
Hi friends....
Have this beautiful, completely overhauled, double wall SILVER KING.
Am using a Pomarico crystal MPC, inscribed with the name Horvath. Riccardo at Pomarico tells me it is the same tip opening as their newer model Saphire. 1.17mm tip opening and a 20mm facing. So I'm using a Mitchel Lurie Premium 2 1/2 reed. Problem is, it really takes a lot of "blow" (air) to play. It feels like I'm blowing through a toilet paper tube! Just not enough resitance I guess.
The sound is great, however I keep having to fill up with air.
I have an R-13 and use a Selmer crystal #3 with ML premium 2 1/2
and don't have the same problem. Plays smooth and easy, without feeling like I constantly have to fill up with air.
Any suggestions??????? Is the bore of the SILVER KING so big that, that's the problem?
John
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-10-27 05:56
Hi,John
I can't imagine the bore making that much, if any, difference to the way it 'blows'. It could I suppose but... in my opinion, not as discernable a difference as you describe. The mouthpiece/reed combo and the way you blow it, on the other hand, can make a huge difference to just about everything. Was there a mouthpiece with the instrument when you acquired it?
Anyway, you've already invested a lot in a nice instrument; why not go the extra distance and try a variety of mouthpiece/reed combinations?
If I were in a situation like this, the First thing I'd do after the second toot would be to exchange the toilet tissue tube for something that works :]
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-10-27 10:26
Do a quick check that there are no post-overhaul (!) leaks in the upper section. Block the end, close the keys, and gently 'squirt' a mouthful of air into the other end. Does the air leak out? Can you hear it leaking out?
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Author: John Gibson
Date: 2002-10-27 15:18
Gordon....
No leaks....
Ron B....
Have tried Selmer crystal #3....Selmer HS* and HS**....Vandoren 5jb and B45....Brilhart Personaline #3....Pomarico wood....Buffet wood...some unknown p.o.s.....and the best is still the Pomarico crystal....
Did jump the strength of the reed to #3. That helped a bit, but it still feels like it needs a lot of air to fill that horn.
Thanks......
John
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-10-27 17:59
Check the seals at the tenon corks. A tight fit can still leak if to dry or oval in shape.
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2002-10-27 18:52
Problem might be in the adjustment in the bridge linkage keys. Anyway, it looks like you have a slight leak somewhere. Check for leaks with fully assembled clarinet (mouthpiece and reed included). Take the bell off. Plug the end with cork or use your naked leg close to the knee for that purpose (you figured it out how). Now blow the low "E". Take care of the leak. If its not leaking throw the clarinet out (kidding) Then it's a a toilet paper tube.
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2002-10-27 23:28
Just a random thought.
Is the inner wall pierced or damaged?
Maybe it's leaking inside the horn not through a pad...
-S
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-10-28 00:17
I would not be surprised to find the amount of air flowing through a larger bore is...well, larger.
If you had leaks, you'd have squeaks.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-10-28 00:19
And just how do toilet paper tubes play?
I always sound great in the shower, so you may wish to test in other venues before passing an opinion.
I would think you will know by the first or second movement of any opus how well things will clean up in the end.
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Author: spf
Date: 2002-10-28 04:53
FWIW-
I gotta agree with ron b on this one. Why?
Try this:
Take off the mouthpiece and blow through the remaining barrel and clarinet body. Not much resistance.
Now, with reed on, blow through the moughpiece only (COVER EARS FIRST).
Resistant as usual? Probably.
The mouthpiece and reed is the main factor in air resistance, especially when talking about hard-to-find sized leaks...
IMHO
spf
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-10-28 12:00
Synonymous Botch wrote "If you had leaks, you'd have squeaks"
Not true. Small leaks can, and often do, make a clarinet unresponsive without producing squeeks.
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Author: John Gibson
Date: 2002-10-28 13:52
Thanks for all the sugestions....
Couple of you9 said take take the horn apart...can't it's a metal single body horn...only the barrel and MPC come off....did check for leaks by closing off the bell and all the pads....doesn't seem to leak....
So now I'm thinking it may need some adjusting...
OR...maybe I'm just so used to my R-13 that blowing this horn is just plain alien to me....
The stringer reed seemed to help a bit....thanks again....
John
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-10-28 21:12
So, is it possible you just happen to have one heck of a "free-blowing" horn and there's nothing wrong with it? Sounds like a nice piece to hang on to/work around. Seriously, if you haven't already, have a 3rd party/repair person thoroughly run their repair light up and down while you cover the tone holes and check for hairline cracks in the body...especially if this instrument actually contains solder joints. Also, you could go more closed on the mpc to further compensate. The 1.18 you're on is of course, medium-medium open. Consider trying an Emerald or Nigun at 1.02-1.08. Add more wood with the 4-4 1/2s and that should help your cause. v/r KEN
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-10-29 03:50
When you tested the main body for leaks, did you apply vaccuum or pressure? I've seen a couple that would seal up nicely on the vaccumm test as it would pull the pads closer, enough to seal. On the other hand, the pressure test revealed a weak spring or two (mostly on older horns) that would allow a minute leak while playing.
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Author: John Gibson
Date: 2002-10-29 15:28
Thanks again....
I did the pressure test rather than vaccuum......
Maybe a closer tip and stronger reed will do the trick. I relly don't think the horn leaks or needs adjustment....but will take it to my tech for an exam....thanks fellas...
John
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