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RE: Clarion B&C

Author: paul
Date: 1999-09-02 15:05

The register key clearance doesn't require exact measurement in the micrometer range. Here's a quick (somewhat inaccurate, but quick) way to see if your register key opens about right is to use a simple small ruler. Press your register key down all the way and measure the keypad's clearance from its tone hole. If its 1mm to 1.5mm (about 1/2 inch) away and the altissimo speaks okay, then stop. If it opens 2 to 2.5 mm (about an inch), then it's great for throat Bb, but terrible for altissimo.

Again, check for register tube and thumb hole clogging, too.

As for seeking professional advice, I'd side with the tutor instead of psychotherapist. Though if your tutor is a good friend, perhaps (s)he can listen to other problems, too. This is no joke. Let me explain...

Just to be fair, I've had very similar problems with the low altissimo not being able to speak for me, either. The notes just won't come out for love or money. My tutor noticed that I tensed up to prepare for the altissimo - a little psychological battle that I lost every time. He saw that I nearly strangled myself with tension in my throat, cutting off the air supply from the top down. I figured out this problem for myself by working the three register drill and related scales drills until the psychological barrier dissolved. Perhaps you may need to do the same thing for your problem.

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