 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Vicky
Date: 2003-01-02 05:05
Hi everyone!
I have a problem. My throat G sounds very fuzzzy. I have tried to put fingers down, changed reeds, almost all that I know to do, but it still sounds so horrible. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do to help this problem? Thanks in advance!
Vicky
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-01-02 05:36
Vicky...Here is one possibility: Check to see that the pad under the throat A key is not set too low. Insufficient venting will cause the open G to be quite stuffy...GBK
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-01-02 05:43
In addition, while checking the clearance and venting of the pad under the throat A key, look to see that the pad itself does not have a loose or cracked membrane.
There are other possibilities, which can cause the open G to be fuzzy (stuffy), but the two specifics I've cited are the easiest to immediately check...GBK
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Author: dennis
Date: 2003-01-02 13:25
In addition to GBK'sadvice/direction, you may want to consider changing that pad to a cork pad. Cork, being a harder substance, will resonate the air differently. Also, the cork can be 'shaved' for a different thickness and thus impact the voicing of the throat notes.
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Author: Kim
Date: 2003-01-02 14:22
The G is a throat tone and is very fuzzy on every clarinet. Just don't worry about it and you will be fine.
Kim
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Author: tom piercy
Date: 2003-01-02 15:40
The open G can be one of the most beautiful, pure and clear notes on a clarinet and is certainly not fuzzy on every clarinet. In making my reeds, I often use that note as a "test" note to see if the reed plays in tune and with a nice tone and response.
If your G is sounding "very fuzzy" as written above, do try to find out why (process of discovery / process of elimination should help: is it you or your equipment: the pads, reed, mouthpiece, etc.).
You need not live with a "very fuzzy" sound that is causing you to think you sound horrible.
Tom Piercy
thomaspiercy.com
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Author: Fred
Date: 2003-01-02 15:54
Kim is, of course, correct about the G not being one of the stellar sounds possible on the clarinet. What is difficult on the bb is to determine whether the G is sounding "normal" for G; or whether there is a problem. If there is a problem on a note that is already below par on the clarinet's scaling, it can really sound pretty bad.
I would definitely follow through with GBK's and dennis' advice and see if that doesn't help. It still won't sound like clarion C, but it should be better. If it isn't, heed Kim's advice and BTSOOI. (Do a Search if necessary for interpretation and attribution. It has become a famous clarinet axiom, though I believe originally applied to a different note.) Also make sure that your embouchure and breath support are good. That can make a big difference in making the G sound as good as it can.
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Author: Henry
Date: 2003-01-02 16:04
GBK says - "Vicky...Here is one possibility: Check to see that the pad under the throat A key is not set too low. Insufficient venting will cause the open G to be quite stuffy..."
I always enjoy and respect what GBK has to say. But I fail to see what the pad under the throat A key has to do with the fully open G, since the A key is then fully closed and is not (or should not be) vented at all. Am I missing something?
Henry
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-01-02 16:13
Yes you are missing something. It is not the pad on the A key itself but instead there is a hole and pad under the lever of the A key. It is shut when you push the ring on the thumb hole or the rings on the body. When you are not pressing any rings, it is open. It is an entirely separate hole from the one that the A key actually closes.
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Author: Mike
Date: 2003-01-02 16:18
Maybe your reeds are too hard? A reed should be able to play open G without being fuzzy and high C without having to bite...
Mike~
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-01-02 16:39
Dee...Thanks for the better use of wording, and a clearer description of my original posting. Much appreciated...GBK
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Author: Henry
Date: 2003-01-02 16:42
Thanks, Dee, for the clarification. Rereading GBK's post, I must admit that it certainly allows for your interpretation and that, as always, GBK is right! I learned something again!
Henry
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Author: Vicky
Date: 2003-01-02 17:29
Thanks everyone! I doubt my reeds are too hard actually. The only problem that I do have is that throat G. I didn't even think about the pad under the throat A key. And.......that was it! Thank you so much. I also want to try a cork pad there instead. Thanks again for all of the advice! Have a great day!
Vicky
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