Author: hautbois
Date: 2008-04-15 20:23
Re: flat Bflat, even with a resonance key in the bell -- it is possible that the vented pad is not lifting sufficiently, and therefore not opening the hole adequately, to raise the pitch. However, if the Bflat is in good relative intonation with B and C, then it is best to leave it alone, as too much embouchure adjustment would be required to correct for the variance when playing those notes together in a passage. If the Bflat is markedly flatter than the other low notes, then ask a repairperson to modify the pads or to bend the silver to permit the pad to raise higher.
As for embouchure use to improve the situation, you can try putting more pressure on the upper lip, leaving the lower one quite loose. Or you can try raising the angle of the instrument so that the bell is lifted higher. Or you can try making a smile, with the corners of your mouth turned up -- this also seems to close the internal mouth cavity somewhat.
I acutally have seen a good number of low Bflats in orchestral music. And when my Marigaux and former Laubin oboes were in proper adjustment, I had absolutely no difficulty with soft attacks on any of the low notes, even
with somewhat imperfect reeds. I always had difficulty with my Lorees, however, and the timbre in the lower three or four notes was never
agreeable.
Elizabeth
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