 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Grovesnor
Date: 2006-02-03 14:40
Hello All,
I wonder if anyone can help me. I started to learn the clarinet when i was in my early teens.
I have recently bought a clarinet from a friend who had upgraded - it was a bit old, but for a while i was getting an alright sound from it. However recently i have trouble getting the lower notes in the lower register - I never remember having this problem before (in fact i remember having trouble reaching the higher notes).
The problem occurs if i try to jump to a lower note - if i go down step by step it doesn't seem to be as bad.
Does anyone have an idea why this might be? Is there a simple solution?
ANy suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Grovesnor.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bassie
Date: 2006-02-03 14:58
Sounds like a leak.
Take each joint in turn, cover all the holes with the appropriate hand, and cover the bottom end with the other hand. Blow into the joint to try and inflate it. Should be snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug. If the air comes out, you've got a problem. With a third hand (assistance may be essential) press the pads in turn to try and find the leak.
A competent repairer can fix a leaky pad quite easily.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda
Date: 2006-02-03 15:01
I second the opinion - a leaky pad, and/or a weakening spring that no longer closes the key sufficiently. A competent repair person can diagnose this quickly.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-02-03 15:33
When you mean jump to a lower note, do you mean going from the upper register to the lower register eg. from C across the break to low F slurred? This is difficult to do without tongueing the lower note so it doesn't sound in the upper register.
Or going from C4 (3 fingers) down to G (or lower) slurred? If this is difficult, it could be the regulation of the ring keys - the bottom ring vent being held open by the upper ring if the bridge key has got bent, or check your fingers aren't coming off the holes when going for the lower note.
If it's low G to low E that doesn't work, it could be the low F/C key touch or pad cup has got bent so the crows foot doesn't close the F/C key. Easy way to check is hold the low E touch down (closed) and see if there's any movement on the F/C key - there shouldn't be any movement at all as both keys should move and close together.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BobD
Date: 2006-02-03 17:42
See if a left hand finger is accidently hitting a key causing it to leak.
Bob Draznik
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
