The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2007-01-20 17:12
A 1950s SML Marigaux clarinet, which had been a favorite for tone quality and flexibility, has been tuning very poorly for me. I'd guess the bore to be somewhere around 14.85, and I have the original barrel, but I cannot find a mouthpiece (and I have a couple) that will tune well with the clarinet. The problem seems to be that when my second (clarion) register is good, the fundamental is sharp. This modality stays in place with any adjustment. I can't get them to balance out. The instrument does not play in tune with itself.
Perhaps a problem with unlimited sources, but any immediate insights would be appreciated.
Bill.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2007-01-20 19:36
Try tuning throat G/A at the barrel and clarion C between the joints. I've got a King Marigaux that tunes pretty well following that method.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-01-20 20:11
I remember trying a new RS Symphony back in the late '80s which had some tuning problems, but the tone was great.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: mk
Date: 2007-01-21 02:21
instruments with poor intonation are tough to deal with, but what is worse are instruments with good intonation and poor tone quality. Look, if you can't stay in tune work with a repairman to adjust the scale to a workable point. If you have no success, (often you will end up with stuffy notes) you have no choice but to search for another instrument. ....thats why so many of us end up with r 13's ...good ones have ok intonation and great ones have a great sound....good luck..are you a classical musician?
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Author: Bill
Date: 2007-01-21 12:42
That's my plan - to talk a repairman into looking at the pads and keys.
Thanks also for the suggestion of pulling out not only the barrel but the joints. I played it last night, and it didn't do as poorly as in the past.
In all other respects it's just a fantastic clarinet.
Bill.
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