 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ellipses
Date: 2011-05-26 03:38
Hi all. I've been playing the clarinet for a few years and recently I feel like I've gotten a lot worse. Particularly, I've been squeaking a lot more and some notes have gained this odd wavering (which leads to a squeak usually if I hold it) - especially the chalumeau E and open G (E4 and G4?)
I switched from Rico Royal 3 to Vandoren 3s a few months ago. At first I found it harder to play but I eventually adjusted (though I still have lots of problems with the altissimo register). I'm using a horrible low-quality beginner mouthpiece and a student clarinet, but before two weeks ago I never squeaked on notes as low as that.
And the squeaking can be completely random, too. It can happen on any note, at any time. If I play a C scale, the E, or G, or B will squeak. Then I can play the same scale again without consciously attempting to make any adjustments, and those notes will be fine again while maybe a C will squeak. It's so inconsistent.
I don't know if it's an equipment problem or an embouchure problem or whatever, but I would really appreciate some help. My self-esteem kind of dies a little more every time I manage to squeak a C4.
Thanks in advance! (If you need any more info, just ask.)
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2011-05-26 05:29
If you have any more of the Ricos left, try going back to one of those and see if the problem persists. Rico #3 and Vandoren #3 (whether traditional, V12 or Rue Lepic) are not equivalent in strength. If a Rico #3 solves the problem, try a Vandoren #2.5.
If it doesn't turn out to be a reed problem, have your instrument checked by a good repair tech.
Karl
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-05-26 11:21
If you're usign a reed that's too hard for you, the throat notes will tend to warble and other lower register notes such as bottom line E and middle C will sound stuffy and resistant.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2011-05-26 12:39
Embouchure? Besides the above thoughts, another issue may be that the embouchure needs a bit more strengthening. I get the same symptoms when I've been playing too long and the embouchure gets tired.
In any case, regular practice helps the embouchure especially if you know how it's supposed to be held. An exercise that can be helpful when away from the clarinet is to use a business card all folded up (enough so it becomes springy) and hold it between your lips, no teeth involved. When you get tired, rest for a minute then re-insert the folded up card again. Nice for car trips. Or you could try a sideways pencil, but that slips when it gets wet.
Or perhaps your reed is warped or chipped.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-05-26 13:39
ellipses -
When your playing suddenly gets worse, look for a hardware problem. You probably have a leaking pad or two, or the adjustment screw on the throat Ab key could be too low. Borrow someone else's clarinet and play it with your mouthpiece. Or just take yours to a repair shop to have it checked out.
It could also be a mouthpiece problem. Even a small ding at a critical point can cause squeaks. Do you have a spare? If not, get a plastic Yamaha for around $25. They're quite good, and you always need to have a backup.
Try putting the reed on so that the tip is slightly above the mouthpiece tip -- maybe 1/32" -- which will ensure that the reed is sealing all the way around, and especially at the corners. Tighten the ligature screws up snug and then back off 1/4 turn, which helps prevent leaks.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-05-26 15:48
Try supporting your breath more strongly. Stand on one leg to force your core to get tense.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-05-28 00:28
@Buster:
The only way I can do that (no legged posture) is to hang myself; and I refuse to consider that, as it inhibits my breathing.
;0
Bob Phillips
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-05-28 03:27
Play in front of a mirror. I still find myself checking out something weird, such as your hand position. If one of your fingers is slightly touching a key that shouldn't be touched a squeak can pop out. I've been playing for 45 years, with a mirror in front of me or nearby.
I'd also check out a new/used inexpensive Vandoren mouthpiece. $70 or so new. I have a few older ones that I can send you to try. Simply email me with your address.
Almost all of the time, if the sides of the reeds at the tip are too thin for the mouthpiece facing you will find yourself chirping.
Lastly, blow into each section of the horn, meaning the lower and upper joints, you can also inhale and feel if there is a leak. Cover the bore hole with your hand. Some people put water on their fingers to help gain a perfect seal. If you feel or hear a leak, go to your local repair place.
Before spending any money do the leak test first.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2011-05-28 03:31)
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Author: annev
Date: 2011-05-28 15:01
I'd second Bob's suggestion to play in front of a mirror, or see if a family member can watch you while you play. In addition to looking at hand placenment, look to see if there are any inadvertant movements happening with your jaw or throat which might be pinching the reed.
The other thing I've found very helpful is to stand up while playing (yes, I saw the jokes above!), so that it's easier to provide good breath support, with the strength coming from your abdomen. It can be easy to try to give "support" to the sound with your embouchure, instead of your core breath support. Use lots of air!
In my learning I've often hit sticky patches where it feels like things are going backward. Often it forces you to go through some new learning and things come out even better afterward. Hang in there - it will pass!
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Author: ellipses
Date: 2011-06-07 05:29
Thank you for all your suggestions!
I was in the process of trying everything - I didn't notice anything in front of a mirror, I switched back to a rico but still had the problem - but then one day it just stopped. I don't quite understand, but I'll take it...
Hopefully it was just a random week-long blip, but I'll be sure to keep everything here in mind. Thanks again!
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2011-06-07 12:07
ellipses, Too bad you don't know what it was, we wanted to find out!! But hey, that's life. At least the problem is resolved... for now, hee hee! Maybe you weren't eating your Cheerios that week.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-06-07 17:00
It may well be that the process of playing in front of a mirror and consciously monitoring your technique was all that was needed to tighten it up and eliminate the problem. I've sometimes found myself developing a problem that I can't account for, and if it doesn't respond to a quick hardware check then a bit of careful self-analysis of technique often does the trick.
Tony F.
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Author: clariniano
Date: 2011-06-09 14:45
There can be a number of causes for squeaking, in most cases I find it's insufficient air quantity and speed. A couple of other major causes are a poor quality mouthpiece (especially if you are using the mouthpiece that came with the instrument) and warped reeds. Sometimes too soft a reed, especially for the high notes can cause problems.
Where in Toronto are you located?
Meri
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