 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Pascal
Date: 2012-05-25 10:00
Question asked originally at the doublers forum:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=17&i=1524&t=1523
My clarinet staccato is bugging me, specially the notes just after the break.
Problem 1:The lower overtones sound together when I tongue, like a split octave. It is a minimal thing, but it can be heard. No problems when playing legato or light "detaché". Tried faster/slower, stronger/weaker tonguing to no avail.
Problem 2: the E6 (and onwards) doesn't stay put when I tongue... the overtones pop out like crazy. Besides that, it is always slightly flat.
Any advice maybe from somebody who has been through the same problem?
setup: bc20 in good shape, vando. blue 3, b45. But I really think it has something to do with my tonguing/throat voicing.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-05-25 13:11
E6 is ![[E6]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/e6.gif) . Do you mean E5 ![[E5]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/e5.gif) ?
Do you have the same problem on another clarinet? With a different barrel on your clarinet?
You probably have a leak high on the upper joint. Easy things first -- check the adjusting screw on the throat Ab key to make sure it's not lifting the pad off its seat. Then check the pads for the top three trill keys, the throat Ab and A keys and the one underneath the spatula of the A key.
Take just the upper joint, lick the meaty area of your right hand below the thumb, cover the holes and block the bottom against your hand. Blow hard and listen for any hissing from a leaky pad.
Dampen a pipe cleaner and run it through the register vent to clean out any crud.
A repair tech can check for a leak around the register vent and the insert for the left thumb hole. A crack can also leak through the wood.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2012-05-27 16:43
Another possibility is that you may need a slightly harder reed for music with a lot of staccato in it. Or you may be whapping the reed a bit too hard with too much of your tongue. Try using just the tip of your tongue and thinking of staccato as what happens when you take your tongue *off* the reed quickly.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2012-05-27 21:00
Are you a saxophone player?
The chirping you speak of can be caused by several things, in my experience:
1) Starting and stopping the air while playing staccato. While some people fake this with mastery, you shouldn't do it. Keep the air flow continuous when you play staccato, and treat the tongue like a valve that lets air through. Never stop and start the air, it will be impossible to tongue quickly.
2) Using non-constant air stream (as above) and starting the air slightly BEFORE the tongue hits the reed. This will cause a "chirp" as the tongue ends up killing the vibration in the reed just as it starts.
3) Also, make sure you are blowing down through the entire instrument with each and every note, it sounds like you might not be supporting the notes with as much air as they need. All the notes require that the entire clarinet is resonating, or even if it's not (physics-wise, I don't know the science behind it) you should think of it this way in your mind. Pretend you are blowing out candles at the end of the clarinet (or whatever it takes to fill the entire column with healthy, warm air).
4) Pinching as you go up is another culprit. Imagine that the higher register is really just another version of the low register, as even when you play low the higher 12th overtones are sounding. Imagine and egg or something is in your mouth and think of a open, warm vowel sound "OHHH" not "EWWW."
5) If you are a sax player who only doubles on clar. only occasionally, you may find it helpful to get a shorter barrel, more open mouthpiece, and a softer reed (though not less than a 3). This will prevent you from feeling like you are "pinching" the pitch up all the time and allow you to play comfortably without overly altering your sax embouchure.
hope this helps!
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2012-05-27 21:05
Just checked the other thread.
A few more thoughts:
Stop using the B45. It's really not a very good mouthpiece unless you're a beginner. Even then, I consider there to be better options. I use an M15, but I really like the tight, orchestral sound it gives. You should try several other mouthpieces and be prepared to spend at least 80-100 dollars. The mouthpiece, reeds, and ligature are your most important investments (and arguably the barrel). If the reed feels too soft, you should obviously try a 3.5 before experimenting with too many other accessories as it's the very cheapest way of experimenting.
Also, and I'm always very hesitant to blame the instrument, but check to make sure that the bridge mechanism is effectively closing the resulting key on the right hand. It sounds as that could be the culprit if it's only these notes and your instrument is a bit older.
One more thing, is your reed to high? Try lowering it on the instrument.
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-06-07 05:54
Do not be confused that the B45 is for beginners. B45d require a very strong embochure to sound well, and is definitely not a beginner's mouthpiece. Try a 5RV, I feel it's easier to play, less resistant.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-06-07 06:42
I'd also dispute the statement that the B45 is not a very good mouthpiece unless you're a beginner. The B45 is possibly the most popular of Vandoren's offerings and there has to be a reason for that. I know or have known several professional players who use/used it. Sure, there are m/p's available that may suit some people better, and the B45 is far from perfect, but don't sell it short just because beginners use it.
Tony F.
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Author: Pascal
Date: 2012-06-07 10:30
About the real point of this thread, I notice that very few clarinet players notice this little detail, but see: take the middle G or F (second octave) and play a series of Staccatti slower to fast and then as fast as you can. You'll hear at some point the Eb from the lower octave "singing" with your G, just before you hit it. You can even play it if you finger the G and just blow subtly without support. With a bit of sensibility and reasoning about your air stream and articulation, you will be able to notice if that comes from A- lack of support or B- some momentary frequency caused by the change in the oral cavity, resonating or dampening certain overtones on the clarinet. So in my case is clearly not A- so there's just B- option left. It is not a catastrophe, it is not loud and nobody but myself and maybe another attentive clarinet player who would sit near me would hear that on the pit. Anyway, in case somebody has an acoustic explanation for that (unrelated to equipment), it would be a pleasure to read.
Thank you people for all the advice about instrument and mouthpiece, but there is nothing wrong with my gear and setup. Buffet BC20 and Vandoren B45 are professional equipment according to their reputed makers. It sounds fine and works well. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
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