 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kath3kidz
Date: 2015-08-29 20:48
I am a Grade 5 student on Bb clarinet. I have recently been playing Study No 50 by Stark, and I am finding that when I am required to go from middle Bb to middle E then to top E (the next one up I mean!) my left thumb pad seems to get caught between the ring of the thumb hole and the underside edge of the register key... does anyone else have this problem and how can I solve it please? My teacher has adjusted the register key a bit which helped a little bit but it still happens.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2015-08-29 21:25
There should only be a small gap between ring and speaker key, say 1mm, is that what you have?
The movement of thumb to speaker should be a rolling movement not a slide, perhaps this is your problem.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-08-30 01:30
Sounds to me like the register key is adjusted far too open, leaving a large distance for the register key touch piece to come down (and more space to get jammed up). The solution would be that the register key needs to only open up to 2mm maximum (this evens out the intonation of the entire clarion by the way). With the smaller space, you wont have room to squeeze any thumb under the touch piece. If you're not comfortable with this slight, judicious bending, leave it for a tech or your instructor.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2015-08-30 03:19
The material under the register key touch piece can be made as thin as possible (it is there to keep the key from clacking on the clarinet body). Then the key can be bent down. I usually allow about 3mm (I think) opening for the register key. Best done by someone with experience. Should take only a minute.
Steve Ocone
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Author: kath3kidz
Date: 2015-08-30 15:11
Thanks for this, I will get my instructor to maybe bend the register key a bit more, although it does seem to be about 2mm open....
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Author: kath3kidz
Date: 2015-08-30 15:12
Yes I am trying to slightly adjust my thumb position in case this is making the jamming happen.... maybe it is the way I put my thumb pad on the ring key??
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-08-30 16:00
The way I describe the position to students is that you want the tip of your thumb aiming diagonally into that space amongst the ring, register and side keys [oops... I meant the ring's top post].
You know though, I have experienced this very thing on some clarinet recently (don't even remember which). But there was some oddly shape touch piece that was built up (ostensibly for comfort) that caused that effect for me as well. If yours is not that demure, Buffet style (thin, skinny, pointed), it should not be a big deal to find one that fits your horn and swap it out.
.............Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2015-08-30 21:47)
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Author: kath3kidz
Date: 2015-08-30 19:54
That's interesting! Was the built up piece you describe on the underside of the register key or on the ring of the thumb hole? Mine has a very cushiony ring on the thumb hole and the register key is more rounded and broad than some I have seen. My clarinet is a Yamaha. Thanks.
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Author: EaubeauHorn
Date: 2015-08-31 01:07
The other thing you can do is start backwards; find the position on the register key that allows you to roll down to the thumb hole and then back without encountering the problem.
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Author: kath3kidz
Date: 2015-08-31 13:07
I'll try it. It seems to happen when I need to go from the thumb ring key to the register key though, not the other way around.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2015-08-31 17:45
The register key should open only enough to slide a nickel under it.
I avoid jamming by putting a little more of my left thumb over the ring, angled up so that the tip touches the register key. But it all depends on the length of your thumb and fingers and the size of your left hand. Try putting your left ring finger on its hole, putting your index and middle fingers down and then putting your thumb down
It's also important not to cock your left wrist back. You should be able to lay a ruler straight across the top of your arm and hand. Try pulling your left elbow in to your side.
None of this is easy to do for more than a few seconds. You automatically go back to what you're used to. Practice in front of a mirror and do slow scales.
Ken Shaw
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2015-08-31 20:32
Adjusting the register key is no big deal if you know what you are doing. If you don't, find someone who does. I had one where the pinch Bb was so stuffy that the player had gone to always using a trill key for that note. Putting a bevel on the cork pad and opening the key another 1 mm or so was all it took to fix the problem. He had been fighting with it for a very long time before I got my hands on it.
If this sort of thing does not help your problem, a good tech can slightly alter the profile/position of the touch piece. There is nothing sacred about the shape of a particular touch piece so long as it works for you and does what it is supposed to do. Most seem to have a downward curve at the lower end to make it easier to roll your thumb onto them. However, there is no reason why it could not be something like a step down so long as it works for you and allows the pad to open adequately. Or, maybe for you, moving it slightly off center would be the change you need.That would give you the ability to contact the key farther back or more toward the tip of your thumb. Of necessity, instruments are built for the "average" person. However everyone's hands are slightly different.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-08-31 22:38
Hey, just one more thought. Ultimately what is happening is that the skin of your thumb is "catching" on the material of the register key. I'd try doing the "old school" trick you use for prepping your pinkies for sliding. Just run your thumb behind your ear (a place with a lot of natural oil) to "lube it up."
Should help.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: kath3kidz
Date: 2015-09-02 19:39
Thanks everyone! Lots of good advice here! I will persevere and crack this soon I hope!
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