 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: PopeS25
Date: 2009-03-01 16:38
I've had my Bb clarinet for 3 and a half years, and suddenly if I try to play any notes below the low C it plays a register higher, unless I use a sufficiently large amount of air, and then only part of the time. My C and D are difficult to sound, and if I use too much air, they also play the register higher. Is there a leak somewhere that could be causing this?
I'm never indecisive! I think.
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Author: mrn
Date: 2009-03-01 16:53
I had the same thing happen to me a while back. In my case it was a leak in the left hand "throat A" key.
Of course, that doesn't mean that that's the problem your having or that that's the particular key that's leaking (assuming there's a leak). Nor should you rule out the possibility that the leak is in the bottom half of the instrument. However, if the instrument is kicking up to the next register, there's a good chance that one of your upper-joint keys (such as the A or G# keys or one of the side keys--or even the register key itself) has a leak in it that is making it act like a register key, so I'd start my leak search there. (Not to mention the fact that there are simply more places in the upper joint to spring leaks to begin with)
What you describe definitely sounds like a leak, though. You should be sure to do a thorough leak check. (And while you're at it, check for cracks, too.)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-03-01 17:08
Check there's a small gap between the throat A key and the G# key that crosses over the top - you should be able to feel the A key make contact with the adjusting screw on the G# key when you open the A key very slowly.
If there isn't a gap and you don't feel the A key making contact (as it's already in contact with it), the throat G# pad could be held slightly open making the clarinet do all manner of funny things. Undo the adjusting screw (turn it anti-clockwise) until there's a tiny gap between the A key and the G# key.
If this is in good adjustment and your clarinet is still difficult to play, there could be a torn pad or bent key somewhere causing a leak.
And check your reed is sealing against the mouthpiece facing as leaks along the side rails will make things tough going. Close the tenon end of the mouthpiece with a wet finger and suck the air out through the tip opening. The reed should remain closed against the facing for several seconds before springing open with a 'pop' sound. If it doesn't stay closed, then there's a leak between your reed and mouthpiece facing - it could be a warped reed or worn or damaged mouthpiece facing or rails.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: PopeS25
Date: 2009-03-01 19:43
It turns out my throat G# key was bent sideways a bit, letting the air leak out. I knew it had to be something near the throat, but didn't think of those keys. Thanks everyone, it really helped.
I'm never indecisive! I think.
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-03-01 20:31
Reminds me of the one time my G# screw was almost all the way out, and I had pretty much the same problems as you did.
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