 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brendan Martin
Date: 2010-02-10 16:59
Hi and thanks for reading.
I have recently aquired on trial a Selmer series 9* clarinet dated from around 1960. I have been playing for a couple of years and wanted to upgrade to a better instrument than my B12 Buffet.
I really like the keywork and the sound, and it plays nicely into the altissimo, but I have 2 issues:
1) Clarion D to B are flat. Around 20-25 cents flat. All other notes seem to play closer to "in tune" (close enough that I can adjust. Im tuning to 440 btw).
2) Long clarion B fingering is really weak, very stuffy and hard to play without squaking into the altissimo somewhere even when pressing the F#/B sliver key.
My question is if this can be remedied by a technician in any way or if its better to just send the instrument back. I dont want to be left paying for something that is never going to be right!
Cheers.
Brendan
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2010-02-10 17:35
Brendan,
I have a 9* and it has just about the best intonation of any of my clarinets. Your problem is unusual since the 9* was one of Selmers top clarinets designed to compete with the R13 due to the reverse taper upper section.
The usual culprit is that you may have some pad heights for the pinky keys that are set too low thus covering the tone hole a tad. Why the B is flat is another issue.
A good tech that knows clarinets should be able to make a few quick adjustments to take care of the problem. A jump to the altissimo usually means a leak somewhere if you are not accidentally bumping a key.
Have you done a pressure test (one section at a time close the keys and the end and blow)?
HRL
Post Edited (2010-02-10 20:50)
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2010-02-11 02:14
The stuffy long B might be the result of the register key not opening far enough or that the register vent tube needs a massage with a pipe cleaner.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2010-02-11 02:20
Brendan,
I just noticed that you said "on trial" for the Series 9*. I'd bring the problems you have to the attention of the seller who should take care of them before you make a final decision on purchase.
HRL
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