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Re: Tonal variations from one day to the next

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2010-11-05 15:05

Even a tiny leak (usually at the corner) will produce the hissing and loss of focus you describe. Remember that as the reed bends along the lay, it becomes effectively shorter. Moving the reed up very slightly can help.

Also, check the bottom of the reed. If there's an impression of the mouthpiece window (which you can feel when you rub a fingertip over it), this will create a leak if the reed is positioned even slightly differently. If there's an impression, sand the bottom of the reed on 400 or 600 grit sandpaper (over a glass surface) until it's smooth and shiny. (Put pressure only on the bark and protect the tip.)

The position of the reed on the mouthpiece also makes a dramatic difference. The reed benefits from being very slightly narrower than the mouthpiece rails. You can then move it from side to side in tiny increments to find the sweet spot. See http://test.woodwind.org/Databases/lookup.php/Klarinet/2009/02/000192.txt.

Ken Shaw

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