 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-07-14 16:31
I'm experiencing a problem with getting C sharp above the break to sound reliably. I have several horns, and the problem is confined to 3 of them, the rest work fine. I've checked keywork moving freely, pad sealing and lift, crows foot adjustments, joint leaks, loose screws and weak springs, different mouthpiece, different reeds, fat fingers hitting the wrong keys. If it weren't for the fact that most of my horns work OK I'd suspect operator error as first choice, but as I said, my other horns work OK.
The horns with the problem are a B & H Emperor, A Besson Cambridge and a Henkin 28S. The Besson is OK until it warms up, the others show the problem at any time. The note will sound, but not reliably. All instruments are in excellent order, recently repadded, no cracks and in all other respects play as they should. A friend, an experienced player, tried the Besson and had the same experience. Any suggestions welcomed.
Thanks.
Tony F.
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Author: TJTG
Date: 2011-07-14 17:08
Have the tone holes and register keys been cleaned recently?
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-07-14 17:23
If all three horns have the same problem, and they have this problem when different people try it, and they've all been worked on by the same technician, I would try taking them to a different technician.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Podgymoore
Date: 2011-07-15 03:28
Frankly, without seeing you play the instruments it is impossible to give any form of sound advice. It can be anything from poor technique ie slack or variable embouchure, biting, finger pressures, slight leaks - you name it.
The best thing is to get to a trusted friend who knows how to play the clarinet and get him to watch you playing.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-07-16 15:02
Ya know, I had a colleague mention that he had "C#" problem. On close inspection though it turned out to be a common issue with the "B" instead. That is, engage the left hand "B" (looking at it, not playing), now place your right hand pinky on the right hand "C" key. If there is the slightest bit the "C" cup needs to travel to get to a seal, all you need to do is readjust this distance either with slight bending of the "C" key (wedge under the crow) OR a slight bit of cork in between the crow foot and the right hand "B" key (as illustrated best in the Tom Ridenour YOUTUBE video).
....................Paul Aviles
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Author: mrn
Date: 2011-07-16 16:20
You know, I had a similar problem once. It turned out there was a very slight leak in the upper (left hand) half of the clarinet. Even though the notes affected were in the lower part of the instrument, the leak was in the upper half.
Sometimes you can compensate for that kind of thing and will only notice it on notes that vent in some other part of the instrument.
As they say in the English school, "When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." ;-)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2011-07-16 21:42
Have you checked the venting (opening) of the C# key?
The B&H models in general require those lower pads to be a bit more open than on many makes in order to get a clear tone.
Otherwise also check the seating of the F/C pad especially when operated via the C# link.
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