 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Greenwing
Date: 2014-06-10 04:06
Hello Everyone:
I am a very new (8 days today) clarinet student. I am in my late 50's, have a background in music and was a somewhat accomplished French Horn player but stopped about thirty years ago. Suddenly I had the urge to play clarinet so I picked a LeBlanc Noblet 45 1973 model with a Noblet mouthpeice and a flexible ligature. Had a technician and my instructor evaluate the instrument and they indicated it is in very condition.
The problem is when I practice, saliva runs like a little river from the bottom of the reed and down the barrel. I have tried changing reeds, adjusting the ligature but the problem persists. I am using Rico 2.50 have resorted to wrapping a paper towel around the base of the mouthpiece to stem the flow. It was leaving marks on the barrel. My first lesson was three days after I got the clarinet and this did not occur then but now the floodgates open every time I practice. My next lesson is Saturday and not sure what to do until that time.
Thank you and look forward to your input.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-10 06:31
There is no equipment fix for this since the production of saliva shouldn't enter into the process of playing in the first place. I say this having had this happen to me on occasion. I can't even really tell you what I did when this happened, I just knew that I was being impatient or tired or SOMETHING, when all of a sudden a flow of of saliva just gushed out of one corner of my mouth.
I guess if you just concentrate on BLOWING, the saliva thing should just go away, but honestly I wish I knew what that was.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2014-06-10 06:47
Keep playing. The problem will probably take care of itself, but I have no idea why.
This happens to me when I start playing again after I've let myself get out of shape.
B.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-06-10 07:01
If you've only been playing for eight days, your embouchure is completely undeveloped. Keep playing, and as the muscles strengthen the problem will probably fix itself. Have your teacher look at your embouchure while you play. Sometimes this can happen if you allow the cheeks to bulge.
Tony F.
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Author: Greenwing
Date: 2014-06-10 15:36
Appreciate your feedback. Will have the teacher evaluate my embouchure. The saliva is not coming out of the corners of my mouth, just running out below the reed, no cheek puffing either. To check finger placement and embouchure I often play in front of a mirror to avoid developing bad habits.
Will keep playing and and hope for a resolution. Worst case will keep a good supply of paper towels handy.
Again, thank you.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-10 15:50
Well if it's actually coming out the middle of the butt of the reed, I'd say the table of the mouthpiece is bowed in the middle widthwise (should be flat). Check this by placing the mouthpiece face down on a piece of glass. If that flat part of the mouthpiece is not making contact with the glass in the center......that's the problem. There are makers that purposely put a dip in the center of the table lengthwise (so the reed touches at bottom and top of the bark but not at the center) but this would not allow a channel of moisture through.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: Greenwing
Date: 2014-06-14 04:23
Mystery solved, got a new ligature and no more leak. I went to the music store to see the technician and they suggested the old ligature might be stretched. So they gave me one, no charge. After the ligature success I went back to the store to buy a new mouthpiece, you know every little bit helps. After considerable research I was looking for the Vandoren b45, so that is what I purchased. What a difference.
Thank you for your help, I have learned so much from this board.
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Author: TAS
Date: 2014-06-14 07:39
Excess saliva is common with less seasoned clarinetists, or those that have laid ooff practicing for a time and then begin to practice again.
I would drink an 8 oz. glass of cold water with the juice of one lemon, or just suck on a lemon straight up before practicing.
You need something to minimize the secretions.
TAS
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