 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: justingaga
Date: 2015-06-15 19:41
Hello, I am using a Buffet RC clarinet right now, and I have a few questions about it.
First, I always find my note B (which is on the third line of the staff) a bit unclean.
Some of my friends told me that it is a common problem of all clarinets, but I just think my condition is really bad, so is there a way to improve it?
And also, some of my pads have the sticky sound when pressing it, does it mean that I should replace those pads?
At last, can anyone recommend some clarinet practice etudes or books or anything to me?
Thanks a lot!
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-06-15 22:13
Alot of problems from the middle B stems from a dirty "pip" shaft under your register key pad. Try a pipe-cleaner through it, see if it improves. Some folks like to get it reamed out to a larger diameter, but have a pro repair man do that, if you wish. Most RC Buffet horns are stuffy in that area, tho.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2015-06-15 22:22
As well as cleaning as above you can improve the tone by opening the thoat A key in addition to the speaker key. Of course this is only practicable in slow tempi but that is also when the note is most obvious.
Working on your voicing can help improve the note.
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Author: justingaga
Date: 2015-06-16 07:49
Excuse me, which keys do you mean by the "thoat" A key and the speaker key?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-06-16 09:37
The key that you use to finger second space "A" is usually referred to as the "A" key.
The speaker key is the register key (colloquially known as the octave key).
I would say though if you have not been playing clarinet for a few years yet, there are several instances where a note does not match its surroundings in resistance (and or pitch). YOU need to make those adjustments by changing the use of your air (more air for the third line "B" by the way), or embouchure or both.
The clarinet is a series of compromises. If it weren't, it would be a synthesizer.
..................Paul Aviles
PS Just use a small screwdriver to remove the register key, and use a pipe cleaner to move in and out of that "pipe" a few times.
Post Edited (2015-06-16 09:39)
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Author: kdk
Date: 2015-06-16 14:36
You should have the clarinet checked for any air leaking out past the pads. An accumulation of even very small leaks can affect the long B (3rd line of the treble staff). A good repair person would be better at finding leaks than an inexperienced player tends to be.
The sound of sticking pads may mean that your pad surfaces or the tone hole rims are moist or even have developed a sticky or tacky coating. You can put a piece of smooth paper over each tone hole where you hear the noise and, while pressing the pad closed, pull the paper out. This will wipe away moisture and minor tackiness. If a pad keeps making the noise or it comes back persistently, it may take more aggressive action. Replacement of all the noisy pads shouldn't be necessary, and replacing even persistently sticky ones won't help if the cause is a recurring one, like excessive humidity. (You don't play and eat or drink sugary things at the same time, right? )
Karl
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2015-06-16 15:30
It is a standard practice to bevel the outside of the cork pad on the register key to provide more venting. Depending on the clarinet, this can clear up most of that stuffy sound. Also if the register key pad doesn't come up high enough there will also be stuffiness. Taking the register key off and playing the B without it will give you an idea of how "good" the B can sound.
Steve Ocone
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