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Re: Tuning

Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2016-04-24 04:24

"I'm just wondering if it's possible I can do something to get all of my notes in tune..?"

Well, yes and no.

The no: although some players and makers might disagree, the clarinet's design represents a compromise regarding where, for example, tone holes are placed.

Take your low "F." It's often out of tune. Take your throat Bb: in an ideal world it might be better in pitch and sound better if the register key didn't serve the double purpose of producing the higher notes, and serving as the difference between throat "A" and "Bb." Still more the C#/G# tone hole has to be placed high enough on the upper joint of the clarinet that when drilled (at least into a wood instrument) it doesn't crack. These things aren't the product of slipshod work, but compromises with other notes and clarinet manufacture cost.

And many of these things have been address over the years by dedicated Bb holes, low "F" correction keys, and C#/G# tone holes in the tenon that connects the joints. Such stuff is pricey, and will only take you so far though.

Like Norman said, is so many words, near perfection of pitch cannot lie solely with the instrument maker.

The yes:

First, on a warmed up instrument we must turn properly, in sequence and accept compromises.

Tom Ridenour's video on this is as good as any:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYx3pj0L790

(and might I add that Tom's come pretty close to producing in tune clarinets.)

Second, we must always listen, to ourselves and others. Remember, if the ensemble is playing a few cents sharp you are NOT in tune unless you match them, not the tuner. Pitch change can be addressed by snugging more mouthpiece to increase pitch, and vice versa.

Third, few repair techs have true experience in this, but on wood clarinets, sometimes adjustments can be made to tone holes by either filling in some space, or changing the profile of the hole on the inside of the clarinet (undercutting tone holes). Results tend to be permanent, or often not worth the money on less than professional instruments. Many posts exist for searching on the bboard regarding how this helps not only pitch, but note shape and color, and is indicated for sharpening the lower notes, while ideally, minimally affecting the higher register enabled ones.

Fourth, sometimes change to the pitch, color, and shape of a note can be achieved by different/alternate fingerings.

Fifth, barrels and mouthpieces can also help, but come with their share of tradeoffs as well (see Norman's comments about barrels, for example).

Last for now, search the bboard for tuning rings. They're useful to fill the gap between clarinet sections that are spread apart when pitch runs high.

The clarinet, including its pitch is a metaphor for life: it has its difficulties and compromises.

Next,

Post Edited (2016-04-24 04:26)

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