The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rgoldem
Date: 2020-07-02 04:16
I recently bought a used Selmer Privilege, first version. It was completely overhauled and it is in pristine condition now. It is a solid and very nice horn but quite different from the Leblanc I used to have.
I am still getting used to its idiosyncrasies but what bothers me mostly are the throat tones that are a bit high (around 10 cents or even more). Resonance fingerings don’t seem to work.
I would like to hear suggestions for mouthpieces or barrels that may help me. I tried a couple of Backun barrels and a few Vandoren mouthpieces but it doesn't seem to be a combo that really helps.
Is this a problem that can be solved by matching mouthpiece, barrel and instrument? Should I try a Selmer mouthpiece and/or a conical barrel? Can anyone more experienced advise me?
Thank you
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2020-07-02 05:11
Pulling the barrel or mouthpiece out a bit lowers the throat tones more than the rest of the horn. Some mouthpiece/barrel combinations tune better with the mouthpiece than the barrel out. It is time to experiment!
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2020-07-02 12:23
My suggestion would be to give it some time first. Take your time to get used to the instrument. Don't fuzzle with different barrels, the original barrels should tune the instrument well. If there is an original Selmer mpc with the instrument you could try that. Was it still a C85 that came with the first Privilege?
After a while you can easily adjust pitch of the throat tones (G#-A) by filling the tone holes a bit.
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Author: igalkov
Date: 2020-07-02 15:40
Maybe it’s time to return it and try something else, something that would work out of the box.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2020-07-03 23:22
My experiences with sharp and flat throat tones is often caused by the height of the keys. Any decent repairman can fix this in 5 minutes. Your notes are sharp so add a slightly thicker cork to the A# and A keys, preventing the keys from opening too far. Other things can be tone as well, but this should solve your problem.
I'll fix it for free if you can't find anyone. I'm not sure where you live, so this is for the USA only. Shipping is about $15, so just pay for the return shipping fees.
This horn you have is very good. I've played on a number of these.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2020-07-07 17:15
I'll be home in a few days and I'll look up the size and manufacture of the barrel that solved the problem for me.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: rgoldem
Date: 2020-07-08 03:33
Thank you all. All suggestions have been valuable
Mr. Bernardo, I live quite far from US but I will follow your suggestion and do some testing with the height of the keys.
Mr. Palanker, I will really appreciate your suggestion of size and manufacture of a barrel once you get home.
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Author: John Peacock
Date: 2020-07-08 19:56
You said you used to play on a Leblanc: do you have any experience with Buffets? I find that the Buffet throat tones are sharp, even more so than a Selmer Privilege like the one you have. This can depend on the mouthpiece, of course, but in any case it's an easy problem to solve (unlike flatness): just take off the A and G# keys and fill the holes slightly. Bluetac is ideal for the purpose: completely reversible and easy to tweak the amount until those notes are exactly where you want them. These notes are unique in that you don't have to worry about tuning them in a different register, so there's really no reason not to do this - especially if that's the only issue you have with the Selmer. I find issues elsewhere, especially top F is very flat, and that's not so easy to fix.
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Author: EbClarinet
Date: 2020-07-09 05:55
It doesn't sound like u're really friendly with your clarinet yet. Give this about 3 more years of constant playing 2 c if this helps. I would try lowering the back of your tongue, 1st, b4 messing with barrels. Remember it's the player and not the instrument.
Eb clarinets r horribly out of tune and yet with my mouth piece and reed combination may directors have complimented my intonation.
It just sounds like u're really excited about your new professional horn and all. Please post your overall tone quality so that we can better assist u.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/mbtldsongministry/
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2020-07-09 16:45
My Barrel is a Segal 625 SS. He's a retired surgeon and barrel maker. I know he's been on this board before and I believe he has a website. He makes them costume. I use Backun of my Buffets but this played better on my Selmer. Great intonation.Of course the mouthpiece match is important as well. Good luck.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2020-07-10 00:34
I had tuning similar tuning problems on an old Evette Eb clarinet. I was using a more modern mouthpiece. I went back to the Selmer mouthpiece that was in the case when I bought it and adjusted the barrel some and it is now playable.
Steve Ocone
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