 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2020-10-23 02:13
Hi. First post sent...many read.
It use to be that some of my favorite notes were clarion (two hand) D# and F#.
Now, sometimes I have problems voicing them. I've taken in more mouthpiece and sought to apply embouchure pressure all around (not just up and down but sides). If I stop air pressure for a second, not moving my fingers (it's not a hole coverage issue) usually I can get such notes out.
Maybe my 3.0 Vandoren reeds are too soft for an M15 mouthpiece. I know Vandoren suggests 3.5 strength or greater but as it is I sand down 3.0 reeds.
Switching from an M/O Vandoren ligature to a leather one did make some difference if that gives you insight as to my problem. Playing double lip helps a little. I promise I'm not biting.
It's particularly noticeable when I play Bearmann interupted scale exercises.
Moving the reed slightly higher on the mouthpiece sometimes helps.
If you have any advice or if there is any additional observations I can make about myself to help you help me please let me know.
Thank you.
P.S. Oh..I don't think it's equipment. Same fingerings with register pipe closed work fine and clarinet passes seal tests.
Post Edited (2020-10-23 02:18)
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Author: Burt
Date: 2020-10-23 03:12
Do you have the same problem using the chromatic F# fingering (Rt. index finger and bis key)? And does the pinky key open far enough on the D#?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-10-23 03:17
So when you say that you need to "stop pressure" to get those notes, you are saying that they sometimes don't "speak" immediately?
Couple things I'd throw out there. Even if you are getting a good seal on each joint by itself, there could be an issue with the "one and one" bridge mechanism. If the pad between the first and second fingers of the left hand comes down too soon, it could be causing a leak at the top pad of the bottom joint. I'd suggest turning the bottom joint so that the bridge key is out of the way and then try those (D# and F#) notes again. Sometimes a leak will not be that obvious in the chalumeau, but will manifest itself in the clarion.
In my opinion the fourth and fifth staff line notes should be super solid........no question.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2020-10-23 03:32
The pinky key for the D# opens very adequately. The F#'s voicing problems occurs with either the chromatic or non-chromatic fingering of the note. A low G# voices beautifully as does a low B, chromatic or non-chromatic fingering alike--so I think it's me, not the clarinet.
When I say stop pressure I mean with my lungs (not fingers). The notes voice but lose clarity quickly, like the reed is closing up (maybe it is!!)
Your suggestion about "bridge sealing" is an excellent one. I've seal tested each joint independently, but not as a unit. I think it may be good time to switch my pants for a pair of shorts temporarily so my thigh can close the barrel-less hole at the end of the bottom joint, with all fingers down, and air pressure coming from above to see what happens.
Thanks guys!
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2020-10-23 03:52
One sign that tells me I'm actually taking too much reed in my mouth on a specific mouthpiece and reed is instability on those notes and G#5 and A5. I only throw that out because you mention trying to solve this by taking *more* mouthpiece with *softer*reeds. One of the things taking more mouthpiece lets you do is use softer reeds. Maybe you've just gone too far in the direction of soft reed/lots of mouthpiece. Have you tried to take less reed and use less pressure (but still all around the mouthpiece) just to see what happens?
Keep in mind, even the players who advocate taking a lot of mouthpiece limit it by saying "as much as possible" and use squawking out of control as an indicator. Could your "voicing" issue on these notes be the beginnings of a limiting squawk?
Karl
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2020-10-23 06:00
My clarinet seals well with both joints.
Karl: you may be very well on to something. As someone trying to play the Spohr Clarinet concerto with double high "C"s there is simply no way I know how to hit that note without the most round of embouchure pressure (so as to not squeak) that takes in about a micron less mouthpiece than the point at which I'd squeak.
I also find that full fingered "B" voices better and easier with ample mouthpiece behind the lips.
Then again, I imagine clarinet play is also a series of tradeoffs.
I will try the less mouthpiece/pressure angle and perhaps consider trying 3.5 reeds.
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