Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2022-09-05 12:33
Not an answer to the OP, but when I test a mouthpiece-barrel seal I simply put the mouthpiece inside my mouth deep enough to cover the whole window, seal my lips around it the same way as when playing, press the open barrel end against my palm - and then blow as hard as I can. Thus just a simple positive pressure test, with no plastic wrap, rubber plugs, or flute-like sideways blowing involved (and I don't think my mouth is any bigger than on other adults  ).
I understand the reason for a negative pressure test (suction or vacuum) on the joints, and especially the lower joint where the low g#-pad kept closed only by its spring tends to open at pressure - but what's the advantage of a suction test of a mouthpiece-barrel seal, over a positive pressure test?
By the way, on an upper joint and by just blowing in at one end and closing the other with my palm, I've never been able to "blow open" any key that is kept closed just by spring force (not even on a bass clarinet). If there has been a leak, it has always been a pad in need of replacement.
Personally I would never rely only on a suction test of the joints, since at least to me, a pad holding vacuum perfectly may not do so for the opposite (for instance if a key spring isn't strong enough). After all, when playing we do not suck in air but we are blowing (as also Morrie Backun commented on one of his videos). Nevertheless, I do not deny that a combination of both methods could be useful, at least to some extent and especially on the lower joint.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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