Author: d-oboe
Date: 2007-09-06 14:36
Adjustment:
First, check the G# connection. Play a low C, and tap the G# key. There should be no change. If there is g-r-a-d-u-a-l-l-y tighten until there is no change. Then, check the tension in the adjustment keys of the left hand between the 1st and 2nd finger, and 2nd and 3rd finger keys - there should only be enough tension in the former to seal it (i.e. so there isn't a bleep when the key is tapped). There should be slightly more tension in the latter. If there is too much tension here, it can make the low register impossible to play.
Reed:
The reed has to be both responsive enough, and vibrant enough. In other words, the reed has to resist the breath that you place upon it; you shouldn't have to hold any back. If you make your own reeds, the best thing I can suggest is to make your reeds gradually. So, don't try to make them too perfect at the very beginning (i.e. worrying about small stability issues in the upper register). What usually happens if one doesn't, is the following: one might define the corners of the tip (this filters/decreases vibration, making the upper register more stable) but then after playing, or the next day, the reed has settled down and doesn't vibrate as much...but the definition has already been made, thus making the reed vibrate too little.
|
|