Hi,

I play a Noblet clarinet and I am having problems with note B flat - on the third line of the stave. It sounds extremely poor and flat.

Has anyone else had this problem and have been able to cure it?

Many thanks for your help.

First - what fingering do you use? The 'A' key + register key isn't the best but is improved a bit by adding RH 1,2 & 3. 'A' key plus Bb side key with RH1 is much better as that hole is the right size & in the correct position.

Second - the relevant keys should open 2 - 2.5mm. Less than that & you will start getting a flat & muffled sound.

Third - if the tone holes are getting clogged up with fluff from swabs etc or from poor oral hygene this will have the same effect as 2.

Hi Contra 448,

Thank you for your reply.

You have described the exact problem that I am experiencing.

When using the “A” key and the register key the sound is very muffled and flat. There is a slight improvement when using the “A” key and the Bb side key, although it is still muffled and flat.

I have checked that the relevant keys open 2 – 2.5mm.

The tone holes are clear.

It seems to become more muffled as each session that I play goes by.

It has made it virtually impossible to play any music which has this Bb note.

Any additional help to correct this fault would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.