Is it me or my clarinet?

    
Is it me or my clarinet?    23:41 on Sunday, November 14, 2004          
(Tanya)
Posted by Archived posts

I have a used clarinet from the 1970`s I think that`s how old it is. Got it off of ebay really cheap.
Anyway I know the fingerings for 10 notes, but no matter what I do the pitch will not change.
What am I doing wrong?
Anything?
Then the other night it started to squeak out of the blue!!!!
What could I be doing wrong if anything at all?
I`m only in doubt that it is me because I took trumpet lessons for 9 years and taught myself how to play both the flute and the piano.
I know that the clarinet is different so any ideas?


Re: Is it me or my clarinet?    02:12 on Monday, November 15, 2004          
(Andy)
Posted by Archived posts

More than likely it`s got some significant leaking going on in some way. First, make sure you`re completely covering the holes when you play. A small opening can make a huge difference.

But even more likely is that the clarinet itself is leaking somewhere. Since it`s pretty old, it probably needs new pads at least, and maybe some new springs and key adjustments. Since you got it for cheap, it probably won`t make you feel too bad spending a bit more to make it play great.

As for the age, if you`re curious, there are places online that have great lists of serial numbers. What kind of clarinet is it? Serial number (look on the back of the top joint near the bottom)?


Re: Is it me or my clarinet?    04:48 on Monday, November 15, 2004          
(Elizabeth Ward)
Posted by Archived posts

It`s the clarinet.

Liz


Re: Is it me or my clarinet?    09:09 on Monday, November 15, 2004          
(Tanya)
Posted by Archived posts

Thank you for the info thus far. I do have small finger tips. I did notice that at least one of the pads looked a little sketchy. Anyway it is a Selmer, so I believe that is a good brand.
Thanks again


   




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