I know this may be difficult to explain but I have a brand new Lebanc Bass Clarinet with a low D and C note on it. For the past three weeks it has been playing fine no big deal. Suddenly the Lowest three notes won't come out at all and the B and C on the Upper Register are not playing either. I have changed reeds, checked for loose screws and now am freaking out because my director doesn't know what is wrong and we have a concert tomorrow. Is this a common problem and if so can someone explain a solution?
2006-12-04 11:32:57 · 4 answers · asked by storyfanatic 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
See if you can return to the music store where you purchased your instrument and have one of their technicians check it out. My eldest daughter plays clarinet as well, though a Bflat, and she had a problem develop playing notes in the upper register a few years ago as well. It turned out that she'd unwittingly given the instrument a whack that just slightly shifted the keys so they no longer fit correctly over the holes to completely block them. The notes she played sounded worse than horrible, and we went through the same routine as you have until we got desparate. It took the technician a day in the shop to fix it. I'm not sure what all he did, but he also replaced the key seals and corking. It fixed the problem for us, maybe it will for you. Good luck!
2006-12-04 11:47:01 · answer #1 · answered by The mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you checked that the little cork thing (not sure what it's called) on the key is still intact and there? I'm not a woodwind player but am in a concert band, and often the cork comes apart, breaks, or gets damaged, causing notes to stop working. Also have you cleaned the instrument thoroughly, inside and out? A buildup of 'water' or any product you may use could also cause problems. Hope this helps..
2006-12-04 11:39:59 · answer #2 · answered by chops 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, have you checked the pads and springs in addition to the screws.
Anyways, whenever I have a problem like that its usually contributed to by my embrochure. I usually just play the instrument and gradually adjust the angle I'm playing at until the note comes out.
2006-12-05 10:38:45 · answer #3 · answered by mavenoftea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you check the pads?
2006-12-04 11:40:24 · answer #4 · answered by Yumyum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋