It's really annoying... I had a concert yesterday and squeaked... so how do I stop it from squeaking?
2007-03-21 15:47:20 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
It is difficult to give an accurate answer without seeing how you are playing but try these ideas - first make sure your reed is not too new or too old. Never try to play a concert with a brand new reed or one that you've had forever. Your reed should also be one that is the right strength (the number on your reed is a strength not a size!) for your playing level. That said, then make sure that the flat part of the reed is smooth and that the flat part of your mouthpiece( called the table) is smooth with no nicks.
Now check these things:
1. Embouchure must be firm (not biting!) and still. Keep the
air stream steady and breath support constant.
2. Keep the jaw still while tonguing.
3. Keep the base of the tongue low in the mouth and use the tip of the tongue only.
4. Cover the holes completely so that no air escapes from the tone holes.
5. Check for faulty pads or corks on the clarinet.
6. Avoid the accidental pressing of side keys.
7. Try placing a little less mouthpiece in the mouth.
(The top and bottom teeth should be placed about where
the mouthpiece begins to curve away from the reed. TOO
MUCH mouthpiece in the mouth will cause squeaks.)
8. Try a different reed and/or mouthpiece combination.
You might also check to see if there is something hung in the bore (inside) of your clarinet.
If all this fails you may need to take it to a repair shop, but it is very embarrassing to take it to the shop and they can't find anything wrong - then you know where the problem can be found!!! But I bet if you make sure that you keep your embouchure, jaw and body still while playing that those squeaks will disappear or at least be rare.
Best wishes and good playing.
Musician,clarinet player and teacher.
2007-03-21 16:48:49 · answer #1 · answered by Bearcat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's NOT the clarinet.....it's the USER of the clarinet.
Practice more, wet the reed better, clean your valves, whatever. But a good player can pick up YOUR instrument today, and play with no squeaks in 2 seconds..........
2007-03-21 15:59:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hi!!! i'm answering your question, even nevertheless i do no longer play the clarinet. Yea it did sound exceptionally undesirable, yet you already tried a clean reed did no longer you? Why do no longer u ask the band instructor, reason he might comprehend a thank you to repair it, that is sort of his interest ya comprehend. See u l8r!
2016-10-01 07:35:37 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well...next time you're at band camp, stick it......
hahaha
Yeah, change the reed and make sure everything is still fitting together properly. If the reed is new, maybe it's just got a defect.
2007-03-21 15:55:57 · answer #4 · answered by shogun_316 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe it's your reed? You could be using the wrong size . . . or it could be too old. If it's not that, it could also be your embouchure.
2007-03-21 15:50:30 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change your reed. or use a little walnut oil on the cork.
2007-03-21 15:51:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
replace your reed .... or take the mouse out of it! LOL j/k
2007-03-21 15:50:44 · answer #7 · answered by adnilebbeautiful 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋