The Yellow Board

Alto clarinet

Posted by Clueless on 4/26/2022, 4:40 pm

Why is Bb so insanely flat for my alto clarinet player? I’ve looked at the instrument and it seems okay (also just recently had some repairs done on it). Is this common or should I be sending it back for repairs? Is there another fingering for Bb? Adding fingers I. The right hand doesn’t seem to help.

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by Treble Chef on 4/29/2022, 2:54 pm, in reply to "Alto clarinet "

In the interest of conducting a scientific experiment create a control group by having another clarinet player play a scale on the alto and see if the note is flat for that person as well. This will demonstrate whether this is an individual issue or an issue with the instrument.

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by Clarinet player on 4/29/2022, 10:30 am, in reply to "Alto clarinet "

Adding fingers will lower the pitch.

Try using sidekey Bb if it's in a chord (A and second sk from the top).

It's possible the A Key isn't raising enough when you push it down, check the height of it. That will also make it sound stuffy.

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by Byrd Land on 4/27/2022, 3:07 pm, in reply to "Alto clarinet "

The most appropriate thing to do in any case when it involves the alto clarinet, is to throw it in the trash

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by MSBD on 4/28/2022, 3:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Alto clarinet "

You have it right. Best use for alto clarinet - firewood. Away with the clarinet choirs! (And yes, I’m a clarinet player)

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by Sandhills on 4/28/2022, 11:47 am, in reply to "Re: Alto clarinet "

I understand your view of the alto clarinet, but I would suggest that when it is played well on a quality instrument it can be asset. Although it can be problematic, some of the instrument’s reputation is unfair.

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by soooo on 4/28/2022, 8:59 am, in reply to "Re: Alto clarinet "

I guess that means never have students perform a clarinet choir or a small ensemble that requires clarinet.

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by AuldSchoole on 4/28/2022, 8:04 am, in reply to "Re: Alto clarinet "

Hey, easy there... you've just offended all 17 alto clarinet players in the state.

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by Me on 4/26/2022, 6:13 pm, in reply to "Alto clarinet "

Adding fingers can/will usually make it more flat.

Make sure that it's properly venting and that they're not closing the thumb key.

Re: Alto clarinet

Posted by Set up on 4/26/2022, 8:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Alto clarinet "

Did the Bb previously play in tune with the same setup (mouthpiece, reed etc.)?

If so, it's either mechanical, or the player is not doing something correct with embouchure. Check teeth on top of mouthpiece, firm corners, flat bottom lip etc.

Double check that you're using the correct reed and mouthpiece. The Fobes Debut mouthpiece is a great price and works wonderfully. Use at least a size 3 if not 3.5 reed for this.

Also make sure the neck and mouthpiece are seated all the way in before checking pitch. Be sure to use a neck strap etc.

Good luck!

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