Hi guys,
I did not yet make any research. Well, I have a Bb clarinet from Yamaha, and I always found its sounds are more on the shrill side. Or let me call it "bright". I am super jealous when I hear e.g. a beautiful sound like here (https://youtu.be/fpBK68SGZsQ?t=130). Or the sound of an Oboe. It's more pleasing. If I'd play what she plays at 2:10, it is way more painful for the ear.
Without me providing audio examples of my playing; where should I start researching when aiming for warmer sound, from your experience? The technique is of course something to improve, the higher C/#(''?) and D'' are not easy to do yet. But still. Is it the clarinet? Reed? Mouthpiece? I have no stuff to compare. And I'd say whatever reeds I used, it is rather shrill. My clarinet teacher once said the Yamahas are said to be rather "harsh".
If we talked in audio production terms, I'd guess my clarinet needs a lowpass/hi-cut filter, i.e. filter out some upper spectrum. Bringing me to an idea... Maybe I should do a spectrum analysis.
It is also possible that to me it sounds bright, because as a player you hear all those small noises, but at distance it is not as bad...
Thx for input and best regards
What mouthpiece and reed brand/strength are you using? What is your reed placement in relation to the mouthpiece tip? W/O hearing you, I urge you to put a little less mouthpiece into the mouth and form the oral cavity into an 'oooo' shape as you blow into the instrument. Also, push up against your top teeth and keep the lower lip firm. Yamaha equipment is usually pretty good.
Mouthpiece is original Yamaha, reed is a Steuer 3.0, well, reed always leaves a small gap, kind of sweet spot between where it easily sqeaks on the one side and where you cannot form a sound when the reed exceeds the mouthpiece. Yes, "ooo" is a thing. Definitely I often put too much pressure on it, it's hard getting the higher notes sound with a more relaxed "ooo" but still keeping control :) Will ask my clarinet teacher after the easter holidays to create the warmest possible sounds on my clarinet... and I will see...
Quote from: Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich on March 26, 2018, 03:34:38 AM
Mouthpiece is original Yamaha [...]
Offhand, I suspect this is a large part of the problem.
This will give a good sound,the viotto clarinet mouthpiece with German mouthpiece and reed. It gives very good sound,you be surprised.
I have the N!+2 wich gives you what you desire.
http://www.basdejong.com/mouthpieces.php/en
Used to play, for years, as a callow youth. I had the same problem. I's hear the principals (live) in good orchestras and scratch my head. .....
I probably shouldn't say this, but I recall getting my hands on a really good Selmer, and a really good Buffet, as well (rent, not own). Different instrument; so different and not necessarily "easier" embouchure; but the tone of both instruments was EXQUISITE.
Quote from: Traverso on July 31, 2018, 06:52:08 AM
This will give a good sound,the viotto clarinet mouthpiece with German mouthpiece and reed. It gives very good sound,you be surprised.
I have the N!+2 wich gives you what you desire.
http://www.basdejong.com/mouthpieces.php/en
Nice.
Yes, I agree with trying another mouthpiece, then different (strength) reeds. I've owned two student Yamahas and found their tone to be bright. You could give Buffet a try-- if you have $4-6K to spend.....