How can I getting a warmer sound on my Bb clarinet? It sounds like a raven ;-)

Started by Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich, March 24, 2018, 06:07:28 AM

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Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich

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. 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

david johnson

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.

Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich

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...

Karl Henning

Karl Henning, Ph.D.
Composer & Clarinetist
Boston MA
http://www.karlhenning.com/
[Matisse] was interested neither in fending off opposition,
nor in competing for the favor of wayward friends.
His only competition was with himself. — Françoise Gilot

Traverso

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

johnlewisgrant

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.   
J. S. Bach, The Well-tempered Clavier, Books 1 and 2 complete

https://soundcloud.com/johnlgrant/albums

Karl Henning

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.
Karl Henning, Ph.D.
Composer & Clarinetist
Boston MA
http://www.karlhenning.com/
[Matisse] was interested neither in fending off opposition,
nor in competing for the favor of wayward friends.
His only competition was with himself. — Françoise Gilot

TMHeimer

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.....
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book
tomheimer.ampbk.com/
austinmacauley.com/author/heimer-tom
(click on book image, PDF samples)
Boreal Ballad for unaccompanied clarinet solo
(Sheet Music Plus)