Chalumeau register tone improvement needed !!

[Airflyte]

Can anyone here steer me towards a more \"fuller\" and less \"reedy\" tone production in the Chalumeau register? I think I\'m starting to make the clarinet sort of sing in the Clarion register, but I\'m not happy with the lower notes.
I\'m currently using a Rico V-2.5 reed with a vintage Woodwind N.Y. hard rubber \"B8\" mouthpiece.

Is it time for a thicker reed -+ maybe a #3 or more? Mouthpiece advice would be good too. Would a smaller tip opening help too? Less lip pressure???

[DaveLeBlanc]

my tried and true method for the last two years has been a Fibracell Medium (i suppose that\'s approx a 3) on a Geo M. Bundy 3 (vintage made in france!).

I occasionally swap out for a clear chinese plastic mp when i want a brighter tone.

I just got a very old Buffet wooden mouthpiece (the thing even has a serial number!) but I haven\'t tried it out yet

[BLMonopole]

Your set-up may need some adjustment -- mouthpiece, reeds, ligature, barrel.  Harder reeds, smaller tip opening on mouthpieces may improve your control over your tone.  

However, I\'ve generally found that improvements in tone generally need to come from practice, long tones, strengthening of the embouchure, and flattening of the chin.  Especially in the lower register.  

Experiment and see what works for you.

[Airflyte]

Thanks for the replies! I have begun experimenting . . . . . .

• 1) switched generic HR barrel to wooden Conn.
• 2) Added more diaphragm support from me - not air volume, just more support - hard to explain. Like a foundation.

........ so for now, I\'m only taking responsibility for half of the problem
Will continue with further studies!

[gkern]

Hi BlueBeam:  For what it\'s worth from a mediocre player, practicing long tones will help.  I also suggest a mouthpiece with a medium close tip opening, and maybe going to a 3 or 3-1/2 reed.

But practice and the long tones are of first importance.  And don\'t bite...  but do keep a sealed embouchure with the lips.

By the way, what kind of clarinet are you playing?

[Airflyte]

Hi BlueBeam:  For what it\'s worth from a mediocre player, practicing long tones will help.  I also suggest a mouthpiece with a medium close tip opening, and maybe going to a 3 or 3-1/2 reed.

But practice and the long tones are of first importance.  And don\'t bite...  but do keep a sealed embouchure with the lips.

By the way, what kind of clarinet are you playing?

gkern, I\'m favoring the double lip embouchure (messing with the sax)(and liking it). That\'s 2 votes for long tones - very well then.
I\'m going to a 3.5 reed with my current MP.
As far as the \'axe\' goes, I flip from a Carl Fischer N.Y. ( Buffet ) to a hard rubber Conn(courtesy of Phil) both with wrap around register keys.

[DaveLeBlanc]

if you don\'t have one on already, try putting on a mouthpiece cushion.

They have thick and thin ones available.  The thin ones are less apparent in feeling, but are not as comfy for long periods of time.

The thick ones take getting used to, but are squishy and comfy on the teeth.

Both are GREAT for keeping teethmarks out of the mouthpiece, especially important when using a wooden mouthpiece (resale value is affected with marks)

[gkern]

gkern, I\'m favoring the double lip embouchure (messing with the sax)(and liking it). That\'s 2 votes for long tones - very well then.
I\'m going to a 3.5 reed with my current MP.
As far as the \'axe\' goes, I flip from a Carl Fischer N.Y. ( Buffet ) to a hard rubber Conn(courtesy of Phil) both with wrap around register keys.

Ok, with a double lip embouchure, didn\'t need to say don\'t bite!  I have tried that and like the tone, but not patient enough to stick with it.  I will say if your current mouthpiece is open, the 3.5 reed just could be a little stiff for it.  Benny Goodman used a double lip embouchure, reportedly with a 1-1/2 reed, and whatever mouthpiece he could find.  But then, that\'s Benny...

I have a 1937 HR PanAm by Conn, and really like it.  Our band had 3 outdoor concerts this summer, I stuck a Selmer Series 9 barrel on it, and it sounded great!  You should be able to get nice full tones in the chalemeau register with those horns.

[bill_reed]

I would 3rd the use of long tones. I like to play the lower notes and try and feel the vibration, it seemed to help keeping a nice steady tone.
I often play just the lowest note to warm up throwing in a short high note between.
really helps you get a feel for the sound.
I was using 3 1/2 rico royals but changed to Rico 3 plastic coated.
I like how you just put it on and play, no wetting. also like the tone you get from the plastic coated reeds. aim to try the Fibracell that David uses very soon.