Strings 'n' Squeaks!

Saxplayer67 said:

[One clarinettist in our concert band, who has actually been playing I think for a long time, says he can't play very loud with out squeaking all over the place, when I was trying to get him to play louder in his solo. I'm not a clarinettist but can knock a tune out on one, being aware of using a difference in embouchure to sax but what can he do to play louder but squeak free? More bottom lip, maybe?[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST]Cheers, guys!

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Gosh, Saxplayer, you are a dafty sometimes!! Leave the poor bugger alone. Of course clarinets are quieter than saxes + it may be to do with his setup etc. Don't start lecturing him about what he can and can't do with an instrument you can't play. Clarinets are prone to squeaking if you force the tone. If the band is overwhelming his solo when he's playing at his full volume then the band needs to learn to play a little quieter.

Saxplayer67 said:

Well thanks a bunch, matey! Of course clarinets can play loud too, even flutes and oboes can. This bloke was lamenting the fact he couldn't play louder in general without squeaking all over the place.

Dafty indeed - with friends like you, who needs enemies!

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Again. Dafty!! All instruments have a dynamic range in which they sound good and are comfotable to play. If you don't believe me try competing with a trumpet for loudness and projection. Like I said before, clarinets are prone to squeaking when the tone is forced and the guy's setup may be such that he can't play much louder without squeaking or making the instrument sound like crap. IMHO.

Saxplayer67 said:

[*]One clarinettist in our concert band, who has actually been playing I think for a long time, says he can't play very loud with out squeaking all over the place, when I was trying to get him to play louder in his solo. I'm not a clarinettist but can knock a tune out on one, being aware of using a difference in embouchure to sax but what can he do to play louder but squeak free? More bottom lip, maybe?[/LIST]Cheers, guys!

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Ok. A bit more seriously but i still can't give you what you want . If the wants more volume and fewer squeaks then the relevant factors are breath support/embouchure/reed/mouthpiece. All these things need to be considered in conjunction. As a very quick fix he could possibly try a softer reed and that might work for a freer sound - it's possible he's struggling to control a too hard reed. That might help as long as his solo part doesn't go very high. If the part does go high then the soft reed might be quite difficult for him to play in tune on the higher notes. But I still think it's a little nutty for you to get into advising a clarinetist. How would you feel if one of the flutes approaches you with: "Saxplayer, I think your quiet playing needs attention. May I offer a few suggestions on saxophone technique?" Do you see what i'm on about? Really the guy should be seeking help from a clarinet player if he feels he needs help.

Saxplayer67 said:

1. There are too many musical snobs in the world,

2. I'm out to change the preconceived notions that exist in the musical establishment.

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I think i can agree with 1.

I'm working on a comic book based on 2. Would you like to hear an extract? Working title: "Sax Man Marvel: Scourge of the Musical Establishment".

Saxplayer67 said:

Sounds great - Please get either Curt Swan, John Romita Sr. or Brian Bolland to do the artwork. Even better, how about Alan Moore for the story and Dave Gibbons for the art (met both before).

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Forget it. It's my idea. I'll do all that. How hard can it be?

Sample Dialogue:

Clarinet Wimp: Oh, lordy, Saxplayer, I just don't have the puff!!

Saxplayer: Pull yourself together you liquorice stick toting wimp!! What would Johnny Dankworth say!! Put the thing in your gob and BLOW!!!

Saxplayer67 said:

I dunno, I ask a serious question at the start of the thread and all I get is this bollocks.

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I do hope your bollocks are properly in quotation marks, Saxplayer. If not, that's a faux pas.

Silly, silly Saxplayer. I answer your question in good faith to the extent that i can and yet you don't appreciate it. I engage your sense of humour to the extent that i can and then you prove quite conclusively that you really don;t have one. Please do ignore me. Make it permanent, please. I shall do the same. :|

kavala said:

Go on. Flog me. I know it's off topic, but I couldn't resist.

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Thank you, kavala. What a lovely clip. I shall resist the temptation to make any further comment.