I feel air coming from the rightside of my Clarinet reed. What can I do to stop that?

Question

I play in a middleschool band and I really want to be a FirstChair Clarinet this year. I have the skills, I just need to fix a problem.

I use a Rovner Ligature and a size 3 reed. Whenever I play, I can feel air blowing out from the right side of my reed and it adds a spit-like sound to my music. Please, Does anyone know how to stop this?

Answer 1

First, check to see if your reed is covering the entire section allowable.  You want to make sure it covers everything.  Try raising the reed so that the top, curved edges touch everything on the arch, even at risk of having the arch of the reed move above the top of the mouthpiece.  Try to get the reed as centered as possible.

Second, take a look at the side profile of it, and hold it up to the light.  Remember, your embouchure should be to the point where the reed and mouthpiece touch (while looking at the side view).

Third, and worst case, you may need a new mouthpiece.  Why is the worst case?  Because they can be expensive for the really good ones.  Even a mid-price mouthpiece can cost around $60 for one made of good quality.

If you can, find a good clarinet instructor and ask them to take a look at it.  This is the best way to find for sure whats going on.

Answer 2

Well, it's hard to diagnose without actually seeing or hearing you play, but here goes...

My first question would be: how long have you been using this set up?  It takes a little practice to make sure the Rovner ligature is on right... if it doesn't get put on exactly straight, it can slip, or more importantly, the reed can slip.  Also, the s***w is on the side opposite the reed, and the twisty part is to the right... make sure you're not putting it on upside down or backwards.

When you feel the air begin to leak, check your reed and make sure it hasn't slipped.  Also, make sure the ligature isn't down too far compared to the reed... you should still see the bottom of the reed sticking out from the bottom of the ligature.

Another idea, is practice some scales in front of a mirror... make sure your embouchure is correct... bottom lip curled slightly over the teeth, corners of the mouth pulled back, chin pointed, clarinet placed dead center.  Make sure you're not biting the mouthpiece as you go up the octaves.

Also, what brand of reeds are you using?  If you're using Ricos, that may be a problem... the cane isn't good quality and the consistancy is debatable... try switching to a higher quality cane like Mitchel Laurie or Vandoren (but go down a step in strength).  I assume that since you use a Rovner, you already know this about the reeds.

Other than that, I can't think of what it could be.  Know that on some notes, especially when there is a lot of resistance (like on B natural, middle line), there is a natural tendency to "vent".  I know many professionals that do this, although it comes from the corners of the mouth and isn't a "spit-like" sound.

Again, it's really hard to diagnose without seeing or hearing it... a private teacher would be of much more help to you for this.

Good luck, and hope this helped a little! :)

Answer 3

use the other end