I keep getting air bubbles under my A Key, how can i prevent it from happening as it does every time I play right now

there is also one appearing under the register key (i think) as i can only hear it when im in the higher registers.

Thanks

Laura

x

I wonder if the pad needs replacing Laura. Have a look at the condition of the pad - if it's brown/worn looking/has bits coming off it, it's time for a new pad.

Its a brand new clarinet - The pads in perfect condition!

I used to have a problem with the 'goo' getting in unwanted places. I found the trick was to be careful about how I held the clarinet when I wasn't playing. It's best to keep it in as near to the playing position as you can - either upright on a stand, or held leaning slightly back with the finger holes on top. If you turn it over or hold it leaning forwards the goo loves to run round into the A hole, and then drip back into the speaker tube when you pick it up again. An occasional quick wizz through with the cleaner also helps if you're in a long playing session.

I also try to follow the advice I was once given to "Blow more and spit less"!

Hope you get it sorted - there's nothing worse than that horrible unexpected gurgling.

Im having exactly the same problem with the thumb key in my new piccolo. The best thing to do is to keep the instrument warm, as the condensation in a cold instrument is what makes the tone hole clog up with a water bubble. Saying that, my piccolo doesnt like to stay warm, and the problem persists

Agree with the poster about holding the clarinet upright.. but I also occasionally 'suck' up the spit that builds around the reed, which helps.

It's also pretty easy to clear the water by opening the key and giving a powerful blow of air across the hole; that works for me pretty well too.

I use cigarette papers to soak up any moisture but was also told my an instrument repairer to pull it through with the pull through slowly and let it sit around that area to soak up the moisture

Yep. The occasional clean after i play seems to have done the trick. I often forget or just dont because im putting it away while i go for tea etc.

RE register key water build up, The repairer Steve Howard suggests cleaning out the hole with a pipecleaner, and then putting a SMALL amount of silicone based polish on another pipecleaner, and pushing that through the hole - a thin layer of silicone is supposed to help the water to drain.

on your own head be it...

Nick