Hiya,

For this week I am having to use a cover clarinet while mine is being repaired. It is a Buffet B12. All of the notes are perfectly in tune, except for the A#/Bb (A key with speaker key). I can't work out whether it is sharp or flat, but it just sounds very wrong compared to what I am used to it sounding like and it doesn't sound correct in relation to the other notes. Is there any way that I can adjust it slightly without knocking any of the other notes around. Obviously I can't fiddle with any keys etc because it isn't mine, but I really can't stand the noise it makes.

Any ideas?

sometimes if you put fingers on your right hand down when you're playing Bb it makes it sound lss flat. That would aolny help if it was flat though.

Maybe there's an air bubble somewhere? That somtimes makes mine go funny.

When I got my teacher at university I was taught the more advanced fingering for the throat notes. I play Bb/A# with fingers 2,3,5,6,C (and the usual A and register), A and G# - take away second finger.

There could of course be water somewhere, so try pulling through. Or it might be a bad instrument, but you only need it for a short time anyway.

I don't know anything about clarinet fingerings so I don't know if this will apply, but maybe there's water leaking out of one of the tone-holes? If there is even a droplet it can adversely affect the tone for certain notes.

Have you tried adjusting your embouchure at all? This can make a difference. As Neil said, try putting a few extra fingers down as well.

Also worth checking the very obvious - is the note actually out of tune? Try checking it against another instrument or an electronic tuning device.

Hope that your own clarinet gets well soon!

As well as all of the above, have you ever tried using the other Bb fingering? A key and second right hand side key. Much better tone than A and speaker key. Fair enough if it's not efficient for pieces you might play, but just an idea.

I hate Bb - it sounds as bad as C# on sax!