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Position:Home>Performing Arts> List five reasons a clarinet could sound flat?


Question:In order of likeliness:

-It could be cold;
-the reed could be too hard or just bad;
-your embouchure/oral cavity may need adjusting (try firming up and taking less mouthpiece);
-some of the joints may be pulled out or you might have a key or pad out of place.
-you may need to switch from a 66mm barrel to a 65mm or possibly change mouthpieces;


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: In order of likeliness:

-It could be cold;
-the reed could be too hard or just bad;
-your embouchure/oral cavity may need adjusting (try firming up and taking less mouthpiece);
-some of the joints may be pulled out or you might have a key or pad out of place.
-you may need to switch from a 66mm barrel to a 65mm or possibly change mouthpieces;

it got run over by a truck
" " " " " " train
" "" " " " " car
" " " " " " bus
a fat lady sat on it

Is it cold? it will become sharper and more in tune as you play it and warm it up.
Also, make sure all the joints are pushed together and are tight.

1. Room temperature might be cool/cold.

2. The reed could be broken, stiff, or dry.

3. Your embouchure is too loose or you're taking in too much of the mouthpiece.

4. Joints might be pulled out too much.

5. Key pads might have fallen off or aren't covering the clarinet holes fully.

1. Its cold
2. The reed is too soft
3. The player is puffing out their cheeks / has a bad embouchure
4. It's not fully pushed together as far as it will go
5. The barrel is too long