{"id":1630,"date":"2021-01-29T16:57:36","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T16:57:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/?p=1630"},"modified":"2021-11-16T11:47:53","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T11:47:53","slug":"why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Clarinet Sound Fuzzy Or Airy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Clarinetists want to produce a clear tone that has a bell-like quality to the sound. While clarinet players may aim for slightly different sounds from one another, most want to avoid sounding fuzzy or airy. That extra sound of air moving disrupts the beautiful tone quality of the clarinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many reasons for having a fuzzy or airy tone on the clarinet, but it\u2019s generally possible to isolate the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The most common problems that cause a fuzzy sound are due to the mouthpiece or the reed, incorrect embouchure or air support, low tongue position or a leak or crack in the clarinet.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dealing with a fuzzy or airy sound can be frustrating, but it&#8217;s generally easy to resolve once you know what\u2019s causing the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See also: <br><a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/how-long-does-it-take-to-play-clarinet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How long does it take to play clarinet?<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/is-playing-clarinet-bad-for-your-teeth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Is Playing Clarinet Bad For Your Teeth?<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/how-much-should-i-practice-clarinet-a-teachers-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Much Should I Practice Clarinet ?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660298dea7cf6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660298dea7cf6\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Mouthpiece_issue_causing_a_fuzzy_sound\" title=\"Mouthpiece issue causing a fuzzy sound\">Mouthpiece issue causing a fuzzy sound<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Reed_causing_fuzzy_or_airy_clarinet_sound\" title=\"Reed causing fuzzy or airy clarinet sound\">Reed causing fuzzy or airy clarinet sound<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Incorrect_technique_causing_a_fuzzy_clarinet_sound\" title=\"Incorrect technique causing a fuzzy clarinet sound\">Incorrect technique causing a fuzzy clarinet sound<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Embouchure\" title=\"Embouchure\">Embouchure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Air_Support_for_a_clean_clarinet_tone\" title=\"Air Support for a clean clarinet tone\">Air Support for a clean clarinet tone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Tongue_Position_for_a_clear_tone\" title=\"Tongue Position for a clear tone\">Tongue Position for a clear tone<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Clarinet_mechanical_issues\" title=\"Clarinet mechanical issues\">Clarinet mechanical issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#How_to_fix_fuzzyairy_tone\" title=\"How to fix fuzzy\/airy tone\">How to fix fuzzy\/airy tone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/#Final_words\" title=\"Final words\">Final words<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mouthpiece_issue_causing_a_fuzzy_sound\"><\/span>Mouthpiece issue causing a fuzzy sound<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Clarinet-mouthpiece.png\" alt=\"fuzzy airy clarinet sound\" class=\"wp-image-1874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Clarinet-mouthpiece.png 640w, https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Clarinet-mouthpiece-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing to consider if you\u2019re producing a fuzzy sound throughout the range of the instrument is your mouthpiece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different <a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/vandoren-vs-rico-reed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clarinet mouthpieces to choose<\/a> from, from the inexpensive stock mouthpieces often provided by the clarinet manufacturer, to the expensive hand-made brands used by many professionals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each mouthpiece is a little different in the way that it\u2019s shaped. If your mouthpiece is <strong>very open<\/strong>, e.g. if the tip of the mouthpiece angles far from the tip of the reed, it can cause a fuzzy response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A lighter reed<\/strong> can often help in this case, but it is also a good idea to try a mouthpiece that responds more easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vandoren<\/strong> makes a variety of mouthpieces that are less open. The 5RV Lyre (<a href=\"https:\/\/fxo.co\/D8Nh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Amazon<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/fxo.co\/D8aM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"https:\/\/fxo.co\/D8Nh\">Guitar Center<\/a>) is very popular. Other well-rated mouthpieces are the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3uV6XGD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">M13 Lyre<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3uSRrev\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">M15<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/vandoren-vs-rico-reed\/\">Vandoren vs Rico Reeds \u2013 Which to Choose?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also a possibility that the mouthpiece may be damaged in some way. Check to see if the tip of the mouthpiece is cracked or chipped. If your sound is consistently fuzzy, this could be the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What if you have been playing on the same mouthpiece and reed strength for a while and only recently have started to have a fuzzy sound? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/when-should-i-move-up-a-reed-size-saxophone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"When should I move up a reed size (saxophone)?\">When should I move up a reed size?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It could be that the <strong>mouthpiece has warped<\/strong>. You would probably need to find a repair person or mouthpiece maker in order to determine this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your mouthpiece is worth the effort, it may be possible to have this repaired, but most people just get a new mouthpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reed_causing_fuzzy_or_airy_clarinet_sound\"><\/span>Reed causing fuzzy or airy clarinet sound<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>strength and quality of your reed<\/strong> can often lead to a fuzzy sound. If the strength is too hard (higher number) for you or the mouthpiece, it won\u2019t vibrate with a clear sound. The <strong>low register<\/strong> will sound especially fuzzy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try using a <strong>lower strength reed<\/strong> and compare. Does the fuzziness disappear? Are the low notes responding as clearly as the upper notes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that a higher reed strength doesn\u2019t determine your ability as a player. It\u2019s a matter of finding the correct strength for you on the mouthpiece you\u2019re using. A more open mouthpiece calls for a lighter reed, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding quality reeds is a lifelong pursuit for most clarinetists. Not every reed will work well out of the box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re struggling with reeds, work with an instructor to learn the best techniques for breaking in and adjusting reeds. <strong>A reed that is warped or out of adjustment<\/strong> can make even the best clarinetist\u2019s tone fuzzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This short video has helpful information on breaking reeds in and the importance of rotating the reeds you play on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Mark Nuccio On His Reed Break In Process\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9y0Zv3EZ-Ms?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also possible that the reed is damaged. <strong>A broken reed tip might cause you to produce a fuzzier sound.<\/strong> It\u2019s usually best to discard a reed that\u2019s broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Incorrect_technique_causing_a_fuzzy_clarinet_sound\"><\/span>Incorrect technique causing a fuzzy clarinet sound<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Embouchure\"><\/span>Embouchure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>An incorrect embouchure <\/strong>(how you use the muscles of your mouth to play a wind instrument) can cause a fuzzy tone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, if the embouchure is the problem, your tone will be <strong>airy throughout the range of the clarinet<\/strong> &#8211; perhaps clearing up as you play into the high register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a clarinet embouchure, you put your lower lip over your bottom teeth, your top teeth on the mouthpiece and close your lips to <strong>make a seal<\/strong> around the mouthpiece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"yacbox\">It\u2019s very important that you make this seal firmly but without biting. Otherwise air will leak out, which can make your sound fuzzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your embouchure is correct, you must work to build the muscles needed for <strong>endurance<\/strong>. As the muscles used to form the embouchure get tired, it can be <strong>easy to start biting<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This changes how the reed is able to vibrate and can lead to air leaking and hence an airy tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Air_Support_for_a_clean_clarinet_tone\"><\/span>Air Support for a clean clarinet tone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>strength and speed of the air<\/strong> going into the instrument is vital to good tone production. <strong>Weak or slow breath support<\/strong> can certainly produce a fuzzy sound because the reed isn\u2019t vibrating consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think this might be your problem, it&#8217;s a good idea to talk with your teacher about ways to improve your breath support. With some exercises directed at this issue, you can improve your tone quality significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tongue_Position_for_a_clear_tone\"><\/span>Tongue Position for a clear tone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This plays an important part in clarinet tone production as well. A <strong>higher tongue position<\/strong> <strong>increases the air speed <\/strong>which can help clear away fuzziness. Think of saying the syllable \u201cee\u201d while playing. This puts your tongue in the correct position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although working on your embouchure, air support and tongue position may not be as exciting as learning to play higher and faster, they are elements to your playing that should always be developed from day one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only when these are in place can you sound like a skilled clarinetist when you play high and fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clarinet_mechanical_issues\"><\/span>Clarinet mechanical issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your sound is airy, there may be a problem with your clarinet. If this if the case, the fuzzy sound will probably be localized around a specific area of the instrument.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/x4zr0w1YgmYnnFbVq36EMHuIqcguWumeBnogLmr47pP8bCxfU1b-tu11ezIx81Quh2kfb2kRXe3Jyx5JJFknY7HNCtsNxqrDE4pDpP0G96X_aGjuMvWp8VeLBN-rCd0ODZoRQbhM\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if the notes below Eb4 are fuzzy, <strong>one of your Eb keys may be leaking<\/strong>. It\u2019s most likely the bottom side key on the right side of the upper joint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or it could also be <strong>the Eb\/Bb sliver key <\/strong>between the second and third fingers of the left hand. The spring or the pad may need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To check for a leak like this, you need to <strong>air test the upper joint<\/strong>. Close all of the holes on the joint and then block air from coming out the bottom end with your right hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can hear the sound of air moving when you blow into the top of the joint, there is a leak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your sound is especially airy in a particular range of the instrument, <strong>there could also be a crack<\/strong>. Even a hairline crack can cause air to leak. A repair person is typically needed to fix that problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_fix_fuzzyairy_tone\"><\/span>How to fix fuzzy\/airy tone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cause<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mouthpiece is too open<\/td><td>Use a mouthpiece like Vandoren 5RV Lyre, M13 Lyre or M15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mouthpiece is broken<\/td><td>It\u2019s probably best to get a new clarinet mouthpiece<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mouthpiece is warped<\/td><td>Have a specialist work on the mouthpiece or buy a new one<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reed is too hard<\/td><td>Get lower strength reeds or learn to adjust reeds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reed is not broken in<\/td><td>Learn the proper technique for breaking in clarinet reeds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reed is broken<\/td><td>Use a different reed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Embouchure<\/td><td>Keep a firm seal with the lips without biting<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Air support<\/td><td>Fill the instrument with fast air<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tongue position is too low<\/td><td>Keep the tongue high in the mouth. Think of saying the syllable \u201cee\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Instrument problem<\/td><td>Check for leaks. Check for cracks. Take the clarinet to a repair person<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_words\"><\/span>Final words<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dealing with a fuzzy or airy sound on the clarinet can be frustrating because there are many possible causes. It\u2019s important to do some detective work to identify what\u2019s causing the fuzziness to the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some problems are for you to fix in your playing, like embouchure, air support and tongue position. You can also help by choosing the proper reed strength. Then it\u2019s up to you to break in, adjust and rotate your reeds properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other issues may require outside help. You may need to get a different mouthpiece that responds more easily. Or your clarinet may need to be repaired. It\u2019s important to check for leaks and cracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you address these possible problems, you\u2019ll find it\u2019s possible to play with a full, clear tone that isn\u2019t fuzzy or airy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Clarinetists want to produce a clear tone that has a bell-like quality to the sound. While clarinet players may aim for slightly different sounds from one another, most want to avoid sounding fuzzy or airy. That extra sound of air moving disrupts the beautiful tone quality of the clarinet. There are many reasons for having &#8230; <a title=\"Why Is My Clarinet Sound Fuzzy Or Airy?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/why-is-my-clarinet-sound-fuzzy-or-airy\/\" aria-label=\"More on Why Is My Clarinet Sound Fuzzy Or Airy?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1873,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[42,39,44,43,40,41],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1630"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1630"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1630\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3033,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1630\/revisions\/3033"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1630"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1630"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1630"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}