Klarinet Archive - Posting 000384.txt from 1994/10

From: "L. W. Shell" <shellclass@-----.EDU>
Subj: Contrabass Issues
Date: Fri, 28 Oct 1994 13:22:56 -0400

I've been following the exchange on contrabass issues started by Claudia's
"whine." She's made some good points there--partly about lack of decent
communication, partly about technical issues. Would that same conductor have
confused an English Horn with a bassoon?

Gerald Evoniuk's response is DEAD ON TARGET. The LeBlanc "folded over"
design has some very long rods, intricate crossing linkages, and a triple-
option register key, all of which are prone to mis-adjustment and damage. It's
hard to lay the instrument down safely.

I'm not familiar with any stand on which to suspend either BBb or contalto
instrument. Would be nice to have one--but imagine having to set up the
instruments as well as their stands. How many attendants will be helping
you carry this tonnage?

The reed width issue is VERY important. Reed widths decreased several years
ago (shortage of big cane?) resulting in redesign of mouthpieces. Some
good but old mouthpieces have windows too wide for the newer reeds. This
advice certainly applies to LeBlanc mouthpieces, and perhaps to other brands.

You should be able to buy individual reeds (not boxes) from local shops.
I personally like Rico Royal (mostly #2), which are an OK match to my
VERY LOOSE (rubber band?) embouchure. Harder reeds do not voice the LOW range
easily. Otherwise, I'm in absolute agreement with Gerald.

Finally, a note to Lindsay on contrabass music. Consider playing the Baermann
agadio on contra, accompanied or otherwise. My amateur ears think it's
beautiful, played unaccompanied and two octaves below the composer's intention.