Klarinet Archive - Posting 000061.txt from 1994/11

From: Lee Callet <LCallet@-----.COM>
Subj: more bass clarinet angles
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 1994 15:05:12 -0500

Michael Drapkin, regarding bass clarinets, wrote:

"When I switched to a Selmer, I didn't find that the
differences in the angle of declension of the bass clarinet
neck made any significant difference, in fact I preferred it,
especially being six foot six inches tall."

and
"......I think that's the inherent flaw in re-angling the bass
clarinet neck - you are trying to reproduce a clarinet
environment on the bass clarinet rather than taking
the instrument for what it is - a rich and vastly rewarding
platform for producing robust and plaintive sound."

My own experience is different.. First of all, I am not 6'6", but rather
5'9". Ths is of some advantage on a crowded airplane, but a distinct
disadvantage when playing a low C Selmer bass clar., which is what I own and
use. The instrument itself is quite wonderful, but I find that I am forced to
play with the mouthpiece at virtually horizontal most of the time, even with
the peg absent. If I find a chair high enough, or if I can find a cushion or
phone book, I can then angle the mouthpiece down to more closely resemble the
clarinet embouchure. At the down angle, I find that the reed frees up
considerably and the response of the instrument quickens. If anything, the
tone is clearer and the altissimo register is easier. The "robust and
plaintive" tone qualities in the lower registers are not sacrificed at all.
A funnier sight yet is me playing the Eb contra, when it appears as if I were
looking skyward for divine guidance. Lee Callet