Klarinet Archive - Posting 000193.txt from 1995/04

From: Lisa Clayton <clayton@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Piotr Michalowski's bass clarinet strap question
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 13:31:30 -0400

> The reason I need a strap is that I double sax and bs cl (a low Eb alas)
> and I have to change quickly so that I do not have time to attach the
> pog, and I cannot have a peg when it is on a stand, and, most important
> of all, I want to be able to solo on it, and that requires standing up
> (as well as becoming a better player). The Selmer strap that came with
> the instrument constantly slips, so I need to know if there is a better
> brand out there.

I use a baritone sax harness when I have to stand with my bass clarinet.
It doesn't attach quickly, but since the bari strap goes around my
back and both shoulders, it's very stable. I used to march with
my bass (a form of torture I eventually gave up) and the bari harness
was the ONLY way I could get the horn stable enough to play it.
I had to doctor it a bit since the clip was somewhat lower
than the ring and brought the mouthpiece to my chin instead of my
mouth. However, it wasn't a whole lot of fuss and it worked out fine. The
Woodwind and Brasswind carries bari sax harnesses.

Another possibility is to find a belt maker or leather crafter in
your town to make you a similar harness that would put the clip
in the right place, and provide a very comfy fit. You also have
the added advantage of getting designer colors and stud decoration
if you go this route ;-)

Good luck!

____ Lisa K. Clayton Geek |GS/M d-- H++ s:++ g+++ p3 !au a32 w+ C++++ P--
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"There is nothing more onanistic than playing the bass clarinet by yourself"
-Steve Trier