Klarinet Archive - Posting 000204.txt from 1995/04

From: Andrew Grenci <AGrenci@-----.COM>
Subj: Bass cl. strap-peg-etc.
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 1995 00:01:16 -0400

I've recently been having a few lessons with the reknown New York bass
clarinetist Dennis Smylie and instrument angles, straps, etc. were among the
first things we discussed. Dennis recommends angling the instrument under the
chair and sitting forward. This acheives a clarinet-like mouthpiece angle as
well as good posture for air flow. For me this requires, for the time being,
the use of both a peg and neckstrap. Dennis' bass, however, has a thumb rest
which hooks around the thumb giving support for the instrument on notes like
high "C" without a strap. I plan to have such a thumb rest made for my bass
ASAP. I find the strap too constricting.

Incidentally, I was glad Dan Leeson mentioned Mazzeo, as Dennis Smylie now
owns the Buffet bass clarinet which Mazzeo played for some of his years in
Boston. It is a fabulous sounding instrument, and is unique in that it
extends below low C, I believe to Bb, though I'll have to double check that.
It was originally a short bass, but now has an extention made for Mazzeo by,
I think, a craftsman at the Haines (sp?) flute company.

Another great hint from Dennis is that he uses a special long peg for solo
playing which allows him to stand without a strap. Such a peg needs to be
personally made for each individual's height. I've thought of a broom handle,
cut to the proper length, with a hole drilled in one end to insert a metal
pin which will attach to the instrument, and a rubber cap placed on the end
which touches the flour. This is something an instrument repairperson should
have the equipment and skill to make.

Andy

Andrew Grenci
agrenci@-----.com