Klarinet Archive - Posting 000056.txt from 1996/02

From: "Dr. Ronald P. Monsen" <RPMONS00@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: the bassethorn...
Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 08:30:11 -0500

I think the basset horn "basset-note" fingering comformation is as it is on
the French instruments (a problem) because there are only two ways to do
things--wrong and French. I have performed on Fritz Wurlitzer basset horns
(both Boehm and German system) and the fingering was much simpler. My own
Selmer basset required the boring out of a soprano mouthpiece (very
expertly done by Ralph Morgan). It is a pity but I do not get to perform
on this instrument nearly enough. The last concert was with Jerry Pierce,
and Norman Heim. Norm wrote a trio for us and the rest of the recital was
all Mozart. If there are enough basset horners out there maybe we should
arrange a long weekend gathering on neutral ground. Ron Monsen