Klarinet Archive - Posting 000001.txt from 1996/03

From: Delton Sizemore <sizemod@-----.AU>
Subj: Basset horn
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 1996 00:06:45 -0500

I have just become the proud owner of a Buffet basset horn (in addition
to a Le Blanc Bb and A clarinet I already own) The basset horn is about 25
years old. I couldn't possibly afford a new one! So it is the one which uses
ordinary clarinet reeds. I am now faced with the problem of learning to
play it. I have no problem producing a deep throaty sound (now there's a
new term - it's not bright or dark but a sound peculiar to the basset
horn perhaps). The difficulty for me at this stage lies with the extra keys
for the notes below E and the fact that they are rather close together.
Also the key actuated by the left hand index finger has a small hole in
it and a side extension indicating that this is to be played either
wholey or partially covered, unlike a Bb clarinet but when ? Also the
Bb 2 played with the A and register key sounds terrible as if this is not a
valid fingering for this instrument. But what about the altissmo fingers?? Are
they the same as for a Bb clarinet ?

I will search the data base when I figure out how to but in the mean time
it would be great if some other basset horner out there could give me a
start. Thanks in advance.

Del Sizemore
Lismore
NSW
Australia

   
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