Klarinet Archive - Posting 000322.txt from 1996/08

From: "M. Ann Walker" <swalk@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Bass clarinet neck strap
Date: Sun, 11 Aug 1996 20:14:30 -0400

Most bass clarinets come with a floor peg to be used when sitting. If
not, a repair person can easily install a floor peg. Another method is to
have a block the right heigth to place the bell on. Some players I know
prefer a guitar foot stool to place the bell on while playing in a sitting
position. If you're gonna march, use the strap...a double hook seems to
be the best.

later,

swalk

On Fri, 9 Aug 1996, Roger Shilcock wrote:

> I found it quite intolerable attempting to play the bass with a neckstrap
> - I was nearly asphyxiated. Now I use a device which clips onto my
> trousers (or belt) at the back
> , like old-fashioned trouser braces (U.S. suspenders) and hooks onto the
> bass utilizing a partly elasticated cord. This is fairly widely available
> over here. It's nasty to put on without removing the trousers - not
> really socially acceptable even in the orchestras I play in - but I find
> it much more comfortable than a neck strap, and more reliable than my
> spike, which slipped and was very choosy about chair heights. My bass
> goes down to E flat - I suspect basses to low C are slightly less of a
> problem because you *know* you can't get them balanced on the thumb ... ;
> also (at least sometimes) they can just put be placed on the floor.
> Roger Shilcock
>