Klarinet Archive - Posting 000617.txt from 1996/10

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.us>
Subj: Re: Bass Clarinet
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 12:17:27 -0400

To all student bass clarinetists:

Yes, keeping an open throat is a good idea. Mainly don't constrict
the air flow - either by biting, or "chewing" when tonguing or constricting
the throat or oral cavity.
The biggest help on bass clarinet is to have an excellent
mouthpiece and well adjusted reeds <- VERY IMPORTANT. The next or I
should say equally important is to have a well adjusted bass that seels
completely. If your bass isn't airtight you're fighting an uphill battle.
Also check the adjusting screws on the throat A key, 1+1 Bb/Eb bridge key,
and the 2nd register key (if your bass has one). Sometimes I have to check
theses every other day because of the pads swelling or sometimes the upper
and lower joints are slightly out of alignment (1/16" or less out of
alignment).
The embouchure is also more relaxed than that used for Bb clarinet.
Most clarinetists don't have a problem with fingerings on the bass as much
as bringing the pitch down. The altisimo register isn't hard (with a good
mouthpiece and a "tight" bass) but it is "slightly" different than Bb
clarinet. Don't use the LH 1st finger vent for C#. Do use it from D up.
Also there are some fake fingerings that work great on bass that one should
know. The best thing to do is take some lessons with a bass clarinetist in
an orchestra. Many clarinetists have played bass once but don't own their
own instrument. You really need to study with a real bass player who has
lived with the "beast" and knows the "tricks of the trade".

Dan

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Daniel A. Paprocki
Instructor of Clarinet
Malone College
dap@-----.us

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