Klarinet Archive - Posting 000632.txt from 1996/10

From: "Sydney R. Polk" <jazzman@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Bass Clarinet
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 14:22:34 -0400

I would like to add that many people when starting on bass clarinet
from soprano clarinet are not aware of the first finger vent key at all.
When playing D or above (actaully I do it on C# also), instead of lifting
your first finger completely, expose the pin hole in the key of the
first finger. If you don't, you will have a heard time getting the altinisimmo
notes to speak, even if you are doing everything else right.

I have also noticed that clarinet players who have never played bass
put the instrument oto high on the peg to try to get the mouthpiece
to come in at a more severe downward angle like they are used too.
While it is desirable to have the mouthpiece at a downward angle,
bending the head and neck back to achieve this restricts airflow
and causes repetitive stress-type problems. It is more important
to have good air flow; the embouchure will adjust.

I have been playing on a strap to get the mouthpiece angle, but
I had to play a three hour gig on bass, and I seemed to have strained
my thumb. Looks like it is back to the peg for me.

Syd Polk
:x