Klarinet Archive - Posting 000583.txt from 1997/02

From: Roger Shilcock
Subj: Re: ATTENTION BASS CLARINETISTS!!!! (fwd)
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 06:15:39 -0500

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 23:11:55 +1300
From: Michael Delceg <mdelceg%NELSON.PLANET.ORG.NZ@-----.UK>
Subject: Re: ATTENTION BASS CLARINETISTS!!!!

> What mouthpiece/reed setups do you all use? I've always used the
>Selmer C* bass mouthpiece, but I've never seen anyone mention it on the
>list. I play both classical and jazz bass, and have had a lot of time to
>experiment with different reeds. I've been using medium-soft La Voz tenor
>sax reeds with either a Rovner or stock-silver Selmer ligature. The first
>tenor sax in my jazz combo asked me why I didn't use bass clarinet reeds, and
>I told him that none seemed to work. Vandorens are unnecessarily hard
>(even the
>#2's), and I don't know anyone who could produce a decent sound on any of
>the RICOS (with the exception of the Plasticover). Today, I was
>introduced to the Vandoren JAVA tenor reeds, and they performed fairly
>well; almost on the same level as the La Voz's. But that got me
>thinking, "Am I missing something?" Any feedback on the subject would be
>greatly appreciated.
>
>
> Edmund White
> ewhite@-----.us
I'm using a Selmer D by default - it came with the horn. I'd be interested
in comments on how it compares with the C*. I use Rovner ligatures on all
my clarinets and saxes. I too found bass clarinet reeds more difficult than
tenor sax reeds; I'm using #3 Rico Royals because they were surplus to
requirements of a tenor playing friend. I suspect that playing sax for many
years before taking up clarinet may have something to do with this. I'm
still developing my sound on the horn, so I can't say that any of this
setup is inadequate. I'm playing mostly for shows and concert band as my
improvisation chops on the bass are not yet where they should be. Do you
find a particular setup more appropriate for jazz, anyone?
Mike

I have been informed that VanDoren tenor reeds and bass clar. reeds are
cut to the same profile, but the sax reeds are shorter. Tenor reeds might
actually fit ny (VanDoren!!) mouthpiece better, as the table has awkward
curves inwards at the bottom end - I've just
never thought of buying them. Is the situation different for other reed
makers?
Roger Shilcock