Klarinet Archive - Posting 000726.txt from 1997/02

From: Don Gross <DGross1226@-----.com>
Subj: Re: bass clarinet over the break problem (fwd)
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 16:43:23 -0500

In a message dated 97-02-20 04:18:49 EST, you write:

<< The second problem I believe is with the instrument. >>

Adding my $0.02 worth...the most probable cause of not having the B, C,C#,
and D over the break not sound correctly or not sound at all is leaking pads.
Just last week on my recently restored, and completely overhauled Leblanc
paperclip contrabass clarinet, I tried to take the low B with my left pinkie
finger which previously had been no problem. Squawk! I discovered (20
minutes before a concert) that a shim cork had dropped off on one of those
linkages that all bass and contrabass clarinet players love. The lowest pad
just wouldn't seat completely and because I had left my quick-fix masking
tape at home, I had to use my right hand little finger which applied direct
pressure to close the pad -- not thru a linkage.

<<Probably a really good bass clarinet player could sound good on the Vito,
but for me only the lowest octave on the instrument sounds really good. >>

The other bass clarinet player (a former college clarinet major) in a
semi-professional wind ensemble in which I play has a VITO and has no trouble
at all over the break.

<<One of the problems with this instrument is that it has only a single
register key opening. The more expensive ones have two (like a saxophone) and
it really improves the middle range of the instrument.>>

The only time that second (upper) register pad really comes into play is from
E and higher when it opens and the lower pad closes. To be perfectly
correct, there's actually only one key but two pads on most modern bass
clarinets. It makes hitting notes like the high G, A , B and C (not
slurring into them) a snap.

It's also been my experience having tried many, many bass clarinet
mouthpieces with my Selmer Paris (low Eb) bass clarinet, that with a properly
adjusted bass clarinet, IMHO the mouthpiece really has a minimal effect on
the ability to "hit" any specific note. I'd be interested to know if any of
you who actually get paid for playing bass have additional thoughts? Thanks.

Don Gross
La Canada, California