Klarinet Archive - Posting 000086.txt from 1998/02

From: Ross Adam Schodek <ras0009@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Dis/Advantages to the Double Neck
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 14:29:32 -0500

On Sun, 1 Feb 1998, Jason Hsien wrote:

> I didn't find any info on this at sneezy, so I'm asking you bass
> clarinetists out there on Klarinet-L...
>
> Are there any advantages or disadvantages to the double neck piece on some
> bass clarinets and the single neck piece. I've already found some, such as
> the single neck piece is easier to clean. Just buy one of those H.W. Stuffit
> Pad Savers for Tenor Sax Neck, but I've also found it's easier to adjust and
> tune during playing with the double jointed neck piece. But stuff like
> having to have the neck just right for the bass to be playable and the
> absence of an easy spit dispenser are others.
>
> Is there any true advantage? Do they make the horn sound better?
>
> Also, I saw the ad for the Bay Woodwinds' Bass Clarinet "Posturpedic" Neck
> piece. Personally, I think it's just a big waste. It's just not as hard as
> they claim to play a bass clarinet like a saxophone, and I personally have
> never seen anyone try to play a bass clarinet like they show in the Before
> picture.
>
> I'd really enjoy hearing your opinions about both of these subjects. Thanks!
>

Jason,
The "posturpedic" neck, well I didn't know it had a name. Anyway,
accually they are realy good neck. Unfortunately necks aren't mad for
comfort in mind. The Bay necks are desined to help bass clar. players
play in a posision of a clar. player with the bell under your chair and at
an angle (it helps alot with the altissimo range). I've played bass for
nine years and have played on all the neck types and tought students with
the single neck. The single is harder to fine tune and does not promote
good posture. The pictures in the Bay add is correct, I've seen many
students with their heads piched back, constricting their airway. If you
are uncomfortable playing because of the neck, you move not the instrument
(sorry so rude but I learned the hard way), try sitting on a phone book.
I'm too short for my bass (I own a low C Selmer Bass) so I have to sit on
a phone book. If you want more info. on a different playing style e-mail
me. (I sugest that you learn more and try it out).

Sincerly Yours,

Helen

ras0009@-----.edu