Klarinet Archive - Posting 000098.txt from 1998/02

From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Dis/Advantages to the Double Neck
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 14:29:44 -0500

Helen,

The problem Jason inquired about is not instrument height. This may
very well be your problem with your Selmer low C, but the pictures are
of students with low Eb horns. It is not an issue of whether to sit
taller or not. Adding a phone book to your bottom is only going to make
you higher. The book will not change anything significantly if he is
"uncomfortable playing because of the neck", as you mentioned. Horn
angle itself is a factor in correcting problems. For all we know he may
be holding his bass very incorrectly (see below).
With an inferior bass, he may actually need to bring the bell/peg area
back under the chair more. At least this is an option to fixing the
problem he mentioned. I, personally don't like this method, but it
sometimes helps. Any neck arching can be reduced by adjusting the peg.
Please don't tell people on the list to not move their instruments if
they are uncomfortable. If you really feel the need to do so, please
thoroughly explain why to not move the bass in the specified situation.
Many instructors on the list may disagree with you.
>Yes, the Bay photos actually are a bit extreme, and you ARE correct about the problems of some single piece necks, but not ALL stock necks are bad.
Some people do prefer the sax-like angle on bass, however, I don't think
this is an issue to him yet, other than what may or may not help his
response while playing.
I think your message may have really confused him.
He should not be afraid to move the instrument. Everyone should find
what works best for them. I still try to soak up as much info as
possible. I just don't think he should be discouraged from trying
something he may like-especially if it works.

just my $0.02,

Matt Hanson
Houston, TX
> 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
>