Klarinet Archive - Posting 000145.txt from 1998/02

From: Ross Adam Schodek <ras0009@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Dis/Advantages to the Double Neck
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 15:34:43 -0500

On Mon, 2 Feb 1998, Matthew Hanson wrote:
Matt and Jason,

I appolagize if there was any coffusion, I can show what I mean
but, I'm not very good at writing it down. What I ment was the same as
Matt said (he just said it better.).

> 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
> >
>