Klarinet Archive - Posting 000413.txt from 1998/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: That "rich, dark tone" we're all looking for
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 08:34:40 -0500

On Sun, 8 Feb 1998, Jason Hsien wrote:
>
> That said, after looking at the Dis/Advantages threads (and thank you all
> for your replies. It has helped), I started working around with my bass
> clarinet (For probably the first time ever, I turned it around and looked at
> the keywork. It's a Selmer professional model, only about 3 years old, and
> goes down to Eb, with the "jointed neck"). When played in the soprano
> position, it's sound is brighter, yet when I play it in the "alto sax
> position" (you know, like a sax, but between your legs), it gave me that
> darker sound.

I have not experienced a difference in dark and bright with the angling.
What I have experienced is consistancy between registers and improved
tonguing.

> Anyone else take heed of this before I? If any teachers out there have bass
> clarinetists, better start teaching this if it really works. (better to
> teach it right than struggle later) Professional bass clarinetists on this
> list have also said that it helps to tilt it when going to the upper
> registers. May I ask what model of bass clarinet you folks use?

I use an R-13 Prestige Buffet with a low C. I do not ever change the
angle of the bass....for me it is a constanst. Tongue position, air
speed, and correct embouchure are the elements I believe control
flexibility between registers.....including the altissimo. I have a range
to a double high C on the bass......without any angle change at all.
But.......that is just my personal experience.

> Perhaps my
> Selmer is just more suited or I'm just the abnormal one, because I was able
> to go to high D (open with register or 2-3-4) without trouble. (well okay, a
> little bit of tension. Hey, it's a bass clarinet!)

Using which fingering for the high D? Did you use the harmonic D
(overblown throat G) or the standard Bb fingering?

Roger Garrett
IWU