Klarinet Archive - Posting 000692.txt from 1998/03

From: CoolStu67 <CoolStu67@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Bass clarinets in A
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 18:04:43 -0500

>Hi, everyone. I'm hoping that someone will be able to tell me how common
>bass clarinets in A are. I'm playing bass for "The Noon Witch", and the
>part is for bass in A. I don't think there are any A basses in New Zealand,
>but I'm just wondering if they're still around. I know one or two numbers
>in "Nutcracker" (the whole ballet, not the suite) are for bass in A, but
>that's about all I've found for it. Anybody know anything?
>Thanks
>Anna

I would consider A basses rather common since every Bb bass made today has a
range to low Eb. If I'm somewhat correct, one reason for the A was to hit a
half step lower (the Eb on today's basses). Maybe someone else could give you
the offical word.