Klarinet Archive - Posting 000579.txt from 1998/05

From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] C Clarinets, and mixups
Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 01:31:06 -0400

Since my A clarinet has a low Eb, I never have a mixup. It is so much
> taller. Buying a basset A clarinet only to prevent a mixup? :)

>Not at all. I plan on performing solo material, and I plan on doing it
>right. Since it's now possible to play the Mozart in the correct
>tessatura (because we now have bassets), I plan on doing it in the >correct
>tessatura. And I would like to play the Mozart before I graduate (if >I'm
>good enough...and I realize Dr. Borchert is probably rolling his eyes >at
>the moment), but I plan on doing it right.

>I figure, if I'm going to buy a basset, which is nothing more than an A
>clarinet with an extra minor third...why spend another two or three >grand
>for a regular A, when the basset 'll do me fine
>
>> They are
>>so heavy without a peg. I don't like to use a peg on A basset and a >>neck
>> strap feels weird since there is no crook on the instrument. I use
>>basset A clarinet as rarely as I can get away with for these reasons. >>I
>>couldn't imagine picking up a basset clarinet every time I needed an >>A.

Not a concern for me. I've marched Bari Sax, Bass Cl, and Alto sax, and
there's always at least one occasion when I get out the horn and realize
that the neck strap is on the bed at home. If I can march a bari sax
for
a day without a strap, I figure a performance with a basset won't kill
me.
And I can adjust to a neck strap, crook or no crook...I figure if
Schifrin
can do all of K622 w/o a neck strap, I can survive playing anything with
one.

It's a minor issue - you're motivated by the comfort of your thumb or
neck. I'm motivated by the discomfort of my wallet. ^_^

Shouryu Nohe

Shouryu,
First of all, please do not assume my motivation for anything.
Do you really think your A clarinet parts are going to be as challenging
as your bari sax parts in marching band?
Discomfort can mean trouble in a challenging part.
No, I'm not doubting your stamina, just wondering why a college student
with an uncomfortable wallet would purchase a basset clarinet for ONE
piece of music. If you are so concerned with your wallet, perhaps you
may reconsider. Bassets can be rented.
How often have you played basset clarinet? And for how long? For a two
hour concert? And anyway, you could purchase several A clarinets (at
least two) for the price of one basset. Does the Mozart concerto really
move you THAT much? Especially when you doubt your ability to play it?
The leverage of the instrument is a lot different due to the heavy end
of the lower joint. The instrument really is best suited for instances
that require it, not every day playing. If you've played quite a bit of
basset clarinet, like the feel and beleive that you could stand the
leverage, more power to you. I just wouldn't want you to later regret
buying one (wallet again). Why not get an A now and later in life buy a
basset when your wallet is more comfortable and you are more comfortable
playing Mozart?
good luck,
Matthew Hanson
Houston, TX

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