Klarinet Archive - Posting 001384.txt from 1998/05

From: "Michael B. McDonald" <mmcdonal@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] help with EEb contra-alto, please!
Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 17:10:47 -0400

I just purchased a used Bundy behemoth, and should get it back
from the shop this afternoon. I'm hoping that my repairman will
have helped correct the problem I've experienced with this horn:
the lowest notes do not articulate properly, and the instrument,
as I received it, has no volume or ability to project in the
lowest register. Now, I think the latter fact rather strange,
given the sheer amount of resonite and metal that go into making
one of these things. I've played bass clarinets, and have found
no problem projecting strong sound with even inexpensive
instruments. So I'm desperately hoping that this problem isn't
typical of contra-alto clarinets.

I also inherited a rather wimpy, Bundy #3 mouthpiece, and wonder
whether this isn't part of the problem. I'm using Rico #3,
one-size-fits-all contrabass reeds with this mouthpiece, and may
try some #4 reeds, just to see if that makes a difference. Does
anyone here use Marca reeds? Are they worth the expense?

Also, has anyone tried a Selmer C** contra-alto mouthpiece?
Since they are relatively inexpensive, trying one of these may be
my next step. I am primarily a saxophone player, and used to
fairly open mouthpieces. I realize that clarinet mouthpieces
probably tend to be less open than sax mouthpieces, but the Bundy
#3 strikes me as absurdly narrow, given the airstream one needs
to generate to really get that contra-alto going.

Anyway, you will have surmised from the way I have written this
post that I am anything but an expert clarinet player. I will
therefore be especially grateful for your patience with my
ignorance, and for any advice you may be able to share that will
help me get better performance from my contra-alto clarinet.

Thanks,
Michael McDonald

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