Klarinet Archive - Posting 000987.txt from 1998/10

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Basset Questions
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 21:54:24 -0400

> From: MX%"klarinet@-----.65
> Subj: RE: [kl] Basset Questions

> On Thu, 22 Oct 1998, Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:
> > > Is it accurate (but simplified) to say that a basset clarinet is just an A
> > > clarinet extended to low C, and a basset horn is an Eb alto clarinet extended
> > > to low C?
> >
> > Per the above comments, is is not accurate to state this.
>
> Well, actually, according to your own statements, yes it is. The Leblanc
> and Buffet instruments really have slight dimensional differences, but
> very slight. I play and blow through the Buffet Alto Clarinet and the
> Buffet Basset horns the exact same ways - same voicing, same pitch
> issues......???
>
> Same with the Basset Clarinet vs. A clarinet for Buffet. So, it is
> simplified, and somewhat accurate to state generally what is above. Is it
> exactly correct.....no.....and that may be what Dan is saying (or what I
> hope he is saying).

I haven't very much of an idea of what you said in the above. What I
stated was, I believe, absolutely accurate. Namely this:

It is incorrect to suggest that a basset horn is simply
an E-flat clarinet extended to low C. I mean no disrespect
to either Buffet or LeBlanc but they don't make basset horns.
They make alto clarinets in F with extensions down to low
C and they call them basset horns. They are marvellous
instruments, beautifully in tune, wonderful to play, a joy
to listen to. But they are not basset horns. They sound
like basset horns to a considerable degree but the bore size
difference cannot be dismissed. More important than the
bore size (in my opinion) is the fact that the larger bored
instrument requires an alto clarinet mouthpiece and that does
affect the character of the sound far more than the bore
size. It is true that a basset horn's narrow bore presents
the player with a host of problems. I'm not dismissing them.
But they are basset horn problems, not alto clarinet in F
problems.

I am confident that neither LeBlanc nor Buffet would agree
with my view of this, but they sell the instruments and
thus their position on this sort of thing has to be looked
at with a grain of salt. But both manufacturers make
wonderful, melifluous, alto clarinets in F that descend to
low C.

>
> > > For those who have played basset instruments, does the longer air column make
> > > it more difficult to play those very low notes? Does the longer tube affect
> > > the sound of the horn? For example, do clarion register notes on a basset
> > > clarinet sound different than the same notes on an A clarinet?
>
> Only on a few notes.....as with the extension of a bass clarinet. The
> short Buffet Bass Clarinet and the extended bass clarinet have the same
> feel EXCEPT on a couple of notes that are negatively affected by the
> extension on the latter.
>
> > If one is playing a basset horn, the narrow bore presents a variety of
> > problems including a tendency to squeak, intonation difficulties, and
> > a few other things such as mouthpiece selection. But there is no
> > difficulty in playing the low notes on a b.h. They speak beautifully.
>
> I just measured my Buffet Basset Horn......the bore is not even close to
> the same size as an A clarinet bore - did I misunderstand what you said?
>
> > German: It means "little bass."
>
> Finally! So nice to have it stated for the record.....I am cutting and
> pasting to my syllubus materials as we speak!
>
> Roger Garrett
> IWU
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
=======================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
leeson@-----.edu
=======================================

-------------------------------------------------------------------------