Klarinet Archive - Posting 000994.txt from 1998/10

From: Ed Maurey <edsshop@-----.ca>
Subj: Re: [kl] Basset Questions
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 00:16:59 -0400

I have talked with O.Lee Gibson and Tom Ridenour, and read what they have to say on the
subject of optimum bore size. I also have made my own observations and experiments.
I have concluded that the optimum bore for a given key of clarinet is determined by the
perfection of the middle twelfths. The interval Bb-F is the ideal example. Play a low
Bb then open the register key and don't change your embouchure. If the needle on your
tuner doesn't move the bore is the right diameter. If the interval is too large [ the
F is relatively sharp to the Bb] the bore is too small. If the interval is too small
the bore is too large. Get this middle twelfth interval right and a very large part of
a clarinet's intonation and, believe it or not, tone problems are solved. I'm a
machinist and have actually manipulated bores. What I write is true. Harrumph!

What does this have to do with our Basset Horn discussion? Everything! The bore of
those original basset horns was too damned small for their length. That's why most
players prefer playing on those glorified Alto clarinets in F. A classical, small
bored basset horn has that funky real basset horn sound but it's an acoustical mess!

Ed Maurey

Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:

> > 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
> =======================================
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------

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