Klarinet Archive - Posting 000602.txt from 1999/02

From: bobhow@-----.net (Robert Howey)
Subj: Re: [kl] Getting used to a bass clarinet
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 21:18:04 -0500

>In a message dated 2/15/99 12:04:43 PM Central Standard Time,
>rgarrett@-----.edu writes:
>
><<
> It would be great if everyone who plays bass clarinet and clarinet evenly
> would post what they would do. Would make for a great dissertation!
>
> I play on size 4 V12 Vandoren soprano, and size 4 Bass Clarinet. I have
> found them to be excellent reeds. However, I only flatten the backs with
> 320 then 600 grit one time, and play them. I don't prepare them the same
> as the soprano reeds - I tried, and it simply doesn't work for me. Also -
> I balance a little bit on the top, but with the larger reed find that I am
> not as picky about that for some reason. I do take wood off of the
> shoulders of the bass reeds - that edge that is formed by the cut into the
> wood - just smooth it or round it over so there is no edge. I have found
> that drops pitch on some of the worse notes and increases flexibility of
> the reed. >>
>
>Damn, Roger, I could have written the same post, although I play 3 1/2 on
>soprano as well as bass.
>
>I make sure they are flat, and I also round the corners as Roger mentions. I
>seldom do much else. Seems like the adjustment techniques that work on the
>soprano just dont transfer much to bass clarinet reeds.
>
>I have been known to even the tip with sandpaper, though not often. If the
>reed is soft, and needs clipping, it probably isnt going to be much good in
>the long run anyway.
>
>
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also could have made the same posting about bass clarinet reeds. I use
4's and have found success in sanding the shoulders of the reed as well.

In 1983, "The Clarinet" sent out 112 surveys to bass clarinetists in the
U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Canada, and Germany ("Current peadagogical
techniques of bass clarinet playing -- a survey summary" by Michael W.
Roberts.) 39 of these surveys were returned. Here are some of the
findings:
1. 22 out of 39 owned Selmers, 9 owned LeBlancs, 4 owned Buffet, and 4
used Noblet.
2. 29 of 39 had a low C type of instrument.
3. Selmer and Vandoren mouthpieces were the most popular.
4. Most had medium tip opening, medium facing mouthpieces.
5. Vandoren reeds were used most often -- 32 out 39.
6. 20 of 39 favored reed strength of 3 - 31/2, 11 used 2 - 21/2,8 used
4-5.

This summary covers what the survey found as the basic set-up of the
respondents. With the improvements in mouthpieces and instruments over the
last 16 years, I'm sure that the survey results would be considerably
different today than in 1983. As was suggested, perhaps it is time to do
another bass clarinet survey. I don't know if such an undertaking has the
necessary rigour to justify a dissertation.

****************************************************************************
******************
Bob Howey "As Canadian as possible under the
circumstances."
****************************************************************************
******************

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org