Klarinet Archive - Posting 000455.txt from 1999/03

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] 1193-2 Bass Clarinets
Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 17:54:55 -0500

On Sun, 7 Mar 1999, David Renaud wrote:
> One has a little more resistance then the other.
> Both are fairly free blowing compared with others
> I have tested. The more free blowing one is very
> even between registers, and very bright, lots of harmonics.
> The one with a little more resistance also has lots
> of harmonic content, but gives me the impression of
> much more fudemental...big, big sound. You can go
> further with it. The two registers are not quite as even,
> I assume on account of the extra resistance, and that
> some sort of trade-off is going on. Most people I've play
> tested for favor the bigger sound. I fear in a big hall I might
> want the brighter horn though, but I can probably adjust my set up.
> The brighter horn has a lower "ceiling" as I call it.
> The "fat" one can go further, get the foundation of
> house to rattle.
>
> PS. I'm currently using B44 and VAN 4 reeds.
> Soprano set-up-- Smith piece, Spriggs lig., Chaddash barrel,
> VAN V-12 #4 reeds.

David,

Consider using a different mouthpiece - the B44 is what is giving you a
bright sound on the one horn. I'd bet my '41 that the resistance you feel
in the other horn is due to adjustment of the instrument - that it is not
sealing as well as it could. Take it to Francois and let him work on it -
this is what he is in the USA for. You can ship it to him if you live too
far away, or - find an aftermarket person to work on the horn. All bass
clarinetists do this with all brands of instruments - horns like this need
special attention that will tweak into optimum playing condition for YOU.

Recommended mouthpieces: Clark Fobes makes one of the best bass clarinet
mouthpieces I have ever tried. Bay makes a good one, but it is HUGE for
a tip opening/curve, and it costs more than Clark's. The Selmers refaced
by Sayre are decent. I have tried several of the following: Hite,
Vandoren B45, Vandoren B44, Portonoy, Hawkins, and previously owned a
Kanter, and the Fobes is the best of the lot by a considerable margin.

Buy the horn your gut tells you to buy - my gut tells me the more
resistant horn is probably the better horn and will play just as
beautifully as it does now once it has been sealed properly.

Good luck - and congratulations on purchasing what I feel is the best bass
clarinet currently being produced (for what THAT is worth....!).
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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