Klarinet Archive - Posting 000458.txt from 1999/03

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] 1193-2 Bass Clarinets
Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 17:54:58 -0500

Roger Garrett wrote:

> 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

I have not tried Mr. Fobes' bass clarinet mouthpieces so I cannot comment on them.
I use to play on a Bay (MOM). I now have on back order a Ralph Morgan. I ordered
one for a student and thought it was fantastic.

I would strongly suggest you give one a try before making any final decision. The
facing that he recommends, and the one I tried, is the "D" facing. I believe he
offers them in a C, D and E facing schedule.

Mr. Ralph Morgan can be reached at 800-336-2456. If you choose to write him, his
address is:

Morgan Enterprises
490 Forst Drive
Springfield, OH 45505

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