Klarinet Archive - Posting 000561.txt from 1999/09

From: "Sheryl L. Katz" <slkatz@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Bass Clarinet Stuffiness
Date: Sun, 19 Sep 1999 14:43:31 -0400

I have recently received, mail order, a bass clarinet which I am now
thinking of returning. First, I'll note that I have not owned a bass
clarinet for many years but I did play bass clarinet for many years in the
past. Second, I play both clarinet and saxophone regularly so my embouchure
is is pretty good shape.

The bass clarinet is a Yamaha YCL 220. The sound is OK in the lower
register, but it is extremely stuffy in the upper register (as soon as I get
to B with the octave key). I can play B, C and D, but then E and above I
can play only with great effort and delicacy. Originally I tried Rico Royal
2 and 1/2 reeds (all they had locally), but then I pulled out some number 2
Van Doren Tenor sax reeds which actually felt stiffer and the sound is a
little better, but the upper register is still a struggle.

The instrument was represented to me as nearly new, but in fact shows quite
a few signs of wear. Also, I can tell that it was not particularly well
maintained. It came with a tiny soprano clarinet swab that looked like that
is what had been used to clean it, and the first thing I had to do was
remove a ton of crud from it. I got it from a dealer and it can be
returned. However, I'm also wondering if anyone has any experience with the
Yamaha YCL 220 or Vito (which is very similar). As it is pretty hard to
come by new ones it might be worth it to put some money into fixing it.
However, I'm wondering how much of this upper register stuffiness is endemic
to the instrument. Also, any suggestions for adjustments that might fix
this problem.

Sherry Katz

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