Klarinet Archive - Posting 000605.txt from 1999/09

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Bass Clarinet Stuffiness
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 13:27:09 -0400

The Bb/register configurations on most bass clarinets fall into one of
two types:

1) On most student model bass clarinets, Bundys, Vitos and Yamahas
(which are Vito stencils) the Bb is an acoustically correct Bb and the
single register vent, high on the body, services all second and third
register notes.

2) On most professional grade bass clarinets, the Bb is an acoustical
compromise that also functions as a register vent for the first five
semi-tones of the second register (B natural, C, C#, D and D#). The
upper register vent takes over when fourth space E is played.

The advantages of the student model configuration are: 1) a great
sounding third line Bb, 2) a simpler mechanism--less to go wrong and
less expensive to manufacture, 3) a low G and second register D that
finger with less spring tension and a more consistent finger touch with
the first and second fingers of the right hand stack, and 4) no linkage
to maintain between neck and upper body piece.

Disadvantages of the student model configuration are: a weaker sounding
second register and a wider spread of the twelfths.

The advantages of having a compromised Bb that also functions as a
register key for the lower part of the second register are: better
tuning of the second register, particularly the lowest notes of B
natural and C and stronger playing notes higher in the second register.

As suggested earlier, the disadvantages are: a mechanism that is more
complicated (more that can and will go wrong), a right hand ring finger
key that has a great deal of added tension built into it, and 3) greater
tension added into the throat tone A key that is linked to the register
mechanism to produce throat tone Bb.

Most student grade music is scored for the bass clarinet so as to take
advantage of its strong lower register. Many beginning (or even
advanced) junior high school bands are short on low reed sounds.
Bassoons are rare at this level. Baritone saxophones are often in very
poor condition and ineffectual. Having a bass clarinet is a strong
asset.

Advanced band music and orchestral literature requires the bass
clarinetist to play a more complete range on the instrument. The bass
clarinet played high has a special quality and voice that a knowing
composer or arranger knows of and scores for to good effect. This is not
unlike the qualities of the bassoon when played in the extreme upper
range.

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