Klarinet Archive - Posting 000924.txt from 2000/02

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Bass clarinet...a BAD saxophone sound?
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 00:36:30 -0500

I feel that too many bass clarinets sound too much like saxophones in the upper register. Maybe it's just the way I blow..>>

No, most bass clarinet mouthpieces are just too open, facing wise and in interior measurements.

Put a nice soft 2 1/2 reed on there and you can sound just like a bad tenor saxophone.

In my opinion, most manufacturers of bass clarinet mouthpieces make a windway that is just too wide and deep. You CAN get that large low register sound, but the clarion sounds ... well...just bad.

Selmer bass mouthpieces are at least a step in the right direction. With re-facing and voicing they can be made to play really well.

I'm working on a design that allows that "big low register sound" that we all love so well, but keeps a clear, non-honky clarion register.....just like a clarinet that just happens to be twice too long..... The design involves the same size chamber, but with a dramatically reduced windway, that also CONCENTRATES to flow of air., I'll need it.

Wish me luck....I need it.

Walter

---------------------------------------------------------------------
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